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July 9, 1918: Female Pilot Transports Mail for the First Time
Katherine Stinson was chosen for the first postal flight in western Canada, which was part of an air show. A huge crowd gathered to see her take off aboard a Curtiss Stinson Special, heading from Calgary to Edmonton, complete with mail. Letters were stamped Aeroplane Mail Service, July 9, 1918, Calgary, Alberta for the occasion.
![U.S. pilot Katherine Stinson and her Curtiss Stinson Special biplane, July 1918](images/mcpcc43a.jpg) |
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U.S. pilot Katherine Stinson and her Curtiss Stinson Special biplane, July 1918.
Courtesy of National Aviation Museum
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The achievements of this young American pilot were considerable. At a time when women were not considered "scientific" enough to understand how to drive a car, Katherine Stinson was flying an airplane solo. Her skill and determination proved that flying was not reserved for the male sex.
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