Watch Wings of Silver: The Vi Cowden Story

The remarkable true story of Vi Cowden is brought to life in this inspiring biographical film, Wings of Silver: The Vi Cowden Story. Released in 2010, the film stars Vi Cowden herself, recounting her incredible journey from a small-town girl to a record-breaking aviator. Vi Cowden grew up in the small town of Garber, Oklahoma during the Great Depression. Despite her challenging circumstances, Vi was determined to follow her dreams of flying. She made her first solo flight at the age of 16 and immediately fell in love with the thrill of flight. However, at the time, women were not allowed to become commercial pilots, leaving Vi with limited opportunities to pursue her passion.

Undeterred, Vi continued to hone her flying skills in her spare time and eventually joined the Civil Air Patrol. She quickly rose through the ranks and became a skilled pilot, earning her instrument, commercial, and flight instructor ratings. Vi’s talent for flying did not go unnoticed, and in 1959, she was invited to join the elite Ninety-Nines, an organization of women pilots founded by Amelia Earhart.

As a member of the Ninety-Nines, Vi participated in air races and set several world records. In 1961, she broke the women’s world record for speed over a commercial airline route, flying a Piper Comanche from Los Angeles to New York in just over 11 hours. Her record-breaking flight made her a national celebrity and opened doors for women in aviation.

Wings of Silver: The Vi Cowden Story tells Vi’s incredible story through a series of interviews with Vi herself, as well as archival footage and reenactments of some of her most significant achievements. The film also features interviews with other aviation pioneers who knew Vi, including astronaut Sally Ride and fellow Ninety-Nine member Ann Holtgren Pellegreno.

Throughout the film, Vi’s passion for flying shines through, and her unwavering determination to succeed despite the odds is truly inspiring. Vi’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of pushing boundaries to achieve one’s dreams.

Wings of Silver: The Vi Cowden Story is a must-see film for anyone interested in aviation history, women’s rights, or simply looking for an uplifting and inspiring tale of triumph over adversity. Vi Cowden’s legacy lives on through this powerful film, which celebrates her life and accomplishments and honors her contributions to the world of aviation.