Fastest Woman on Earth—70 Years Later

Jackie Cochran broke the sound barrier on May 18, 1953, confirming her place among elite test pilots.

Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 12:32 PM ET

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Jackie Cochran broke the sound barrier on May 18, 1953, flying faster than Mach 1 and confirming her place among elite test pilots. [Credit: (National Air and Space Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution]

Key Takeaways:

Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran rose from poverty to become a pioneering aviator, quickly establishing herself by winning races and setting speed records.
She made history on May 18, 1953, by becoming the first woman to fly beyond Mach 1 in level, unboosted flight.
Cochran played a crucial role in advocating for women pilots in military service during WWII, contributing significantly to the formation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
Throughout her life, she continued to set numerous aviation milestones, ultimately holding more records than any other pilot, male or female.

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To fly among the top test pilots at any stage of your career is an honor not meted out without a lot of hard work—proving not only one’s mettle but also diligence, perseverance, and inner strength. Those words especially ring true when speaking of Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran, one of the most notable of that elite cadre.

On May 18, 1953, Cochran firmly established herself in history when she became the first woman to fly beyond Mach 1 in level, unboosted flight.