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Women Pilots of Alaska
"Sumner takes readers along on some of her interviews, conveying details and quoting anecdotes that give a vivid sense of these women as real people. She also does a fine job conveying their competence, gumption and passion for flying. . .Sumner has a knack for drawing out the people she interviews and sharing their exhiliration with readers." The first biographical history of women pilots in Alaska, this book explores the challenges faced by women as they pursued roles in aviation in the Last Frontier. Beginning in 1927 with Marvel Crosson and reaching to the present day, 37 adventurous and personal tales are included in this "must read". The stories of these amazing women provide insight into why they chose nontraditional roles and how they mentored others like today's military pilots, airline pilots, and those who aspire to be astronauts. RUTH JEFFORD, an icon in Alaska aviation, arrived in Alaska in 1941. Sumner recalls visiting with Ruth in her home in Wasilla in 2004, while her tawny-colored cat, "Tomboy", lapped up attention. They talked about why Ruth had a love affair with Alaska: "I like Alaska because there are few roads, and were even fewer when I arrived in the 1940s. In the lower 48 you can drive to the next town but not here. You have to fly. That's one thing I liked." Sumner said: "Alaska had a love affair with you too, Ruth -- thanks for the memories." ELLEN EVAK PANEOK became a good friend when we met for an interview in her home in Anchorage in 2004. It was soon apparent, this Inupiat Eskimo woman loved everything about flying and airplanes. She had five propellors decorating her home, including one placed in front of her fireplace hearth. Two feet away was a large polar bear rug. Ellen shot the animal in self defense when she flew commercial aircraft in the arctic region of Alaska. Before two hours elapsed, I realized the dark-haired, outgoing woman, with a large laugh, who loved people, had her very own aviation museum. Ellen reached out and gave me a big, warm bear hug before I left that day. Sadly, Ellen lost her year-long battle with illness, succumbing peacefully with friends at her bedside, on March 2, 2008. When Ellen Paneok was born, the mold was thrown away, and yes, it's a cliche, but it's true. Her accomplishments as a pilot, the lives she impacted, and the young people she inspired, are her legacy. PEARL LASKA CHAMBERLAIN celebrated her 98th in Fairbanks, Alaska on April 29, 2007 and her 99th is fast approaching. She is looking forward to attending the International Conference of 99s being held in Anchorage the first week of August, 2008. Pearl was a pilot in the WASPs in W. W. II.; a pilot in Alaska following the war, and a flight instructor. As if this wasn't impressive enough, Pearl also learned to fly Ultralight aircraft at age 83! In March 2006, the FAA presented Pearl with a "Master Pilot" award at a banquet in Fairbanks, recognizing 50 years of safe flying. She is only the 2nd woman pilot in Alaska to receive this prestigious award.
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The author is available for audio-visual presentations, writer's workshops and conferences. |
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Unless otherwise noted all material is copyright Sandi Sumner 2004,2005,2006,2007.
AlaskaWriter illustrations and site design copyright 2003, 2004
Sonya Senkowsky and AlaskaWriter LLC. All rights reserved.