Aviation and exploration · United States · 1897–1937
Amelia Earhart Life & Career Timeline
Record flights, women in aviation and an unfinished journey around the world.
18 MomentsGet your own timeline now — free
18971903190919151921192719331937
AEAmelia EarhartAviation and exploration · United States
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About this timeline
About Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart converted record-setting flights into a platform for women’s independence and professional aviation.
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Amelia Earhart biography
Amelia Earhart timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Atchison
Amelia Mary Earhart was born to Amy and Edwin Earhart.
Source: www.si.eduSees an aircraft for the first time
The early encounter did not yet convince her that aviation would become her life.
Source: www.si.eduWorks as a wartime nurse’s aide
Earhart cared for wounded soldiers and encountered military aviation nearby.
Source: www.si.eduTakes her first flight
A short passenger flight with Frank Hawks inspired her to learn to fly.
Source: www.si.eduBegins flying lessons
Pioneer aviator Neta Snook taught Earhart in a Curtiss Jenny.
Source: www.si.eduBuys the Canary
She acquired a yellow Kinner Airster, her first aeroplane.
Source: www.si.eduSets women’s altitude record
Earhart climbed to about 14,000 feet in the Canary.
Source: www.si.eduReceives pilot licence
She became the sixteenth woman licensed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
Source: www.si.eduFirst woman to cross Atlantic by air
Earhart travelled as a passenger and log keeper aboard Friendship with Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon.
Source: www.si.eduCompetes in Women’s Air Derby
The race helped build a professional network of women aviators.
Source: www.si.eduNinety-Nines founded
Earhart became the first president of the international organisation for women pilots.
Source: www.si.eduMarries George Putnam
Earhart insisted that marriage should not restrict either partner’s work or independence.
Source: www.si.eduSolo Atlantic crossing
She became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic.
Source: www.si.eduSolo transcontinental record
Earhart became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the continental United States.
Source: www.si.eduSolo flight from Hawaii to California
She completed the first solo flight between Hawaii and the continental United States.
Source: www.si.eduJoins Purdue University
Earhart served as a visiting adviser on careers for women while preparing a world flight.
Source: www.si.eduFirst world-flight attempt crashes
Her Lockheed Electra ground-looped during takeoff; the crew escaped and the aircraft was repaired.
Source: www.si.eduDisappears near Howland Island
Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan vanished during the final major stretch of their equatorial world-flight attempt.
Source: www.si.eduThis educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Amelia Earhart or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
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About the Amelia Earhart timeline
Who is Amelia Earhart?
Amelia Earhart converted record-setting flights into a platform for women’s independence and professional aviation.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1897–1937.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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