Above and Beyond the Limits

Elinor Smith In 1928, at the age of 16, Smith became the youngest pilot to earn a license, which was signed by Orville Wright. Later that year, she made headlines by flying under New York City’s four East River bridges. In 1929, alongside co-pilot Bobbi Trout, they became the first female aviators to refuel an airplane mid-air. Smith set numerous records in speed, endurance, altitude, and in-flight refueling, many of which she achieved before turning 20. A group of her peers, including Amelia Earhart, voted her Best Female Pilot in 1930. Smith was fortunate to have supportive parents during this time. Her mother believed in providing her daughter with opportunities regardless of gender, while her father had always been passionate about aviation. This encouragement was instrumental in her pursuit of flying. After taking a break to raise four children, Smith resumed her flying career in the 1950s, piloting military transport planes and jets.