A pioneering female aviator who flew supplies to remote Canadian communities and served as a flight instructor during World War II, known for her bravery and skill in the skies.
Violet Milstead Warren was a Canadian aviator who made history as the first female Canadian bush pilot and one of only four Canadian women to work in the British Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II. With over 600 hours of flight time during the war, she was the longest-serving female Canadian ATA pilot.
Born on October 17, 1919, in Toronto, Ontario, Violet Milstead was the daughter of Edith and Harold Milstead. She had one brother, Fred, and was taken out of school at the age of 15 to help with her mother's wool shop. Initially, she aspired to become a surgeon, but by the time she was 16, she was determined to become a pilot instead.
Milstead saved up money for flying lessons by working at her mother's shop and took her first flying lesson on September 4, 1939. Only six months later, she earned both her private and commercial aviation licenses. After completing her instructor's certification in July 1941, she gave flight lessons to both military personnel and private citizens at Barker Field in Toronto.
In 1943, she travelled to England with fellow aviator Marion Orr to join the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), where she earned the rank of first officer, ferrying various twin-engine aircraft between factories and military sites. During her wartime ferrying work, Milstead flew at least 47 types of aircraft, including Spitfires, de Havilland Mosquitos, Beaufighters, Hawker Tempests, and Grumman Hellcats.
Milstead's remarkable achievements and contributions to aviation earned her a place in the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame, the Order of Canada, and the Bush Pilots Hall of Fame.
Violet Milstead's trailblazing career paved the way for future generations of female pilots. Her students, including commercial pilot Molly Reilly and author June Callwood, went on to achieve great things in their own right. Milstead's legacy continues to inspire and motivate women to pursue careers in aviation.
"I always wanted to fly, and I never let anything stand in my way." - Violet Milstead
Violet Milstead's remarkable life and achievements serve as a testament to her determination, courage, and pioneering spirit. She will always be remembered as a true aviation trailblazer.
Born in 1905
A pioneering female aeronautical engineer and writer, credited with designing and testing fighter planes during World War II, and advocating for women's rights in the industry.
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Pioneering female aviator who broke records and pushed boundaries in flight, mysteriously disappearing during a attempted circumnavigation of the globe.
Born in 1892
First African American woman to earn a pilot's license, paving the way for others in aviation.
Born in 1903
Pioneering female aviator who flew solo from London to Australia in 1930, setting a new record and inspiring generations of women in aviation.
