Everyone has heard about Amelia Earhart. Who has heard of Jerrie Mock?

[Major Nikon]

Jerrie Mock was the first woman to complete a solo flight around the world. Next Sunday will be the 52nd anniversary of the completion of her historic 29 day flight.

I finally got around to reading her book, Three-Eight Charlie: 1st Woman to Fly Solo Around the World. I've read a lot of aviation books, and this one is clearly one of the best. She gives a first person account of each of her flight legs in the journey. The book is extremely well written and hard to put down as each chapter is captivating.

Judging from the few number of reviews, it looks as if this book has pretty much been forgotten over the years, which is a shame. The story is quite relevant to aviation buffs, fans of geography, those who like 60's nostalgia, or anyone who loves a good inspirational story. If you aren't a pilot, I suggest reading the glossary section first as it explains some of the technical terms used in the book.

Her airplane is on permanent display at the National Air and Space Museum annex at Dulles airport.

There's also a series of interviews she gave on youtube, which I found but haven't checked out yet.

[bluedigger]

1. From Cleveland area, wasn't she?

[Major Nikon]

2. Columbus

Not too far from where the Wright brothers started.

[bluedigger]

3. Close enough for an old guy.

[Brother Buzz]

7. Her plane was named The Spirit of Columbus but nicknamed Charlie

I assume the nickname was a hat tip to Lindbergh.

[Trailrider1951]

4. Yes, I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio

I remember her flight, which was extensively covered in the Columbus Dispatch, which my family subscribed to (Dad called it the Dogpatch, as it was a right-wing rag). She inspired me to want to become an astronaut. She was everything a young woman could dream of becoming: smart, courageous and beautiful. That was also about the time that the original Star Trek series debuted on TV, with another young woman as one of its stars. Lt. Uhura was also smart, courageous and beautiful. As a teenager during that time, both Nichelle Nichols and Jerrie Mock were two of my role models. I will never forget either of them.

[Major Nikon]

5. Evidently she had some kind of sponsorship arrangement with the Columbus Dispatch

She mentions saving some of the best accounts for them and was sending regular updates via various wire services along the route.

[Boomerproud]

8. The Dogpatch is still a right-wing rag.

I've always called it "The Discharge" or the "Disgrace". I was 8 years old when Jerrie Mock made her flight and that is a favorite local childhood memory along with listening to "The NEW WCOL" (the 60's) and WNCI in the 70's.

[Trailrider1951]

6. More on Jerrie Mock

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/10/01/jerrie-mock-obituary.html

Thank you Major Nikon, for remembering her.