Blanche Stuart Scott was an aviation icon, and set many records for women in the field. She was the first woman professional flyer and test pilot, and was the first woman in her class to pilot a biplane.
 

Blanche was born on April 8th, 1889 in Rochester, New York. She was known for being a rebel from an early age. When she was 13, Blanche wanted to drive a car in the city, but the Rochester City council objected to it. Since there was no age restriction at this time, Blanche won the case and continued to adventure around freely. 
 

In 1910, Blanche became the first woman to drive an automobile across the country. She and a local newspaper writer covered 6,000 miles in two months! They started in New York and went all the way to San Francisco. 
 

After her cross country trip, Blanche was ready for more adventure. She was accepted into aviation school, under the tutelage of Glenn H. Curtiss, and was his first and only woman student. Here, she rode the biplane, and piloted it by herself. This was a never before seen act for a woman. 
 

Blanche set records and made headlines when she became America’s first female professional flier when she joined Curtiss’ Exhibition Team. During this time, she became the first woman test pilot, flew the first long distance flight made by a woman, and was the first American woman to ride in a jet.
 

Blanche retired from flying in 1916, and became interested in many different careers. She worked on radio shows, Hollywood studios, and even tried screenwriting. Eventually, she made her way back to aviation when she began working for the United States Air Force Museum in 1954.

Blanche was the first in her field for many milestones!