Famous American Aviators

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 1 
Amelia Earhart
(The First Female Aviator to Fly Solo Across the Atlantic Ocean)
Amelia Earhart
28
Birthdate: July 24, 1897
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Atchison, Kansas, United States
Died: January 5, 1939

Amelia Earhart became the first female pilot to complete a solo trans-Atlantic flight, in 1932. A champion for equal rights, Amelia later wrote best-selling memoirs and contributed to the women pilot’s group The Ninety-Nines. In 1937, Amelia disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean and was later declared dead.

 2 
Orville Wright
(Co-inventor of First Successful Airplane)
Orville Wright
10
Birthdate: August 19, 1871
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio, United States
Died: January 30, 1948

Orville Wright was an aviation pioneer who alongside his brother, Wilbur, built and flew the world's first successful motor-operated airplane, the Wright Flyer, a heavier-than-air aircraft. The three-axis control system developed by the brothers remains standard on fixed-wing aircraft of all kinds. Orville also served on the board of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).

 3 
Charles Lindbergh
(Remembered for Making the First Nonstop Solo Flight Across the Atlantic)
Charles Lindbergh
14
Birthdate: February 4, 1902
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
Died: August 26, 1974
Charles Lindbergh shot to fame after completing the first solo, and the longest, trans-Atlantic flight, in 1927. In his later years, his son’s highly publicized kidnapping and murder broke him completely. He also participated in World War II and worked on inventions that made flight navigation and heart surgeries easier.
 4 
Alan Shepard
(Astronaut, Aviator, Entrepreneur)
Alan Shepard
16
Birthdate: November 18, 1923
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Derry
Died: July 21, 1998

Alan Shepard was an astronaut and the first American to travel into space. In 1971, Shepard became the fifth and oldest astronaut to walk on the Moon; he was 47 years and 80 days old at that time. From 1963 to 1969, he played an important role as the Chief of the Astronaut Office. His work inspired several TV series.

 5 
Bessie Coleman
(American Civil Aviator and the First African-American Woman to Hold a Pilot License)
Bessie Coleman
12
Birthdate: January 26, 1892
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Atlanta, Texas, United States
Died: April 30, 1926

Bessie Coleman was an American civil aviator and the first African-American woman to hold a pilot license. Nicknamed Queen Bess, Coleman became a high-profile pilot in the air shows organized in the United States. Bessie Coleman died at the age of 34 in a plane crash. Her efforts to promote aviation inspired the Native American communities.

 6 
Gordon Cooper
(Officer, Astronaut, Test pilot, Aerospace engineer, Engineer, Aviator)
Gordon Cooper
14
Birthdate: March 6, 1927
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Shawnee
Died: October 4, 2004

Part of the seven Project Mercury astronauts, Gordon Cooper manned a 34-hour space mission, becoming the first American to stay for a day in space. As part of the Gemini 5 mission, he and his co-pilot proved it was possible for astronauts to survive a mission to the Moon and back.

 7 
Scott Kelly
(American Engineer, Retired Naval Aviator, and Astronaut)
Scott Kelly
16
Birthdate: February 21, 1964
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: City of Orange, New Jersey, United States

Scott Kelly is an American engineer, retired naval aviator, and astronaut. He is credited with commanding the International Space Station on three Expeditions. Scott Kelly is the recipient of several awards and honors, such as the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

 8 
Susan Oliver
(American Actress and Aviator)
Susan Oliver
16
Birthdate: February 13, 1932
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: May 10, 1990

Susan Oliver was an American actress, aviator, and television director. She achieved popularity after appearing in popular TV series like Star Trek. Susan Oliver also achieved fame as an aviator; in 1967, she became only the fourth woman to fly a single-engined airplane solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

 9 
Neil Armstrong
(The First Person to Walk on the Moon)
Neil Armstrong
16
Birthdate: August 5, 1930
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Wapakoneta, Ohio, United States
Died: August 25, 2012

The first person to walk on the Moon, Neil Armstrong was an astronaut and aeronautical engineer. Prior to his trip to the Moon, he became NASA's first civilian astronaut to fly in space. After resigning from NASA, he taught in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He was a Presidential Medal of Freedom awardee.

 10 
Fred Haise
(American Astronaut Who Became the Sixth Person to Walk on the Moon)
Fred Haise
6
Birthdate: November 14, 1933
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Biloxi, Mississippi, United States

Fred Haise is an American retired engineer, NASA astronaut, and test pilot. He also served as a fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps. He was part of Apollo 13 and is one of 24 astronauts to have flown to the Moon. Fred Haise is the recipient of prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 11 
Russell Johnson
(American Actor Best Remembered for His Role in the Sitcom 'Gilligan's Island')
Russell Johnson
14
Birthdate: November 10, 1924
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Ashley, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: January 16, 2014

Russell Johnson was an American actor best remembered for his portrayal of Professor Roy Hinkley in the popular sitcom, Gilligan's Island. Prior to his acting career, Russell Johnson enlisted in the US Army Air Forces and played an important role during World War II. He was honored with the Purple Heart, Air Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

 12 
John Young
(American Astronaut and the Ninth Person to Walk on the Moon)
John Young
14
Birthdate: September 24, 1930
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
Died: January 5, 2018

John Young was an American naval officer, astronaut, aeronautical engineer, and test pilot. In 1972, he commanded the Apollo 16 mission and became only the ninth person to walk on the Moon. John Young was the recipient of several awards, including the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal. In 1982, he was made an inductee of the International Space Hall of Fame.

 13 
Pete Conrad
(NASA Astronaut Who Became the Third Person to Walk on the Moon)
Pete Conrad
8
Birthdate: June 2, 1930
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: July 8, 1999

Pete Conrad was an American aeronautical engineer, NASA astronaut, aviator, test pilot, and naval officer. He is credited with commanding the Apollo 12 mission, during which he became only the third person ever to walk on the Moon. Apart from winning awards like the Harmon Trophy, Pete Conrad was also inducted into several Astronaut and Aviation Halls of Fame.

 14 
Ken Mattingly
(American Astronaut and One of the 24 People to Have Flown to the Moon)
Ken Mattingly
6
Birthdate: March 17, 1936
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Ken Mattingly is a retired aviator, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, astronaut, and rear admiral in the US Navy. He was part of Apollo-16 and is one of 24 astronauts to have flown to the Moon. Mattingly is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. In 1983, he was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame.

 15 
Scott Carpenter
(American Aviator and Astronaut Who was the Second American to Orbit the Earth)
Scott Carpenter
6
Birthdate: May 1, 1925
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Boulder
Died: October 10, 2013

Scott Carpenter was an American aviator, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, naval officer, aquanaut, and astronaut. He achieved popularity in 1959, when he became one of the seven astronauts chosen for NASA's Project Mercury. Scott Carpenter was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. In 1981, he was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame.

 16 
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
(American Aviator and Writer Who Became the First Woman to Receive a U.S. Glider Pilot License)
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
5
Birthdate: June 22, 1906
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey
Died: February 7, 2001

Anne Morrow Lindbergh was an American aviator and writer. She is best remembered for her exploratory flights along with her husband and pioneer aviator, Charles Lindbergh. Anne was the first woman to earn a US glider pilot license in 1930. In 1996, Anne Morrow Lindbergh was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

 17 
Dieter Dengler
(Second Captured U.S. Airman to Escape Enemy Captivity During the Vietnam War)
Dieter Dengler
7
Birthdate: May 22, 1938
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Wildberg, Germany
Died: February 7, 2001

Dieter Dengler was a German-born American aviator who served the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He was caught and tortured by the enemies for over six months, after which Dengler escaped from captivity, becoming only the second U.S. airman to escape captivity during the war. The experience was documented by Dieter Dengler in his book, Escape From Laos.

 18 
Frank Borman
(NASA Astronaut Who was the Commander of 'Apollo 8' Mission)
Frank Borman
7
Birthdate: March 14, 1928
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Gary

Frank Borman is an American former US Air Force colonel, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, businessman, and NASA astronaut. The commander of Apollo 8, Borman was the first of 24 astronauts to have flown to the Moon. In 1982, Frank Borman was made an inductee of the International Space Hall of Fame.

 19 
Igor Sikorsky
(Aviator)
Igor Sikorsky
5
Birthdate: May 25, 1889
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Kiev, Ukraine
Died: October 26, 1972

Igor Sikorsky was a Russian-American aviator known for his pioneering contributions to the development of both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Born in Russia, he immigrated to US as a young man and founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in 1923. He is also credited for developing the first of Pan American Airways' ocean-crossing flying boats. 

 20 
Wally Schirra
(American Astronaut Who Became the Fifth American and Ninth Human to Travel Into Space)
Wally Schirra
7
Birthdate: March 12, 1923
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Hackensack, New Jersey, United States
Died: May 3, 2007

Wally Schirra was an American NASA astronaut, test pilot, and naval aviator. He achieved popularity in 1959, when he became one of the seven astronauts chosen for Project Mercury. In 1962, he was part of Mercury-Atlas 8 and became only the ninth human to travel into space. Wally Schirra was portrayed by Lance Henriksen in the film, The Right Stuff.

 21 
Steve Fossett
(The First Person to Fly Solo Nonstop Around the World in a Balloon and in a Fixed-Wing Aircraft)
Steve Fossett
5
Birthdate: April 22, 1944
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Jackson, Tennessee, United States
Died: September 3, 2007

Apart from being the first solo balloonist to circumnavigate the world, Steve Fossett also competed the first non-stop solo flight across the world. The adventurer also owned a securities company. His plane went missing on a 2007 mission in western Nevada, and he was declared dead on the discovery of the wreckage.

 22 
James Stockdale
(US Navy Vice Admiral & Aviator Who was Prisoner of War for Over Seven Years in the Vietnam War)
James Stockdale
8
Birthdate: December 23, 1923
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Abingdon, Illinois, United States
Died: July 5, 2005

James Stockdale was an American aviator and US Navy vice admiral. He is best remembered for his time spent as a prisoner of war for more than seven years during the Vietnam War. His efforts during the war earned him the Medal of Honor. In 2002, James Stockdale was made an inductee of the National Aviation Hall of Fame. 

 23 
Randy Shughart
(US Delta Force Soldier Remembered for His Service in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu)
Randy Shughart
7
Birthdate: August 13, 1958
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lincoln
Died: October 3, 1993

US Army Delta Force soldier Randy Shughart is remembered for his heroic contribution to the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, for which he was posthumously awarded the US Medal of Honor. His story was later related in the book Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War and the 2001 movie Black Hawk Down.

 24 
Edgar Mitchell
(American Astronaut Who was the Sixth Person to Walk on the Moon)
Edgar Mitchell
5
Birthdate: September 17, 1930
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Hereford, Texas, United States
Died: February 4, 2016

Edgar Mitchell was an American aviator, United States Navy officer, test pilot, NASA astronaut, ufologist, and aeronautical engineer. In 1971, Mitchell became only the sixth person ever to walk on the Moon. Over the course of his illustrious career, Edgar Mitchell was honored with several prestigious awards, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.   

 25 
Roger B. Chaffee
(American Aviator, Naval Officer, NASA Astronaut, and Aeronautical Engineer)
Roger B. Chaffee
5
Birthdate: February 15, 1935
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Grand Rapids
Died: January 27, 1967

Roger B. Chaffee was an American aviator, naval officer, NASA astronaut, and aeronautical engineer. In 1963, Chaffee was chosen by NASA to be part of Astronaut Group 3, a group of 14 astronauts selected for the Apollo and Gemini program. In 1983, Roger B. Chaffee was made an inductee of the International Space Hall of Fame. 

 26 
Alan Bean
(American Aviator and NASA Astronaut Who was the Fourth Person to Walk on the Moon)
Alan Bean
5
Birthdate: March 15, 1932
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Wheeler, Texas, United States
Died: May 26, 2018

Alan Bean was an American aviator, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, NASA astronaut, US naval officer, and painter. He was part of Astronaut Group 3 and was only the fourth person ever to walk on the Moon. Apart from being honored with prestigious awards, Alan Bean was also made an inductee of several Astronaut and Aviation Halls of Fame.

 27 
Charles Duke
(Former NASA Astronaut Who Became the Youngest Person to Walk on the Moon)
Charles Duke
5
Birthdate: October 3, 1935
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Charlotte

Former NASA astronaut Charles Duke has also been a USAF officer and test pilot. At 36, he became the youngest astronaut to walk on the surface of the Moon. Throughout his illustrious career, he went on 5 Apollo missions. He is also an international public speaker.

 28 
Edward O'Hare
(American Naval Aviator Who Became the United States Navy's First Fighter Ace of World War II)
Edward O'Hare
3
Birthdate: March 13, 1914
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Died: November 26, 1943

Edward O'Hare was an American naval aviator who became the United States Navy's first fighter ace of World War II in 1942, when he single-handedly took on an intimidating formation of nine heavy bombers. Edward O'Hare shot down five enemy bombers, making him the first naval aviator to receive the prestigious Medal of Honor in the Second World War.  

 29 
Guion Bluford
(Former NASA Astronaut Who Became the 1st African-American to Go into Space)
Guion Bluford
7
Birthdate: November 22, 1942
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Retired US Air Force officer and NASA astronaut Guion Bluford scripted history as the 2nd African-origin person and the 1st African-American to go into space. A trained fighter pilot, he also flew over 100 combat missions in the Vietnam War. The STS-8 Orbiter Challenger crew member later worked in IT and engineering services.

 30 
George Stephen Morrison
(US Navy Rear Admiral Who Commanded the American Forces in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident)
George Stephen Morrison
7
Birthdate: January 7, 1919
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Rome, Georgia, United States
Died: November 17, 2008

US Navy rear admiral and aviator George Stephen Morrison commanded the US forces during the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident, which eventually began the Vietnam War. He had also been part of the Battle of Pearl Harbor in WWII. He is also remembered as the father of The Doors lead vocalist Jim Morrison.

 31 
MJ Hegar
(US Air Force Veteran, Bestselling Author, and Former Democratic Candidate)
MJ Hegar
7
Birthdate: March 16, 1976
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.

US Air Force veteran MJ Hegar has also been a Democratic candidate for the 2020 US Senate election for Texas. Known for her bestselling autobiography Shoot Like a Girl, she was awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor for her fearless military service in Afghanistan, where she was shot at.

 32 
Eddie Rickenbacker
(American Fighter Pilot Who Played an Important Role in World War I)
Eddie Rickenbacker
2
Birthdate: October 8, 1890
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, United States
Died: July 23, 1973

Eddie Rickenbacker was an American fighter pilot who played an important role in World War I. With 26 aerial victories under his belt, Rickenbacker was the most decorated and most successful US flying ace of the First World War. A multi-talented personality, Eddie Rickenbacker was also an automotive designer and race car driver.

 33 
William C. McCool
(NASA Astronaut and the Pilot of the Ill-Fated Space Shuttle Columbia Mission)
William C. McCool
3
Birthdate: September 23, 1961
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States
Died: February 1, 2003

American naval officer, aviator, and aeronautical engineer William C. McCool was a prominent NASA astronaut who served the STS-107 Space Shuttle Columbia mission as its pilot. He, along with the rest of crew, died when Columbia disintegrated while re-entering the atmosphere. He won many posthumous honors, such as the NASA Space Flight Medal.

 34 
Bruce McCandless II
(The First Person to Complete an Untethered Spacewalk)
Bruce McCandless II
3
Birthdate: June 8, 1937
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Died: December 21, 2017

US Navy officer, aviator, and NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless II was the first person to complete an untethered spacewalk. He also contributed to the development of the Manned Maneuvering Unit. Post-retirement, he became a research scientist. He once sued singer Dido for using one of his space flight photos as an album cover.

 35 
Burt Rutan
(American Aerospace Engineer Who Designed the Record-Breaking Plane 'Voyager')
Burt Rutan
3
Birthdate: June 17, 1943
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Estacada

Burt Rutan is an American former entrepreneur and aerospace engineer. He is best known for his ability to make strong, light, energy-efficient, and unusual-looking air and space craft. Burt Rutan is credited with designing historically significant aircrafts like the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, which set the world record for the longest and fastest nonstop circumnavigation flight in history.   

 36 
Joseph Kittinger
(Retired US Air Force Officer and Command Pilot Who Made Many High-Altitude Balloon Records)
Joseph Kittinger
5
Birthdate: July 27, 1928
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Tampa, Florida, United States

Former US Air Force pilot Joseph Kittinger made many high-altitude balloon records and scripted history as the first person to complete a solo balloon flight across the Atlantic Ocean. He served as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War and had been part of the US high-altitude military projects Project Manhigh and Project Excelsior.

 37 
Gail Halvorsen
(US Airforce Pilot Who Dropped Candies for Children during the Berlin Airlift)
Gail Halvorsen
3
Birthdate: October 10, 1920
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Died: February 16, 2022

Known as the Berlin Candy Bomber, Gail Halvorsen was a US Air Force officer and command pilot. He developed the idea of dropping candies, chocolate, and other treats for West German children, using parachutes, during the Berlin Airlift, in retaliation to the Soviet’s Berlin Blockade. He later received the Congressional Gold Medal.

 38 
Geraldyn M Cobb
(American Aviation Pioneer Who Was the First Woman to Pass Astronaut Testing)
Geraldyn M Cobb
3
Birthdate: March 5, 1931
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Norman, USA
Died: March 18, 2019

American aviation pioneer Geraldyn M. Cobb was part of the pathbreaking Mercury 13 program and scripted history as the first female candidate to pass astronaut testing. She had a pilot’s license by 18 and later found new air routes to the Andes and the Amazon rain forests and immersed herself in humanitarian work.

 39 
William Boeing
(American Aviation Pioneer and Founder of ‘The Boeing Company’)
William Boeing
2
Birthdate: October 1, 1881
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
Died: September 28, 1956
Aviation mogul and Boeing founder William Boeing was initially a timber man. While learning to fly from Glenn L. Martin, he bought a plane from him, damaged it, and managed to repair it. Inspired by this, he built his first plane. He was also a horse-breeder and an avid reader.
 40 
Wiley Post
(Native American Aviator Who Completed the First Solo Flight around the World)
Wiley Post
3
Birthdate: November 22, 1898
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Grand Saline, Texas, United States
Died: August 15, 1935

Native American aviator Wiley Post scripted history as the first person to complete a solo flight around the world. Post and actor/humorist Will Rogers were killed when their flight crashed in Alaska in 1935. Post had created many high-altitude records and invented one of the world’s first pressure suits.

 41 
Eugene Bullard
(American Military Pilot Who Played an Important Role During World War I)
Eugene Bullard
5
Birthdate: October 9, 1895
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Columbus, Georgia, United States
Died: October 12, 1961

Eugene Bullard was an American military pilot who played an important role during World War I. He was among the few black combat pilots at that time and one of the first African-Americans to become a military pilot in the US, although he flew for France during his career. Eugene Bullard was the recipient of several prestigious honors.

 42 
Jacqueline Cochran
(The First Female Pilot Who Broke the Sound Barrier)
Jacqueline Cochran
7
Birthdate: May 11, 1906
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Muscogee, Cantonment, Florida, United States
Died: August 9, 1980

A pioneer in women’s aviation, US pilot Jacqueline Cochran was the first female pilot to break the sound barrier. She was also the first woman to lead the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale as its president and the first female Bendix race competitor. She held several other records and also led the organization WASP.

 43 
Story Musgrave
(US Physician and NASA Astronaut Who Became the 2nd Person to Make 6 Space Flights)
Story Musgrave
5
Birthdate: August 19, 1935
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Boston

US physician and astronaut Story Musgrave initially worked for the US Marine Corps. Before joining NASA, he gained a host of degrees, in subjects such as literature, math, and chemistry, and an MD from Columbia University. He became the 2nd astronaut to make 6 space flights and later worked for Imagineering and Applied Minds.

 44 
Claire Lee Chennault
(US Military Aviator Who Commanded the US Army Air Forces in China)
Claire Lee Chennault
2
Birthdate: September 6, 1893
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Commerce, Texas, United States
Died: July 27, 1958

US major general and military aviator Claire Lee Chennault is remembered for commanding the US Army Air Forces in China during WWII. He also formed the American Volunteer Group known as the Flying Tigers. He launched the commercial airline Civil Air Transport, which later became known as Air America.

 45 
Ronald Evans
(American Electrical Engineer and Aeronautical Engineer)
Ronald Evans
3
Birthdate: November 10, 1933
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: St. Francis, Kansas, United States
Died: April 7, 1990
 46 
Walter Cunningham
(NASA's Third Civilian Astronaut)
Walter Cunningham
2
Birthdate: March 16, 1932
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Creston

The third civilian astronaut to participate in any NASA mission, Walter Cunningham was part of the 1968 Apollo 7 mission. Initially a US Marine Corps fighter pilot, he later studied physics. Post-NASA, he worked for various enterprises and also penned the memoir The All-American Boys.

 47 
Pancho Barnes
(Pathbreaking US Aviator, Film Stunt Pilot, and Businesswoman)
Pancho Barnes
2
Birthdate: July 22, 1901
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Pasadena, California, United States
Died: March 30, 1975

Pioneering US aviator and female movie stunt pilot Pancho Barnes helped develop the first film stunt pilots’ union. The granddaughter of aeronaut and inventor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe, she launched the guest ranch Happy Bottom Riding Club. Her nickname Pancho helped her disguise herself as a man in Mexico in her initial days.

 48 
Harriet Quimby
(The First Female Pilot to Fly across the English Channel)
Harriet Quimby
2
Birthdate: May 11, 1875
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Arcadia, Michigan, United States
Died: July 1, 1912

Women’s aviation pioneer, Harriet Quimby became the first female pilot to complete a flight across the English Channel. Starting her career as a journalist for Dramatic Review, she later worked as a drama critic for Leslie’s Weekly, before stepping into aviation. She was killed when her aircraft lost control over Dorchester Bay.

 49 
Stuart Roosa
(NASA Astronaut Who Piloted the Apollo 14 Mission)
Stuart Roosa
2
Birthdate: August 16, 1933
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Durango, Colorado, United States
Died: December 12, 1994

NASA astronaut and USAF pilot Stuart Roosa served as the Command Module Pilot for the 1971 Apollo 14 mission. He had begun his career as a smokejumper for the US Forest Service, before moving on to the USAF. Following his stint at NASA, he worked as an executive for Greek and US businesses.

 50 
Rusty Schweickart
(US Astronaut Who Performed the First EVA on the Apollo 9 Mission)
Rusty Schweickart
2
Birthdate: October 25, 1935
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Neptune Township, New Jersey

NASA astronaut and USAF fighter pilot Rusty Schweickart served as the Lunar Module Pilot for the Apollo 9 mission in 1969 and became the first astronaut to perform an EVA, to test the life support system. He later co-founded the Association of Space Explorers and the B612 Foundation.