Petticoat Pilots

The seven chapters in this second of two volumes contain biographies of Irish women who were at the cutting edge of the aeronautical revolution that swept these islands in the early twentieth century. Their stories are told against the backdrop of Irish economic, social and political life. Some enjoyed a lavish and aristocratic lifestyle, while for others it was a struggle. Adelaide Pollock married into the wealthy Belfast Cleaver family. In 1929 she bought her own open-cockpit aircraft and undertook a return journey to India. This was followed by a transcontinental flight from New York to California. Galway born Shamrock Trench earned the distinction of becoming the first woman to earn an Aviator‘‘s Certificate in the newly established Irish Free State. Cathleen Bryan hailed from County Wexford and operated a flying school and commercial aviation business in north County Dublin. She gave aeronautical experience to many and thus brought aviation to hundreds of Irish people. Margaret, Helen and Mairi Stewart, three of the daughters of Lord Londonderry from County Down, learned to fly and frequently flew between their family properties in the UK. Sisters Mabel and Sheila Glass from County Antrim took part in air races throughout England and also an endurance competition in Egypt in 1937. Mabel Glass flew approximately 900 RAF aircraft while serving with the Air Transport Auxiliary during the Second World War. Cork-born Ruth Hallinan helped establish the Cork Aero Club and was instrumental in generating interest in aviation in Munster. Nancy Corrigan emigrated from poverty-stricken Achill when she was 16 years old. She became a model in New York and went on to instruct US Air Force cadets during the Second World War. She competed in a highspeed all-women air race in Cleveland. The stunning images in this volume give an insight into the lives of these women. Volume One covers a further five Irish female aviators.