Grace Pugh received her pilot’s license on this day in 1938. She was the first female licensed pilot in Vermont, having successfully completed 10 hours of flight with an instructor and 50 hours of flying solo.

Her final proficiency test required she fly as high as her 40 horsepower engine would take her, and then spin the aircraft while heading straight back toward the earth.

Though she lacked a few of today’s essential instruments, such as a radio, a rear wheel and brakes, Grace Pugh maneuvered her Taylor craft perfectly.

Grace and her husband were instrumental in the development of the Burlington Airport.

Image courtesy Vermont In The Air at the Vermont Historical Society.