Amy Johnson’s 114th Birthday

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Today we celebrate pioneering British aviator  Amy Johnson. The first woman to fly solo from England to Australia, Johnson became a symbol of perseverance and a feminist inspiration around the world.

Breaking into the male-dominated field of aviation proved difficult but not impossible for Johnson. Though she was not a naturally gifted pilot, Amy possessed an unshakable resilience that inspired future generations. In fact, before setting her first world flying record in 1930, Amy’s strong determination and drive qualified her to be the first British-trained woman ground engineer — for a brief time, she was the only woman in the world to hold that job title.

That sort of resume does not go unnoticed. To honor the homecoming of her record-breaking solo flight from England to Australia, Amy was welcomed back with the tune “Amy, Wonderful Amy” — a hit song recorded by Jack Hylton and His Orchestra.

Johnson quickly joined the ranks of other top female aviators, such as Amelia Earhart and Florence “Pancho” Barnes, by breaking several more world records — including her husband’s record for the fastest solo flight from London to Cape Town. Throughout her career, she made headlines as the “British Girl Lindbergh”and “The Long Girl Flyer.” She later shifted her solo flying adventures into a stint as First Officer in the Air Transport Auxiliary during the Second World War.

To celebrate the spirit of this fearless flyer, today’s Doodle reminds us that there is no challenge too high or too far. Happy 114th birthday, "wonderful Amy"!