When Women Earned Their Wings: the USAF's First Crop of Female Pilots

Forty-five years ago, the U.S. Air Force admitted 10 women into undergraduate pilot training, marking its first class of female aviators.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 03:20 PM ET

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In 1975, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. David C. Jones, announced the launch of a test program that would enable women to enter pilot training and staff a now all-volunteer force after the abolishment of the military draft following the Vietnam War. The first 10 women earned their silver wings Sept. 2, 1977. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Kathy LaSauce was part of the groundbreaking UPT Class 77-08, the U.S. Air Force's first class of 10 women accepted into its undergraduate pilot training program in 1976.
These pioneering women faced significant institutional barriers and skepticism within the male-dominated military of the 1970s, as career opportunities for women were extremely limited.
All 10 women successfully completed the rigorous 48-week pilot training, overcoming challenges and intense scrutiny to earn their wings in September 1977.
Their success paved the way for future generations, leading to numerous "firsts" for women in various Air Force aviation roles and leaving a lasting legacy, though female pilot representation continues to grow.

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Editor’s Note: This article is part of a month-long series to mark Women’s History Month: March 1: Pioneers of Women’s Aviation | March 2: Carole Hopson | March 4: Martha King | March 8: Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance | March 11: The Air Race Classic | March 15: Sisters of the Skies | March 18: Women in Aviation Conference | March 22: Bonny Simi of Joby Aviation | March 29: The First Graduating Class of Air Force Female Pilots | March 31: Top Female Difference Makers in Aviation

When Kathy LaSauce graduated college in the early 1970s, she knew her career options were limited. She could be a school teacher, or perhaps a Pan-Am stewardess, a job that required applicants to be college educated and speak at least two languages.