Amelia Earhart Day

Amelia Earhart Day honors a pioneering woman who helped shape American aviation. Amelia Earhart was the first female pilot to complete a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Over her career, she logged numerous air travel accomplishments and later wrote books about her experiences. Her legacy lives on, and her birthday, July 24, is celebrated as a tribute to her achievements.

History

Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas. As a child, she was adventurous and curious—climbing trees, collecting insects, and often described as a tomboy. She grew up to become a record-breaking aviator. One of her most famous accomplishments was a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932.

In 1937, Earhart set out to become the first woman to fly around the world. Unfortunately, during the leg between Lae, New Guinea, and Howland Island, her aircraft lost contact. Despite extensive search efforts, neither the plane nor Amelia was ever found.

Mysterious Pilot Disappearances in Aviation History

• 1947: A British South American Airways flight bound for Santiago vanished. The wreckage was discovered decades later, along with reports of severe turbulence and an attempted emergency landing.
• The Bermuda Triangle: This region between Florida, the Greater Antilles, and Bermuda has seen the unexplained disappearance of more than 50 aircraft and numerous ships.
• 1944: Famed musician Glenn Miller disappeared while flying from Bedford to Paris.
• 1948 and 1949: Two British South American Airways aircraft disappeared, and their wreckage has never been recovered.

How to Take Part

Celebrate by learning more about the legendary Amelia Earhart. Dive into biographies and documentaries about her life and accomplishments. Explore the stories of other aviation pioneers such as Katherine Stinson, Bessie Coleman, and Blanche Scott. Visit an aviation museum or exhibition if one is nearby.

When is Amelia Earhart Day in 2025?

Amelia Earhart Day is observed annually on July 24.

Observations