Born: March 5, 1931 (Norman, Oklahoma)
Biography:
Geraldyn M. Cobb, widely known as Jerrie Cobb, was a pioneering American pilot and aviator who made significant contributions to the field of aviation. Born on March 5, 1931, in Norman, Oklahoma, Cobb’s early exposure to flying ignited her passion for aviation, which would shape her remarkable life.
Cobb’s parents, Lt. Col. William H. Cobb and Helena Butler Stone Cobb, were part of a military family, leading to a nomadic childhood for Jerrie. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Washington, D.C., where Cobb’s grandfather, Ulysses Stevens Stone, served in the United States House of Representatives. However, after Stone lost his reelection bid, the family moved back to Oklahoma, settling in Wichita Falls, Texas when the United States entered World War II. Following the war, they briefly lived in Denver, Colorado, before returning to Oklahoma where Cobb spent the majority of her formative years.
From an early age, Cobb displayed a keen interest in aviation, spurred by her pilot father’s encouragement. At the tender age of twelve, she experienced her first flight in her father’s open cockpit 1936 Waco biplane. This initial taste of flying captured her heart, and at sixteen, she began barnstorming across the Great Plains in a Piper J-3 Cub, dropping leaflets to announce the arrival of circuses in small towns. Determined to pursue her passion, she would sleep under the wing of her aircraft, using the money earned from giving rides to purchase fuel for her flying practice.
Cobb’s dedication to aviation proved fruitful as she obtained her private pilot’s license at the age of seventeen while studying at Oklahoma City Classen High School. She furthered her flying credentials by earning her commercial pilot’s license on her eighteenth birthday. In her pursuit of excellence, she also achieved her Multi-Engine, Instrument, Flight Instructor, and Ground Instructor ratings.
In 1959, Cobb gained widespread recognition by setting three aviation records. She first broke the world record for nonstop long-distance flight, followed by the world light-plane speed record. Later in the same year, she set a new world altitude record for lightweight aircraft, reaching an impressive height of 37,010 feet (11,280 m; 11.28 km). These remarkable achievements highlighted her exceptional piloting skills and showcased her tenacity in pushing the boundaries of aviation.
Cobb’s groundbreaking journey continued as she became an integral part of the Mercury 13 program. Alongside twelve other remarkable women aviators, she underwent rigorous physiological screening tests that paralleled those conducted on the original Mercury Seven astronauts. Cobb proved herself by finishing each test first, making her the first woman to complete these challenging evaluations. Although the Mercury 13 program ultimately did not lead to the inclusion of women among NASA’s astronauts, it paved the way for future advancements in gender equality in space exploration.
In recognition of her trailblazing efforts, in 1960, Life Magazine honored Cobb as one of the nine women among the 100 most important young people in the United States. This accolade underscored her significant contributions to aviation and her determination to break through gender barriers in a male-dominated field. As a result, Cobb became an inspiration to many, proving that women could excel in aviation and challenging societal norms.
Throughout her career, Cobb faced various struggles and challenges, including prevalent gender discrimination and the return of numerous qualified male pilots following World War II. Undeterred by these obstacles, she embraced lesser sought-after flying jobs, such as patrolling pipelines and crop dusting, to continue her pursuit of aviation.
Jerrie Cobb’s unwavering dedication to aviation and her pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on history. Through her accomplishments and determination, she elevated women’s roles in aviation and inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams, irrespective of societal limitations. Cobb’s extraordinary achievements continue to shine as a testament to her resilience and unwavering passion for flight.
Awards:
– World Record for Nonstop Long-Distance Flight – 1959
– World Light-Plane Speed Record – 1959
– World Altitude Record for Lightweight Aircraft – 1960