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Betty GilliesOne of the first American pilots
Date of Birth: 07.01.1908
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Betty Gillis
IntroductionBetty Gillis was one of the most famous female pilots in the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), which was established during World War II. Despite initial skepticism towards the idea of women being pilots, Betty and other women in America proved that they were just as capable as men in flying planes.
Early Life
Betty Gillis, born Betty Hiler, was a native of Long Island, New York. She became a pilot at the age of 14 and accumulated a total of 1400 flight hours by the time she joined the WAFS on September 12, 1942. Prior to joining the WAFS, Betty held prominent positions in various aviation organizations and served as the president of the international women aviators' club, 'Ninety-Nines', from 1939 to 1941.
WAFS Service
When Nancy Love was tasked with organizing a new division of the WAFS in Dallas, Texas, Betty Gillis was appointed as the squadron commander. She was assigned to the flight group at New Castle Army Air Base in Wilmington, Delaware. In March 1943, Betty became the first woman to fly the 'P-47' aircraft as part of her duties at the base.
Notable Missions
One of the notable missions led by Betty Gillis and her squadron was the delivery of four 'PT-26' aircraft from Hagerstown, Maryland to DeWinton, Alberta, Canada in April 1943. The journey covered a distance of over 2500 miles and required multiple landings. Betty successfully navigated the mission, showcasing her exceptional skills in organizing and completing the flight.
Commander of a Bomber
Betty Gillis, along with Nancy Love, became the first pair of female pilots to have the opportunity to fly a heavy bomber, the 'Boeing B-17'. They conducted three transport flights together, and were also scheduled to transport a 'B-17F' from America to England. However, this mission was cancelled. Betty held the position of squadron commander until the disbandment of the WAFS on December 20, 1944.
Post-War Life
After the war, Betty Gillis worked as an amateur radio operator. Using a large antenna, she was able to communicate with ships in the Pacific Ocean and even maintained contact with the 'Operation Deep Freeze' project agents stationed in Antarctica. Betty also participated in the naval 'MARS' program. She and her husband had three children, one of whom passed away at the age of four. The other two children followed in their mother's footsteps and became professional pilots. Betty's four grandchildren also chose aviation as their profession.
