When it comes to inspirational women in aviation, few can argue against the inclusion of Sheila Scott (OBE) onto the list.
Born in 1922 as Sheila Christine Hopkins, Sheila Scott broke over 100 aviation records during her 66 years including a 34,000-mile “world and a half” flight in 1971.
It was during this flight that Scott became the first person to fly over the north pole in a general aviation aircraft.
She flew the 1971 flight in a Piper Aztec G-AYTO, named Mythre.
Her first aircraft was a Thruxton Jackaroo (converted Tiger Moth) G-APAM which she bought in 1959. This was replaced in 1966 when she bought her Piper Comanche 260 G-ATOY named Myth Too.
It was in Myth Too that she set the majority of her world records. Ninety in fact. It was the aircraft used for her first round the world flight which took off from London Heathrow on 18th May 1966 and returned on 20th June 1966, having covered approximately 31,000 miles.
Away from the record-breaking Scott was awarded an OBE in 1968 as well as many aviation accolades including the Harmon International Aviation Trophy for setting a new light plane speed record of 28,633 miles solo in 33 days and 3 minutes and the Brabazon of Tara Award in 1965, 1967, 1968.
The Royal Aero Club of Britain awarded Scott the Britannia Trophy in 1968, and the Royal Aero Club Gold Medal in 1971.
She also has a building named after her at the University of Worcester.
Sheila Scott OBE 27th April 1922 – 20th October 1988, Our International Women’s Day “Aviation Woman of Inspiration” 2021.
