Aileen Saunders Mellott

In 1956 it was a rare thing for a woman to do: Mellott earned her pilot's license. She competed in seven Powder Puff Derby events, winning in 1959 and 1960, and in 1961 was named pilot of the year by the National Pilots Association. On November 16, 1961, she was flying several passengers to San Diego, Calif., when bad weather forced her to land in El Rosario, Mexico. Villagers there were suffering from drought and needed basic supplies and medical care. Mellott organized a Christmas airlift to the town, bringing a doctor and supplies, and went back many times. That effort became the Flying Samaritans. "She always felt the greatest accomplishment was her work with the Flying Samaritans," said her brother, George Smallen. Mellott also served on the boards of the San Diego Airport Commission and the San Diego Aerospace Museum, and flew rescue missions with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. She died September 25 from pancreatic cancer. She was 76. From This is True for 29 September 2002 Suggestions for further reading: West with the Night by Beryl Markham Amazon Price: $10.88 Customer Review: Despite the exquisite prose, I was disappointed with this book. The "adventure aspect" was lacking for me. The content was more autobiographical than expected.   Who Was Amelia Earhart? (Who Was...?) by Kate Boehm Jerome Amazon Price: $4.99 Customer Review: My nine year old had a book report and she choose to read this biography. She found it very easy to read and could not put it down! I was amazed that it took her about two days to finish reading the book. Definitely a good buy. Strongly recommend...   Amelia Earhart (DK Biography) by Tanya Stone Amazon Price: $5.99 Customer Review: I have not yet read the book so cannot offer a review. I will do so when it is read. Thank you very much. Rosemarie (I did see the movie and rated it a 7 (1 - 10) Thank you.   East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart by Susan Butler Amazon Price: $6.38 Customer Review: A few years ago, when I first began reading and reviewing biographies, I came across an unfamiliar word I had to look up in the dictionary - "hagiography." The first definition said "a biography of Saints" and the second "a worshipful or idealizing ...   The Sound of Wings: The Life of Amelia Earhart by Mary S. Lovell Amazon Price: $12.23 Customer Review: My daughter was very pleased to receive this gift for Christmas. Thanks for the quick delivery!   Newsfeed display by CaRP

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