1. Opal Kunz was an early American aviator, the chief organizer of the Betsy Ross Air Corps, and a charter member of the Ninety-Nines organization of women pilots.
12 Facts About Opal Kunz
1. 2.
Opal Kunz made many public appearances to urge more women to take up flying.
3.
Opal Kunz graduated from Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
4.
The couple remained on good terms, with Kunz caring for George for the remainder of his life.
5.
Opal Kunz spent a great deal of time and money on her flying pursuits and always named her planes after Betsy Ross.
6.
Opal Kunz gave frequent press interviews and radio addresses to urge more women to take up flying.
7.
In 1929, Opal Kunz participated in the first Women's Air Derby, later dubbed the "Powder Puff Derby" by humorist Will Rogers.
8.
On September 7,1930, Opal Kunz loaned her plane to aviator John Donaldson at the American Legion Air Races meet in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
9.
Opal Kunz was an organizer of the Betsy Ross Air Corps, a paramilitary service formed to support the Army Air Corps in national defense and to serve as humanitarian "air minutemen" in times of emergency.
10.
Opal Kunz grew the corps to about 100 members, partially funding it herself.
11.
Opal Kunz served as the corps' first commander, and her husband designed its insignia.
12.
Opal Kunz taught several hundred young men how to fly for the war effort.