March 16, 1928 Louise Thaden lifted off in Oakland, California, flying 22 hours, 3 minutes, 28 seconds, setting a new women’s Endurance Record. Less than one month later teenager Elinor Smith smashed her record with a new tally of 26 1/2 hours. Thaden went on to become one of the first female professional pilots, winning the first Powder Puff Derby, setting a midair refueling record of eight days and four hours, and winning the prestigious Bendix Trophy race.
