A new book claims that a Briton, who was pregnant while flying alone in her husband’s steerable balloon, should be credited with being the first woman to pilot a flying machine.
Rose Spencer, Rose Spencer’s wife, was an aeronaut who took to the skies above Crystal Palace in south London in July 1902.
The flight occurred 15 months before what is generally believed to have been the first motorized flight by a woman.
Officially, the award goes to Aida de Acosta Root Breckinridge who flew a craft designed by Alberto Santos-Dumont in Paris.
However, Spencer’s flight before that was covered in newspapers at the time. The feat was achieved during trials of a craft her husband had built with the intention to beat Santos-Dumont’s Paris attempt.
A new book claims that a Briton who flew solo in her husband’s steerable ball while she was pregnant should be credited for being the first woman to pilot an airplane. Rose Spencer, Rose Spencer’s wife, was an aeronaut who took to the skies above Crystal Palace in south London in July 1902. Above: Rose and her husband, Stanley Spencer, with Gladys
Sally Smith, a British Australian author, uncovers Rose’s story with her new book, Magnificent Women and Flying Machines.
The Times quoted the author as saying: “It was quite obvious that Britain’s Rose Spencer took flight on her own and flew, hovering above Crystal Palace in south London for just over half an hour before making a very controlled, gentle landing.
“This was one year before Aida De Acosta, the acknowledged pioneer, flew her first flight. I am thrilled that Rose should get the credit she deserves.”
Her book contains quotes from New Zealand newspapers, which reported the original flight.
One dispatch says: Mrs Stanley Spencer has been awarded the honor of being first lady to navigate an aircraft.
“The aerostat behaved admirably and was in perfect control.”
It was 15 months prior to what is generally believed to have been the first motorized flight by a woman. Above: The couple’s midair airship
In 1903, Spencer was mentioned in a Daily Mail report.
Rose’s flight wasn’t officially recorded so it has been overlooked.
France and Brazil hail Santos Dumont as the first to fly a heavier-than air flying machine. In 1906, he did it in his winged aeroplane.
Although the Wright brothers’ plane was more famous, Santos Dumont’s feats were first heavier-than-air flights that were certified by the Aeroclub of France.
Spencer’s machine could only hold one adult. It was made up of a bamboo frame that was suspended below a hydrogen balloon. It was powered from a petrol engine and was steered by a rudder.
In 1903, Spencer was mentioned in a Daily Mail report.
The article stated that Stanley Spencer, the well-known pilot, will attempt to fly his large, new airship from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Crystal Palace and back.
“The first trial will be held next Friday, September 11.”
Sally Smith, a British Australian author, tells Rose’s story through her new book Magnificent women & Flying Machines