Women’s 60‑mile long-distance flight record

In September 1911, Blanche Stuart Scott flew a non‑stop 60‑mile flight from Mineola, New York, establishing what contemporary reports describe as the first women’s long‑distance flight record in America.[3][11] She took off impulsively and remained aloft far beyond her initial plan, landing back at the field after covering the unprecedented distance.

This flight dramatically expanded the known range for women pilots, following her earlier 10‑ and 25‑mile marks. At a time when aircraft reliability was uncertain and navigational aids were minimal, voluntarily flying 60 miles required considerable courage and stamina. The record demonstrated that a woman could manage fuel, engine performance, and situational awareness over a prolonged period, qualities essential for serious aviation.

Scott’s 60‑mile flight drew attention from both the public and aviation insiders. It confirmed her status as a leading aviatrix and helped shift perceptions of women’s capabilities from novelty stunt performers to serious pilots capable of record‑setting feats.[3] Her accomplishment also contributed to the emerging culture of record chasing in aviation, where women would increasingly compete for altitude, speed, and distance honors.

Although the exact day in September is not documented in surviving sources, the feat’s significance is clear: Scott pushed the boundary of how far women could fly in a single hop, making Mineola a landmark in women’s aviation history and inspiring later pilots to pursue even more ambitious long‑distance flights.