Amelia Earhart's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Amelia Earhart. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Amelia Earhart was a groundbreaking American aviation pioneer who vanished over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe. She was the first woman to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean and established numerous other aviation records. Beyond her flying achievements, Earhart championed commercial air travel, authored best-selling books detailing her experiences, and played a key role in establishing the Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. Her life and disappearance have made her a lasting cultural icon, symbolizing adventure and women's empowerment.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

October 22, 1922: World Record for Female Pilots

On October 22, 1922, Amelia Earhart flew her Airster to an altitude of 14,000 feet, setting a world record for female pilots, showcasing her skill and determination in aviation.

May 16, 1923: Pilot's License Issued

On May 16, 1923, Amelia Earhart became the 16th woman in the United States to be issued a pilot's license (#6017) by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), marking a significant milestone in her aviation career.

June 3, 1928: Friendship's Transatlantic Journey Begins

On June 3, 1928, after several unsuccessful attempts, the Friendship, with adjustments to reduce weight and the departure of Lou Gower, successfully took off from East Boston to begin its transatlantic journey to Trepassey, Newfoundland.

July 6, 1928: Ticker-Tape Parade in New York City

On July 6, 1928, Amelia Earhart and the crew of Friendship were honored with a ticker-tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes in New York City to celebrate the first successful transatlantic flight by a woman.

August 1928: Solo Flight Across North America

In August 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the North American continent and back.

August 1928: Earhart's transcontinental record flight

In August 1928, Amelia Earhart completed a transcontinental record flight using an Avro Avian aircraft, which was later retraced in 2001 by Carlene Mendieta as a commemorative flight.

1928: First female passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane

In 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first female passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane, gaining celebrity status following this event.

April 8, 1931: World Altitude Record in Autogyro

On April 8, 1931, Amelia Earhart set a world altitude record of 18,415 feet (5,613 m) flying a Pitcairn PCA-2 autogyro she borrowed from the Beech-Nut Chewing Gum company.

May 20, 1932: Earhart's Solo Flight Attempt to Paris

On May 20, 1932, Amelia Earhart, at age 34, departed from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in her Lockheed Vega 5B, aiming to fly solo to Paris. She carried a copy of the Telegraph-Journal to verify the flight's date. After contending with adverse conditions, she landed in a pasture near Derry, Northern Ireland, after a 14-hour and 56-minute flight.

1932: First woman to make a nonstop solo transatlantic flight

In 1932, Amelia Earhart achieved the milestone of becoming the first woman to make a nonstop solo transatlantic flight, for which she was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

January 11, 1935: First Solo Flight from Honolulu to Oakland

On January 11, 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first aviator to fly solo from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California, using a Lockheed 5C Vega. The flight was mostly routine, and she listened to a Metropolitan Opera broadcast during the final hours.

April 19, 1935: Solo Flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City

On April 19, 1935, Amelia Earhart flew solo from Los Angeles to Mexico City using her Lockheed Vega aircraft, nicknamed "old Bessie, the fire horse".

1938: Establishment of the Amelia Earhart Fellowship

In 1938, Zonta International established the Amelia Earhart Fellowship, awarding US$10,000 annually to women pursuing Ph.D. degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences.

1942: Launch of the SS Amelia Earhart

In 1942, the United States launched a Liberty ship named SS Amelia Earhart in honor of the aviator, before it was wrecked in 1948.

1948: Wreck of the SS Amelia Earhart

In 1948, the United States Liberty ship named SS Amelia Earhart, launched in 1942 in honor of the aviator, was wrecked.

1963: Amelia Earhart Commemorative Stamp issued

In 1963, the United States Postmaster-General issued the Amelia Earhart Commemorative Stamp (8¢ airmail postage) to honor her legacy.

1968: Induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame

In 1968, decades after her presumed death, Amelia Earhart was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to aviation history.

1971: Statue of Earhart erected in Los Angeles

Circa 1971, a statue of Amelia Earhart by Ernest Shelton was erected in Los Angeles, California.

1973: Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1973, Amelia Earhart was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, honoring her impact and legacy as a pioneer for women.

1992: Earhart inducted into Motorsports Hall of Fame

Amelia Earhart was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1992, recognizing her contributions and impact.

May 2007: USNS Amelia Earhart named

In May 2007, the USNS Amelia Earhart was named in her honor, continuing the legacy of the famous pilot.

2008: Statue of Earhart placed at Spirit of Flight Center

In 2008, a full-sized bronze statue of Amelia Earhart was placed at the Spirit of Flight Center in Lafayette, Colorado.

2009: Statue of Earhart erected at Purdue

In 2009, Purdue University erected a bronze statue of Amelia Earhart holding a propeller in front of Earhart Hall, the residence hall named after her.

2012: Hillary Clinton's tribute to Earhart

In 2012, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid tribute to Amelia Earhart at a State Department event, celebrating Earhart's legacy and ties to Pacific neighbors.