Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer and author. She was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart set many other records, wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences, and was instrumental in the formation of The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. She disappeared in 1937 while attempting to circumnavigate the globe.

Early Life

Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas. She developed an interest in aviation at a young age, and after attending a stunt-flying exhibition, she knew she wanted to become a pilot.

Aviation Career

Earhart took her first flying lesson in 1921 and, in 1922, set a world altitude record for female pilots. In 1928, she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic as a passenger. On May 20-21, 1932, Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, for which she received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Disappearance

Amelia Earhart disappeared on July 2, 1937, while attempting to fly around the world. Her final flight plan was to fly from Lae, New Guinea, to Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean. Despite an extensive search, she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, were never found.

Study Guide

1. When and where was Amelia Earhart born?
2. What was Amelia Earhart's contribution to aviation history?
3. What organization did Amelia Earhart help form?
4. What was the significance of Amelia Earhart's solo flight across the Atlantic?
5. What was Amelia Earhart's final flight plan?

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• Notable PeopleSocial Studies • Fifth Grade