Smithsonian Channel Presents Black History Month - The First Female African American Pilot

The First Female African American Pilot

01/16/12 • 3 min

Smithsonian Channel Presents Black History Month

Bessie Coleman wanted to fly, and she wouldn't take no for an answer. As the first African American woman with a pilot's license, she proved her skill as a stunt pilot.

Previous Episode

A Vintage Tuskegee Airplane

Now flown only by nostalgic young pilots, one of the old-fashioned, low-tech WWII planes used by the first Tuskegee Airmen has been fully restored and dubbed "Spirit of Tuskegee."

Next Episode

The Tuskegee Red-Tail Angels

When Black leaders demanded equality and World War II demanded more skilled soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, or "Red-Tail Angels," became the first African American pilots to train for combat.