Amelie Beese
Pilot
Female pilot in early 20th century Germany who gained fame as the country's first aviatrix.
Her studies of mathematics and aeronautical engineering inspired her to become a pilot.
Her biggest challenge in learning to fly was not a lack of money, but a lack of willingness on the part of flight instructors to teach a woman how to fly.
Her parents both supported her in her passion; her mother even lent her money to open her own flying school.
She and New Zealand pilot, Jean Mermoz , both opened up new opportunities for female pilots.