Women from Kentucky have played a vital role in aviation, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. As we celebrate Women in Aviation Week this March, it is important to recognize the achievements of female aviators from the Commonwealth who have paved the way for today’s pilots, engineers, and industry leaders. At the same time, we want to highlight organizations like Women in Aviation International and the Kentucky Bluegrass 99s, who continue to support and mentor women in the field, ensuring that the sky remains open for everyone who dreams of flight.
Greenwood "Cokie" Cocanougher(1809-1951)
Coming from Fayette County, Kentucky, Greenwood Overstreet Cocanougher, known as “Cokie” by many, had an interesting entrance to the aviation scene. In an attempt to coax her son into attending Sunday School at their local church, she agreed to take a flight lesson after originally resisting her son’s desire to become a pilot.
By the 1940s, she had obtained both her commercial and instructor ratings, training Army and Navy pilots during World War II, and was often featured in recruiting propaganda for her contributions to the war effort. Later, while working with the Kentucky Farm Bureau, Cokie became an ambassador for the state, often distributing air maps and other publications about the Commonwealth. She would go on to become chairman of the Kentucky Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, and began a family tradition of aviators, with both her son and grandchildren flying professionally in the years to come.
Willa Brown (1906-1992)
A native of Glasgow, Kentucky, Willa Brown was a trailblazing aviator, educator, and advocate for aviation. She was the first African American woman in the U.S. to earn both a pilot’s license and commercial rating, serving also as the first African American woman to become an officer in the Illinois Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
She would later go on to co-found the Coffey School of Aeronautics in Chicago, where there institution played an integral role in training black pilots during the time of racial segregation while advocating for the inclusion of African American Pilots in the U.S. military, herself training over 200 future Tuskegee Airmen and instructors. In continuing this long trend of firsts, Willa continued to break ground as the first African American woman to run for Congress in her 1946 campaign.
Esther Lucille Mueller Ammerman(1916-2007)
From 1943-1945, Esther Ammerman served in the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group that served in non-combat roles as pilots, easing demand for male pilots so that they could be deployed in the European and Pacific Theaters during World War II. Piloting aircraft like the B-26, B-17, and B-24, Ammerman and her fellow WASP aviators were not considered “active” military and unfortunately, did not receive the benefits that their male counterparts would.
It wouldn’t be until 1977 that Congress would award military status to WASPs, providing them with honorable discharges, GI insurance, and the right to a military funeral. A Nebraska native, Ammerman and her husband eventually moved to Cynthiana, where she worked for Harrison Memorial Hospital.
Women in Aviation International (WAI)
Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a global organization dedicated to encouraging and advancing women in all aviation fields. Established in 1990, WAI provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities for women pursuing careers as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and more. Their annual conference is a major event, bringing together women from across the industry to share knowledge and opportunities.
The Kentucky Bluegrass 99s
The Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots, supports female aviators throughout the state. The Ninety-Nines were founded in 1929 by 99 female pilots, with Amelia Earhart serving as the group’s first president. The Kentucky Bluegrass chapter continues this legacy by offering scholarships, educational outreach, and networking opportunities to help women achieve their aviation goals.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Programs like Women in Aviation International’s Girls in Aviation Day and initiatives by the Kentucky Bluegrass 99s help young girls see aviation as a viable and exciting career path. DreamFlight Charities is proud to support these efforts by providing discovery flights, STEM education, and mentorship opportunities for young women interested in aviation.
From pioneers like Willa Brown to modern-day leaders like Betty Moseley, Kentucky’s women have made incredible contributions to aviation. Organizations like Women in Aviation International and the Kentucky Bluegrass 99s ensure that the next generation of female aviators has the support they need to soar. As we celebrate Women in Aviation Week, let’s continue to recognize and uplift the women who make Kentucky’s aviation industry stronger, more diverse, and innovative.