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 overcame a humble upbringing to become a celebrated aviator, renowned for her diligence and perseverance.
She notably became the first woman to fly beyond Mach 1 in level, unboosted flight on May 18, 1953, after being mentored by Chuck Yeager.
Cochran played a pivotal role in advocating for and establishing the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II.
By her death in 1980, she held more aviation records than any other person, male or female, including being the first woman to reach Mach 2.

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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.