Trailblazing Aviator Beverley Bass Pioneers in American Skies
In the skies above America, there soars a trailblazer who defied the odds and shattered glass ceilings – Beverley Bass, the first female captain at American Airlines. On September 11, 2001, this extraordinary woman found herself amidst unprecedented circumstances, grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, during the shutdown of U.S. airspace.
Gander International Airport played a pivotal role in those tumultuous times, taking in thousands of stranded passengers, including Bass and her flight, as part of Operation Yellow Ribbon. The small town's population of around 10,000 welcomed an unexpected 6,700 visitors that day.
Bass's experience, coupled with the remarkable hospitality of Gander and its residents, would later inspire the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away. The show, which portrays the real events and stories of passengers and locals during those days, features a character based on Bass. This musical has significantly contributed to raising awareness about the extraordinary kindness shown in Gander.
Bass, now retired from American Airlines, remains a world-renowned pioneering pilot. Her career extended beyond American Airlines, and she piloted various aircraft models, including the B-727, MD 80, DC 10, B757, B767, and B-777.
Born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida, Bass began her flying lessons at Meacham Airport while studying at Texas Christian University. She started her career with American Airlines at the age of 24 and retired after 32 years, having witnessed the events depicted in the Tony Award-winning musical "Come from Away" at Gander International Airport.
Throughout her career, Bass has been a beacon of inspiration for women in aviation. She encourages them with her philosophy: "Women can fly!" This sentiment led her to found a nonprofit organization to empower female aviators.
Bass is currently married to Tom Stawicki, and they share a family that includes a daughter who is also a pilot for American Eagle. Her daughter, 25 years old, carries on the family's aviation legacy.
Bass's work and philosophy continue to inspire female aviators worldwide, breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive aviation industry. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the extraordinary kindness of strangers.
- Aviation pioneers like Beverley Bass have played a significant role in reshaping the aviation industry, opening doors for women in a traditionally male-dominated field and paving the way for technological advancements in transportation.
- Beyond her successful career in aviation, Bass's contributions extend to the realm of finance, as she established a nonprofit organization to empower female aviators and foster a more inclusive aerospace industry.
- As technology continues to evolve in the aviation sector, gadgets like flight simulation software become invaluable tools for learning and honing skills, as demonstrated by Bass's daughter who carries on the family's aviation legacy as a pilot for American Eagle.
