Louise McPhetridge Thaden, an Arkansas native, made significant contributions to aviation history, following in the footsteps of iconic pilot Amelia Earhart. Born on November 12, 1905, in Bentonville, Thaden developed a passion for airplanes at a young age and eventually became a pioneering female pilot.
Thaden’s aviation career took off after meeting Walter Beech, owner of the Travel Air factory, who was impressed by her enthusiasm for flying. She earned her pilot’s certificate in 1928 and made a name for herself by setting multiple records, including the first women’s altitude record, solo endurance record, and speed record.
In 1929, Thaden won the National Women’s Air Derby, competing against notable aviators like Earhart. She went on to win the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race in 1936, setting a new transcontinental record from New York to Los Angeles. Thaden’s achievements led her to receive the prestigious Harmon Trophy in 1937, recognizing her outstanding contributions to aviation.
Despite retiring from competitive flying in 1938, Thaden continued to be involved in aviation, working alongside pilot Phoebe Omlie for the Bureau of Air Commerce. In her later years, she focused on family and writing her memoirs.
Thaden’s legacy lives on through various honors, including the naming of the Bentonville airport as Louise M. Thaden Field and her induction into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. In 2017, the Thaden School was established in Bentonville to commemorate her and her husband’s contributions, further solidifying her impact on aviation history.
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