13 Facts About Viola Gentry

Viola Estelle Gentry was an American aviator, best known for setting the first non-refueling endurance record for women.

Viola Gentry learned to fly an airplane in 1924, becoming the first woman from North Carolina to fly an aircraft.

On December 20,1928, Gentry flew 8 hours, 6 minutes and 37 seconds, which set the first non-refueling endurance record for women.

Viola Gentry survived the crash with a fractured skull and crushed shoulders.

Viola Gentry was rushed to a hospital in nearby Mineola, where she spent more than six months recovering.

Viola Gentry was unsuccessful in obtaining further work as an endurance pilot although she did return to flying, albeit as a passenger.

In 1931, Viola Gentry returned to her previous job as a cashier at a North Carolina restaurant.

Viola Gentry continued in her attempts to set flying endurance records.

On December 10,1933, Viola Gentry took off from Miami, Florida, in a new attempt to beat the record, supported by co-pilot Frances Marsalis and a refueling ship manned by Jack Loesing and Fred Fetterman.

Viola Gentry intended to remain aloft for ten days and thereby beat the then-current record of eight days, four hours and six minutes, set by Marsalis and Thaden at Valley Stream.

Viola Gentry continued throughout her life to advocate aviation, promoting it among young women and men.

In 1954, Viola Gentry received the Lady Hay Drummond-Hay Air Trophy in recognition of her efforts on behalf of women in aviation.

Viola Gentry was a long time friend of the aviator Amelia Earhart, both of whom tried to help their mutual friend, Irene Craigmile Bolam, find happiness by introducing her to aviation.