Amy Johnson Famous British female pilot Date of Birth: 01.07.1903 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Amy Johnson

Amy Johnson was a famous British aviator and the first woman to make a solo flight from England to Australia. She was born on July 1, 1903, in Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, to a prominent fish merchant, John William Johnson. Her grandfather, Anders Jorgensen, moved to England from the Danish island of Funen, and her maternal ancestors were one of the founding families of Hull.

After completing school in 1922, Amy attended the University of Sheffield, where she met Swiss businessman Hans Arregger. However, their relationship ended after six years when Hans married another woman. During this time, Amy developed a passion for aviation and took her first flight as a passenger. She then moved to London to pursue a career in advertising, where she later became a secretary at a law firm.

In 1929, Amy joined the London Aeroplane Club and obtained her private pilot's license. She also became the first woman to earn an engineering qualification as a ground engineer. In 1930, Amy gained worldwide recognition by completing a solo flight from England to Australia in a de Havilland Gipsy Moth biplane named 'Jason.' Despite facing numerous challenges, including sandstorms and mechanical issues, she successfully completed the journey in twelve days.

Amy's achievements were further recognized in 1931 when she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire and awarded the first pilot's license in Australia. She also received gold medals from the Society of Engineers and the Royal Aero Club. In 1932, she married Scottish aviator Jim Mollison, and the couple became known as the "flying sweethearts." They set several records together, including a flight from London to Japan via Moscow.

After their marriage ended in 1937, Amy focused on her own aviation career and set a new record for a solo flight from England to Cape Town and back in 1936. She flew a Percival Gull Six monoplane named 'Gull' for this journey. However, her flying career was tragically cut short in 1941 when she died in an aviation accident during World War II.

Amy Johnson's pioneering spirit and remarkable achievements continue to inspire aviators and women around the world. Her legacy as one of the most celebrated female pilots in history lives on.