Barbara Harmer’s journey from hairdresser to the first qualified female Concorde pilot is a testament to her determination, passion, and pioneering spirit in aviation.
Early Life and Initial Career
Born on September 14, 1953, in Loughton, Essex, Barbara was the youngest of four daughters. She was raised in Bognor Regis, a seaside resort in West Sussex, England, where she attended a convent school. Leaving formal education at the age of 15, Barbara embarked on a career in hairdressing, showcasing her early inclination towards professions requiring precision and skill.
Transition to Aviation
After five years in hairdressing, Barbara sought new challenges and transitioned to aviation by becoming an air traffic controller at London Gatwick Airport. This role sparked her interest in flying, leading her to pursue A-levels in Geography, English Law, Constitutional Law, and Politics, initially intending to study law. However, her passion for aviation prevailed, and she began taking flying lessons. She earned her Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and subsequently became an instructor at Goodwood Flying School. Demonstrating unwavering commitment, Barbara dedicated two years to obtain her Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in May 1982.
Professional Pilot Career
Barbara’s entry into professional piloting was met with challenges, as she submitted over 100 applications before securing a position with Genair, a commuter airline based at Humberside Airport. In March 1984, she joined British Caledonian, piloting BAC One-Elevens for three years before transitioning to the long-haul McDonnell Douglas DC-10. The 1987 merger of British Caledonian with British Airways presented new opportunities, especially with British Airways operating the iconic Concorde.
Breaking Barriers with Concorde
At that time, British Airways employed over 3,000 pilots, with only 60 being women, none of whom had flown the Concorde. In 1992, Barbara was selected for an intensive six-month conversion course for the Concorde. On March 25, 1993, she made history by becoming the first qualified female Concorde pilot, serving as First Officer on flights to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Her achievement was particularly significant, as before her, only test pilots like France’s Jacqueline Auriol had flown the Concorde.
Barbara’s tenure with the Concorde lasted until the aircraft’s retirement in October 2003. During this period, she was one of only two women to pilot the Concorde on regular routes, with Air France’s Béatrice Vialle becoming the second in 2001. Barbara’s decade-long service on the Concorde solidified her legacy in aviation history.
Post-Concorde Career and Personal Interests
Following the Concorde’s retirement, Barbara transitioned to flying the Boeing 777 for British Airways until she opted for voluntary redundancy in 2009. Beyond her aviation career, Barbara was a qualified commercial yachtmaster, actively participating in international sailing events and winning several races. She resided in Felpham, West Sussex, where she cultivated a Mediterranean-style garden overlooking the English Channel. Barbara had ambitious plans to participate in a transatlantic sailing event in 2013 aboard her yacht, the Archambault 35. However, her aspirations were cut short due to a sudden illness.
Legacy and Passing
Barbara Harmer passed away on February 20, 2011, at St. Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester, at the age of 57. Her remarkable journey from a hairdresser to a trailblazing Concorde pilot serves as an enduring inspiration, highlighting the possibilities that arise from resilience, dedication, and an unyielding pursuit of one’s passions.
Barbara’s story continues to inspire aspiring aviators, particularly women, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, breaking through traditional barriers in male-dominated fields is achievable.
