Louise Sacchi (April 15, 1913 – March 22, 1997) was an American aviator and author who flew numerous times across the world's oceans, often solo, ferrying single and multi-engine planes. As the first international woman ferry pilot, she piloted planes across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans over 340 times, more than any other non-airline pilot.[1]

Louise Sacchi
Born(1913-04-15)April 15, 1913
DiedMarch 22, 1997(1997-03-22) (aged 83)
NationalityAmerican
Occupations
  • Aviator
  • author

Records and Races

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On June 28, 1971, she set a women's speed record by flying a single-engine land plane from New York to London in 17 hours and 10 minutes, a record that still stands today. Following the New York to London flight on July 1, 1971 she departed Abingdon, England, on the first leg of a seven-day air race to Victoria, B.C., Canada. She finished 2nd in class and tied with Race 31 for overall eighth.[2][3][4]

Legacy

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Sacchi won numerous awards in her career, which spanned over 40 years, and was the first woman to win the prestigious Godfrey L. Cabot Award for distinguished service to aviation.[1][5][6]

Publications

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  • Ocean Flying, McGraw-Hill, 1979, ISBN 0-07-054405-0
  • The Happy Commuter - Autobiographical Sketches, 1996, Louise Sacchi.[4]

References

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