Born: 1954 (Baltimore, Maryland)
Biography:
Beverly Lynn Burns, born on October 1, 1954, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a trailblazing aviator and the first woman to captain the Boeing 747 jumbo jet. Her groundbreaking achievements in the field of aviation have left an indelible mark on women’s history, inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams and break through gender barriers.
Burns’ fascination with aviation began at a young age. Growing up in Baltimore, she often gazed up at the sky, captivated by the sight of planes soaring through the air. As a teenager, she set her sights on becoming a pilot, a career path that was still largely dominated by men at the time.
In pursuit of her passion, Burns attended flight school while working as a stewardess for American Airlines from 1971 to 1978. This experience provided her with a unique perspective on the airlines as a business, deepening her understanding of the industry beyond the cockpit. In 1978, she transitioned to a career as a flight instructor and charter pilot for Hinson Airways, honing her skills and gaining valuable experience.
In 1981, Burns joined People Express, an innovative airline that was known for its non-traditional approach to pilot duties. At People Express, she not only flew as a captain but also took on a variety of non-traditional roles, including working in reservations, scheduling, and even as a gate agent and baggage handler. This pioneering approach required special FAA authorization and opened the door for a number of firsts in the industry.
On July 18, 1984, Burns made history as she took the helm of People Express aircraft 604 and embarked on her maiden voyage as a captain, commanding the Boeing 747 from Newark International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport. This monumental achievement made her the first woman to captain the iconic jumbo jet, a feat that garnered significant attention and acclaim.
Burns went on to captain various other aircraft throughout her illustrious career. Between 1987 and 2000, she added the DC-9, DC-10, Boeing 757, and Boeing 767 to the list of jetliners she had captained, after People Express merged with Continental Airlines. In May 2001, she reached yet another milestone when she became captain of the technologically sophisticated Boeing 777.
Over the course of her 27-year career as a captain, Burns accumulated over 25,000 hours of flight time, solidifying her expertise and establishing herself as a respected figure in the aviation industry. Her dedication, skill, and trailblazing spirit serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in historically male-dominated fields.
Awards:
– Amelia Earhart Award (January 31, 1985): Presented by New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean and People Express CEO Donald Burr, the Amelia Earhart Award recognized Burns’ historic flight as captain of the Boeing 747 on July 18, 1984.
– Award of Recognition from Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer (August 14, 1984): This award honored Burns as one of Baltimore’s best, acknowledging her outstanding achievements in aviation.
– Letter of congratulation from New Jersey Senator C. Louis Bassano (August 16, 1984): Senator Bassano prepared a resolution in Burns’ honor, commending her groundbreaking accomplishments.
– Letter from U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (August 21, 1984): Senator Lautenberg credited Burns with opening doors for millions of American women and celebrated her achievements in the Congressional Record.
– Commendation from Maryland Governor Harry Hughes (October 17, 1984): Governor Hughes recognized Burns’ trailblazing contributions to the field of aviation.
Throughout her career, Captain Beverly Lynn Burns shattered gender barriers and inspired countless women to pursue their dreams in aviation. Her groundbreaking achievements will forever be a testament to the determination and capabilities of women in historically male-dominated industries.