The Life & Times Of Pioneering Female US Aviator Elinor Smith

Elinor Smith’s remarkable journey as an aviator positioned her among the greats of early aviation, breaking records and challenging societal norms. Born in 1911, Smith carved out a legacy as a daring pilot, setting endurance, speed, and altitude records that placed her in aviation history. Her achievements, although at times overshadowed by other female aviators, like

Amelia Earhart
, showcase a determined woman who pushed the boundaries of aviation.

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The early years and first flight

Born in New York City, Elinor Smith’s passion for flying was evident from a young age. By the time she was six, she experienced her first flight, sparking a lifelong love for aviation. At just 15, Smith took her first solo flight, and by the following year, in 1928, she became the youngest licensed pilot in the world, a license notably signed by aviation pioneer Orville Wright.

According to the Cradle of Aviation Museum, this achievement marked the beginning of a career that would see her set numerous records and become a key figure in the Golden Age of Aviation.

Flying under the East River bridges

One of Smith’s most iconic moments came in 1928 when she became the only pilot to fly under all four East River bridges in New York City. This stunt, while risky and illegal, thrust her into the limelight. As the National Air and Space Museum notes, this daring feat demonstrated her fearlessness and established her reputation as a force in aviation. Although it led to a brief suspension of her license, the public and her fellow aviators regarded her as a trailblazer.

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Breaking endurance and altitude records

Smith was not content with fame from stunts alone. In 1929, she began setting world records in aviation. Early that year, she set a women’s solo endurance record, flying 13 hours and 16 minutes in a Brunner Winkle Bird. A few months later, she flew for over 26 hours, breaking her record and earning widespread acclaim. Smith and fellow aviator Bobbi Trout became the first women to set a midair refueling endurance record, staying airborne for 42 hours.

Photo: Lindie Naughton | Flickr

These achievements are detailed in the Smithsonian Institution, highlighting her technical skill and determination to push the limits of aviation technology. In March 1930, Smith reached new heights, setting a women’s altitude record by flying 27,419 feet in a Bellanca Pacemaker.

She added to her list of accomplishments by setting a women’s speed record in 1932, flying at an impressive 229 mph. These feats, recorded by the National Air and Space Museum, showcased Smith’s versatility as an aviator, excelling in speed, endurance, and high-altitude flight.

Acclaim and the title of America’s best woman pilot

Her peers noticed Elinor Smith’s prowess. In 1930, a poll of licensed pilots named her the “Best Woman Pilot in America,” a title that placed her ahead of other notable aviators, including Amelia Earhart. According to the Smithsonian, this accolade reflected her extraordinary skills, often considered superior by her fellow pilots. Her ability to master a range of aircraft and excel in various flying disciplines made her one of the most respected figures in aviation.

Photo: Antonio Cambronero | Flickr 

As Smith herself once said:

This determination propelled her to the top of her field at a time when women were not expected to excel in such demanding professions.

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Later life and return to aviation

Despite her significant achievements, Elinor Smith retired from flying in 1933 to focus on her family. However, her passion for aviation remained strong. After her husband died in 1956, she returned to flying, demonstrating that her skills were undiminished. According to the Smithsonian, In 2000, at 88, Smith became the oldest pilot to complete a simulated space shuttle landing, showcasing her enduring abilities as an aviator.

Throughout her later years, Smith worked tirelessly to preserve the history of aviation, particularly on Long Island, where she was a founding member of the Long Island Early Fliers Club. Her dedication to documenting and preserving the early days of flight ensured that future generations would understand the importance of pioneers like herself.

Legacy of Elinor Smith

Elinor Smith passed away in 2010 at 98, leaving behind a legacy of trailblazing achievements and inspiring stories of perseverance. While she may not have gained the same fame as Amelia Earhart, her contributions to aviation were invaluable. According to the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Smithsonian, Smith’s determination, talent, and record-breaking accomplishments placed her in the annals of aviation history as one of the most skilled and daring pilots of her time.

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Her life and career serve as a testament to what can be achieved through passion and persistence, and she remains a role model for aspiring aviators, particularly women, who continue to break barriers in the aviation industry today.

A list of aviators inspired by the determination of Eleonor Smith: