Aero-Terms!

Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.

Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms.

Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term.

Powder Puff Derby

During the late 1940s and through the 1950s, the best known air race was a trans-continental event for women pilots, the "Powder Puff Derby." Comedian Will Rogers originally applied that nickname to the Women's Air Derby, which was on the program of the 1929 National Air Races in Cleveland. The first major race for women, it began in California on August 13 and ended August 20 at Cleveland Municipal Airport. Competitors weren't allowed to use any navigational aids except road maps, so flying was limited to daylight hours. Twenty women, including Amelia Earhart, entered the race, which was won by Louise Thaden. Almost as soon as the race was over, the women met under the wing of a plane and agreed to form their own organization. Formally established on Nov. 2, 1929, the organization was called the Ninety-Nines, because 99 of the 117 licensed women pilots in the U. S. became charter members.

FMI: www.air-racing-history.com/Powder%20Puff%20Derby.htm