On this NEW episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, I talk with Victoria Yeager — pilot, author, adventurer, and wife of Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, the legendary test pilot who became the first man to break the sound barrier.
Victoria shares how she first met Chuck on a hiking trail, learned to fly with him, and traveled the world at his side. She also opens up about her own fearless feats — from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to helping put away a human trafficker with a gun to her head. Together, we talk about the charity work she and Chuck quietly supported, their adventures from Africa to Afghanistan, and what it was like watching him fly airshows well into his 80s.
We reflect on Chuck’s timeless lessons — like “any landing you can use the plane the next day is an excellent landing” — and the no-nonsense safety mindset that shaped his career. Victoria also shares insights from her books, What a Ride and 101 Chuck Yeager-isms, and her ongoing work to keep history alive, including General Chuck Yeager Aviation Day on September 27 at Jackson County Airport in Millwood, West Virginia. Expect flight simulators, drones, RC airshows, and more — a celebration of aviation and the Yeager legacy.
🌐 Learn more and find Victoria’s books at chuckyeager.com.
This is a conversation about grit, love, adventure, and legacy — and why Victoria Yeager is every bit the Wonder Woman of Aviation her title suggests.
This episode was recorded a few years ago—but the insight is timeless.
Join us on Wonder Women of Aviation as we step inside NASA’s legendary Super Guppy with Raymond, instructor pilot for the Johnson Space Center. From transporting spacecraft to supporting billion-dollar missions, this oversized aircraft is anything but outdated.
Raymond walks us through:
The Super Guppy’s origins in the 1960s Saturn V era
Why this aircraft still supports today’s Artemis missions
The quirks of flying a plane with no autopilot and 1940s-era controls
Wild stats: 25 ft cargo diameters, 700–800 gallons/hour fuel burn, and unique flight dynamics
What it’s like to sign for a $2 billion spacecraft (yes, really)
Plus, the history of the “Pregnant Guppy,” vertical center-of-gravity calculations, and what it takes to safely move rockets, jets, and more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @wonderwomenofaviation for more behind-the-scenes aviation stories from airshows to aerospace.
In this unforgettable episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we sit down with Jessica Cox—motivational speaker, black belt, and the first armless pilot in the world. Born without arms, Jessica has not only shattered barriers in aviation but continues to inspire millions through her relentless pursuit of the impossible.
From earning a pilot certificate using only her feet to developing her next big dream—The Impossible Airplane (Project 2025)—Jessica shares:
Why she chose to conquer her fear of flying
What it’s like to fly with foot controls
The power of adaptive technology and innovation
Her goals for building a custom RV-10 aircraft with EAA Chapter 898
How she’s helping others believe in their own impossible
This episode is a raw and empowering look at what it means to be fearless.
🚀 Follow the progress of Project 2025, and experience the Impossible Airplane simulator designed to help others understand foot-controlled flight.
📲 Follow me on Instagram @wonderwomenofaviation for more inspiring interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive aviation content.
In this inspiring episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we sit down with the incredible Vicky Benzing—airshow performer, aerobatic pilot, race pilot, and former Silicon Valley chemist.
With over 40 years of flying experience and more than 50 different aircraft under her belt, Vicky shares:
Her journey from Ph.D. chemist to full-time pilot
How skydiving reignited her passion for aviation
What it’s like to race at Reno and fly aerobatics at airshows
The differences between competition and performance flying
Why believing in yourself is the #1 key for women in aviation
You’ll also hear fun behind-the-scenes moments, from how she names her planes ("Lucky Girl," "Little Purple," and "Scarlett") to the 5 essential items she packs when flying from show to show.
✈️ Whether you're an aspiring aviator or a seasoned flyer, Vicky’s story is packed with motivation, grit, and heart.
📲 Follow me on Instagram @wonderwomenofaviation for more stories that preserve the history and elevate the voices of women in aviation.
Ever wanted to step into the cockpit of a real fighter jet? In this episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we sit down with Dewey Larsson, founder of Dream Big Entertainment and the man behind the Top Gun Experience—a fully immersive F-18 cockpit that tours airshows nationwide.
From childhood dreams at airshows to launching a full-time business built around aviation history and accessibility, Dewey shares:
How his 8-year-old self made a promise that still fuels his mission today
The incredible story behind his current F-18 cockpit—including its Marine, Navy, and Blue Angels past
What it’s like to hit 36 airshows a year with a fighter jet in tow
Why he believes every kid (and adult!) deserves to sit in the pilot’s seat
If you love airshows, Top Gun, or stories of turning passion into purpose, this episode is for you. Buckle up—this one’s full afterburner. 🔥✈️
🎧 Follow us for more behind-the-scenes stories from the people shaping aviation today.
Ever heard of DOC? This B-29 Superfortress didn't see overseas action in WWII, but it has an amazing story! We talk with Mary Green about DOC's role in radar training, its near demise as a Navy target, and its incredible restoration. Find out how you can support DOC and keep this piece of aviation history alive! b29doc.org
Ever wondered what happened to Elvis Presley's jet? The Wonder Woman of Aviation has the answer!
Natalia interviews Jimmy of Jimmysworld, who rescued the abandoned aircraft and turned it into a rolling tribute to aviation history.
Listen to the incredible story, who owned it and how you can see it in person, and learn how you can support Wings of Compassion, the veteran aviation nonprofit behind this amazing project.
Visit ElvisJet.com to see the video and SaveThe310.com to learn more!
Join us for an intimate conversation with Manfred Radius, a legendary glider pilot reflecting on his remarkable 39-year career as he prepares for retirement. This episode captures the essence of Manfred's journey from his early days in Germany to becoming a renowned aerobatic glider performer in North America.
Episode Highlights:
Manfred's introduction to gliding in 1961 and his journey to over 1,000 airshow performances
The unique H101 Salto glider and Manfred's mastery of aerobatic maneuvers
Competing in glider aerobatics championships and pioneering performances
The significance of airshows in entertainment, education, and aviation community building
Insights into the world of professional airshow performance and the role of ICAS
Manfred's heartfelt gratitude to those who made his career possible
As Manfred prepares for his final performances in 2024, he shares wisdom gained from a lifetime in the air. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the art of glider aerobatics and the vibrant airshow community from a true master of the craft.
New episodes weekly. Follow us on Spotify and social media
In this week's episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we are thrilled to have Kara Hueni, a dedicated NASA JSC Flight Management Specialist. She shares her captivating journey to becoming a part of the space exploration dream team! 🌠
Kara's story is truly out-of-this-world as she takes us behind the scenes and shares the secrets of working at NASA, from her earliest aspirations to the thrilling reality of her job. 🛰️
Get ready to be inspired and awed as Kara delves into her experiences with the Super Guppy, a massive cargo plane that's an unsung hero in NASA's missions. 🛩️
Tune in now for an episode that's lightyears beyond ordinary and discover the incredible world of NASA through Kara's unique perspective. 🌟 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button, and as always, let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below! 👩🚀 #NASA #SuperGuppy #SpaceExploration #PodcastJourney
Soar through history with Gigi Coleman as she unveils the extraordinary legacy of her great-aunt, Bessie Coleman – the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. This captivating episode takes you on a thrilling journey from the skies of the 1920s to today's runways, where Bessie's pioneering spirit continues to inspire a new generation of aviators.
Discover how a sharecropper's daughter became an international aviation icon, and how her great-niece is now breaking barriers in the cockpit and the classroom. You'll hear about:
The Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars program, launching careers and dreams
Exclusive partnerships with major airlines transforming the industry
Innovative educational initiatives, from flight sims to drone certifications
The $10 million B. Coleman Aviation hangar – a testament to Bessie's enduring impact
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or someone reaching for the stars, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to spread your wings. Join us for an uplifting celebration of Black excellence that proves the sky is not the limit – it's just the beginning.
Tune in now and let Bessie Coleman's remarkable story elevate your spirit and ignite your passion for achievement!
#blackhistorymonth
On this episode of "WWOA ," we take you behind the scenes at the Atlantic City Airshow. In this special episode, we're catching up with the renowned Golden Knights GOLD team right before they take to the skies. While time was limited due to their imminent mission, we managed to get a brief glimpse into the world of this exceptional team and their daring objectives.
The Golden Knights, often shrouded in mystery, are the elite precision parachuting team of the U.S. Army. With unparalleled skills and nerves of steel, they perform incredible feats that leave audiences in awe. Join us as we dive into their world and get an exclusive sneak peek into their preparations, camaraderie, and what it takes to be a part of this extraordinary team.
If you're as captivated by adrenaline-pumping airshows as we are, be sure to catch the Golden Knights at the next airshow near you.
Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and astonished by their gravity-defying performances. Don't miss the opportunity to witness their sky-high adventures and remember to stay tuned to the WWOA Podcast for more thrilling stories from the world of aviation and beyond.
Make sure to subscribe to support!
In this riveting episode of "Wonder Women of Aviation," we dive headfirst into the exhilarating life of Evelyn Sharp, affectionately known as Sharpie. An accomplished aviatrix who blazed a trail in the skies during a time when few women dared to fly. Sharpie's story is one of courage, resilience, and passion - from her spectacular feats in flight training to her pivotal role in the formation of the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). Tragically, her life was cut short, but her legacy continues to inspire. Through the efforts of Aviana, we keep Sharpie's memory alive as we soar the skies in a Luscombe aircraft, similar to the one Sharpie herself taught in, adorned in her honor with her iconic nose art. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable journey of this Wonder Woman of Aviation. Tune in, fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for a flight back in time!
Join us on The Tinkerbell, a C 46 plane that is part of the Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show! Get an inside look at this amazing aircraft with one of its pilots. Learn about its lengthy history and all the incredible features it has to offer. Be sure to tune in for a unique glimpse into one of the most iconic planes in aviation history.
Learn more about this beautiful historical aircraft at :
https://www.facebook.com/c46tinkerbelle/
Welcome to our EXCLUSIVE interview with the fabulous Liz Franklin of Franklins Flying Circus! In this interview, Liz tells us her incredible story, from being a 3 year old fascinated by aviation to becoming part of one of the most daring and humorous comedy acts around. Get ready to fly high as we explore Liz's role in Franklins Flying Circus, her dreams of becoming a pilot and much more.
Learn more about this dynamic duo at https://www.franklinairshow.com/
This week's eps Oscar Munoz, the former United Airlines CEO, joins me. We will discuss his new book “Turnaround Time”, which provides insight into the challenges facing airline executives operating during uncertain times. He'll also be giving tips on how any business leader can apply these lessons to succeed in their own industry. Keep watching till the end for more!
Order your copy at oscar-munoz.com
In the upcoming episode of "The Wonder Women of Aviation," we are thrilled to bring you an inspiring and informative conversation with our special guest, Gigi Coleman. Gigi is not only the great-niece of the legendary Bessie Coleman – the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot's license – but also an accomplished performer, speaker, and educator committed to preserving and advancing her great-aunt's incredible legacy.
In this episode, Gigi will discuss her one-woman show, "Queen Bess," where she portrays her trailblazing Great-Aunt Bessie to captivate audiences both young and old, encouraging them to dream big and challenge convention. We'll learn about some of the prestigious venues where Gigi has performed, such as the Cleveland OH Women's Air and Space Museum, Embry Riddle University, Florida Memorial University, United Airlines, Charles H. Wright Museum, the Northern IN Mayor's Roundtable, and the world-renowned OSH KOSH Air Show.
As someone who is passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Gigi is also the founder of the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars (BCAA), a 501(C)3 program aimed at inspiring the next generation. Gigi will share more about BCAA's mission to expose disadvantaged youth to the world of STEM and aviation, and how learning about Bessie's accomplishments has the power to ignite their dreams and aspirations.
Throughout our discussion, we will dive deeper into the remarkable history and legacy of Bessie Coleman, and explore how her fearless spirit continues to inspire and shape the future of aviation. We'll also discuss the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the field, and how woman aviators like Gigi and her Great-Aunt Bessie are breaking down barriers and making history.
Join us as we take flight with Gigi Coleman and uncover the incredible story of the Wonder Women of Aviation!
https://www.bessiecolemanaviationallstars.org
The B-25 Mitchell Bomber, affectionately nicknamed "Panchito," is a symbol of American ingenuity and determination during World War II. This medium bomber was developed by North American Aviation and produced between 1940 and 1945. A staggering total of 9,815 B-25s were built throughout the war, making it one of the most widely produced aircraft models in history. The B-25 holds a special place in the pantheon of military aviation due to its versatility, dependability, and widespread use.
The B-25 was designed to excel in various combat scenarios, focusing primarily on medium-altitude bombing missions between 8,000 and 12,000 feet. It was equipped with a robust suite of armaments, including up to twelve .50 caliber machine guns, 3,000 pounds of bombs, and a 75mm cannon, making it a formidable adversary for enemy forces. The bomber's twin engines gave it a top speed of over 300 miles per hour, allowing it to evade enemy fire and deliver payloads with precision.
One of the most iconic moments involving the B-25 occurred on April 18, 1942, in what is famously known as the Doolittle Raid. This daring mission was a key turning point in the Pacific Theatre, as sixteen B-25s took off from the USS Hornet to carry out a surprise bombing raid on Tokyo, led by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle. This feat demonstrated the bomber's incredible adaptability and solidified its place in aviation history.
Nowadays, the public has the rare opportunity to experience a piece of history through the offerings of the Delaware Aviation Museum in Georgetown. The museum is home to Panchito, one of the few remaining operational B-25s, which has been meticulously restored to its original specs. It holds a place of honor as the lead plane for events such as the Sussex Air Force tribute to healthcare workers.
Visitors to the Delaware Aviation Museum can do more than just marvel at Panchito's impressive appearance; they can also experience the thrill of taking to the skies inside this legendary aircraft. By offering rides in Panchito, the museum allows aviation enthusiasts and history buffs to immerse themselves in the unique experience of soaring through the clouds in a bona fide World War II bomber, taking a journey through time and space that few can claim to have enjoyed.
In conclusion, the B-25 "Panchito" represents an era of innovative aviation design and a crucial moment in military history. Its versatility, power, and adaptability have secured its place not only as an essential weapon during World War II but also as an enduring testament to the human spirit of unity and perseverance. By preserving and celebrating Panchito, the Delaware Aviation Museum ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate the incredible legacy of this distinguished aircraft.
Laura Humphries, known as "The Flying Princess" to her friends and social media followers, is on a mission to help girls pursue their dreams of aviation. It all started when she saw a Black female airline captain working the same flight. That's all it took for Humphries to know that she could be a pilot.
Since then, Humphries has created a book, titled You Look Like Me, which is designed to help inspire and expose our youth - especially young girls - to the amazing career fields where we have the least representation. Her goal is to show young girls that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. And she's well on her way to doing just that!
Humphries' love of aviation started at a young age. She was born in London and raised in Florida, both places with strong aviation traditions. Her father was a private pilot and her uncle was an aircraft mechanic, so she grew up around planes and airports. But it wasn't until she saw that Black female captain flying the same route as her that she realized her dream of becoming a pilot could become a reality.
Since then, Humphries has been on a mission to help other young girls pursue their dreams of aviation. In addition to writing her book, Humphries also gives talks at schools and community events. She wants to show young girls that there are endless possibilities for their future - they just have to be willing to go after them. Humphries is also working on getting her own pilot's license. She knows that it won't be easy, but she's up for the challenge. After all, if there's one thing we know about The Flying Princess, it's that she always strives to reach new heights!
If you're looking for an inspiring story about following your dreams, look no further than Laura Humphries - aka The Flying Princess. Humphries is on a mission to help girls pursue their dreams of aviation, and she's well on her way to doing just that! We can't wait to see what new heights she reaches in the future!
This Women's History Month, join us in honoring Sharon McDougle, a former Air Force veteran and NASA suit technician. She was the first African-American woman to don a flight suit and help prepare the SR71 aircraft for its incredible missions. Hear her story of what it was like to be a pioneer in aviation and the struggles she faced along the way. Plus, learn all about NASA flight suits - the materials they use, the features that make them different from regular flight suits, and even some special features like diapers that are designed for astronauts! She even suited Dr Mae C. Jemison an American engineer and Astronaut. Listen to this episode to appreciate her accomplishments and gain insight into space technology.
Links & People mentioned in the podcast:
Natasha Lee- Make your Dreams come True
Annette Smith- https://www.mrsanniebooks.com/
Suit up with Shay https://www.sharoncaplesmcdougle.com/
UniteBookstore - https://www.wordsunitebookstore.com/
SR71- Terry Pappas
ExtremeFlight- Patrick McAlee
Join us for this engaging podcast as we explore the extraordinary story of Erin Miller - a modern woman living her grandmother's legacy. After WWII, Erin's Nana was one of only 1,000 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), paving the way for future generations by breaking gender barriers in aviation. We'll discuss what prompted these brave women to take flight and how it inspired today’s generation through an exclusive look into their book dedicated to honoring these heroes who soared against all odds!
