One Wing at a Time

Betty Gillies An American aviatrix, who was the first pilot to qualify for the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), which was later combined with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). She was also one of the 99 charter members of The Ninety Nines, an international organization of women pilots founded in 1929 and led by Amelia Earhart. Gillies served as the president of The Ninety Nines from 1939 to 1941. The story of this courageous woman and her fellow pilots highlights the vital contributions of the WAFS (Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron). These civilian women stepped up to assist the U.S. Army Air Forces by delivering aircraft from manufacturing factories to military flight training schools at a time when there was a severe shortage of men to fill these positions. While the WAFS women embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, they faced numerous challenges. They made history as the United States’ first women pilots serving their country during wartime, all while advocating for gender equality. Despite many trials, these brave women persevered with their missions and demonstrated that women pilots are just as capable and essential to the success of the United States military as their male counterparts. Their efforts laid the groundwork for today’s women pilots.