Living on the Wind: The Extraordinary Life of Leigh Bralick

Leigh Bralick was a pioneering aviator who made history in 1947 when she became the first woman to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean from east to west. Her extraordinary journey spanned over 6,000 miles and took her from Oakland, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, and then on to Australia and New Zealand. Bralick's flight was a major accomplishment for women in aviation, and it helped to inspire a new generation of female pilots.

Living on the Wind

by J. Leigh Bralick

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	117 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	22 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Early Life and Education

Leigh Bralick was born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1917. She grew up in a family of aviators, and her father was a barnstorming pilot. Bralick first learned to fly in 1937, and she quickly became a proficient pilot. In 1942, she joined the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP),where she flew military aircraft during World War II. After the war, Bralick continued to fly, and she became a flight instructor and charter pilot.

Planning the Trans-Pacific Flight

In 1946, Bralick began planning her trans-Pacific flight. She wanted to be the first woman to fly solo across the Pacific from east to west, and she believed that her flight would inspire other women to pursue their dreams of flying. Bralick carefully planned her route and secured the necessary financial support. She also chose a plane that was well-suited for long-distance flying, a Lockheed Model 12.

The Trans-Pacific Flight

On May 19, 1947, Bralick took off from Oakland, California, in her plane, "Spirit of Columbus." She flew for over 10 hours before landing in Honolulu, Hawaii. After a brief stop in Honolulu, Bralick continued her journey on May 21, flying for over 22 hours before landing in Canton Island. She then flew on to the Fiji Islands, New Caledonia, and Australia. Bralick finally reached New Zealand on June 10, 1947, after completing her historic flight.

Aftermath of the Trans-Pacific Flight

Bralick's trans-Pacific flight was a major accomplishment for women in aviation. It helped to inspire a new generation of female pilots, and it showed that women were just as capable as men of achieving great things in aviation. Bralick continued to fly after her trans-Pacific flight, and she became a successful air race pilot and charter pilot. She also worked to promote aviation for women, and she was a member of the Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots.

Legacy

Leigh Bralick died in 1974 at the age of 57. She is remembered as one of the greatest female aviators of all time. Her trans-Pacific flight was a major milestone in women's aviation, and it continues to inspire women to pursue their dreams of flying.

Additional Details

* Bralick's plane, "Spirit of Columbus," was a Lockheed Model 12. It was a single-engine, low-wing monoplane that was well-suited for long-distance flying. * Bralick's flight was supported by the Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. The Ninety-Nines provided Bralick with financial support and helped her to plan her route. * Bralick's flight was a major media event. She was interviewed by reporters from all over the world, and her flight was featured in newspapers and magazines. * Bralick's flight was a major inspiration for other women. It helped to break down barriers for women in aviation, and it showed that women were just as capable as men of achieving great things in flying.

Living on the Wind

by J. Leigh Bralick

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	117 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	22 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE