...flier who was meticulous about maintenance."

-- Eileen LeBow, Aviation Author, "Before Amelia"

Aviatrix Katherine ("Katie") Stinson was the first woman sky-writer, first woman to loop the loop, and first woman to fly in Canada, Japan, and China. She flew day or night and set distance records. Her stunts were death-defying as she pushed herself and her aircraft to extreme limits. She never had a severe crash much less a fatal accident. She suffered little or no discrimination as a female flier. Although she was sensational, she was not controversial, and although her exhibition flying career was dramatic, it was not traumatic. Her path was a linear series of successes, reducing the odds against her by being involved with the maintenance of her machines like no other woman flier before her. She sought out and was approached by the best mechanicians at the aerodromes for overhaul and repair. She was pleasant to work with and paid fair salaries, contributing to the struggling commerce of aviation. She probably hired dozens of mechanicians in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Many were famous fliers or later flew the U.S. mail -- others remain obscure or unidentified. Although diverse, all were similar in one respect -- to work for "Katie" Stinson you had to be the best.

Katherine ("Katie") Stinson was born, Feb. 14, 1891, in Alabama, the first of four children followed by Edward, Marjorie, and John ("Jack"). Their parents Emma and Edward Sr. amicably separated and Emma raised her very young brood alone, with progressive,...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



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