1890-1970

American aviator who was the first woman to fly an airplane solo. In 1910 Scott drove an automobile across the United States alone. That achievement emboldened her to ask Glenn Curtiss for flying lessons. Curtiss attempted to thwart Scott's efforts by placing a block on her aircraft's throttle. When the block fell off, Scott's plane rose 40 feet above the ground. The Aeronautical Society of America refused to recognize Scott's flight, claiming it was unintentional. She became a popular stunt pilot.