Code,401002
Subject,Connie Luhta
Date,6/16/2010
Interviewer,Michelle Epps
Abstract,"Connie Luhta is the president of the International Women's Air & Space Museum. She was an air race pilot during the 1960s and 1970s, including the Powder Puff Derby and Angel Derby. She currently manages the Concord Airport in Concord Township, an airport she and her late husband owned."
Special Notes,
minutes:,0:22:37
0,"Intro, grew up in Painesville, Ohio. Her father wanted a boy so he allowed her to do anything she wanted."
1,"Mentions doing things typically boys would do, majored in Chemistry in college. Discusses how she became interested in flying."
2,"Received her license in 1961, describes the experience of earning her pilot's license."
3,"Describes ""trim."" Finished her lessons at Concord airport. Worked in the research lab of Standard Oil and was able to afford flying lessons with the salary she was earning."
4,"Never owned her own airplane. Her husband own the Concord Air Park, and the airport owned all the planes which allowed her to fly any plane she wanted. Favorite airplane was the Aztec."
5,"Discusses her parents reactions to her earning her pilot's license, her parents were her first passengers."
6,"Talks about the various air races she flew in, began air racing in 1966. Flew in Angel Derby, Powder Puff Derby, and proficiency races."
7,"Mentions her racing co-pilots, particularly Pat Collier."
8,"Discusses ""intersting"" times during the air races. Talks about racing while being pregnant."
9,Talks about where she placed during the air races.
10,Talks about stopping for fuel during races. The times was stopped if you stopped at designated stations. The Powder Puff Derby required you to finish within 4 days.
11,Ate pumpkin bread and cranberry juice while flying. Co-pilot responsible for navigation.
12,Discusses weather conditions for flying.
13,"Talks about being a member of the AOPA, EAA, Ninety-Nines, and other aviation organizations. Served as president of the All-Ohio Chapter for a period."
14,Recounts a story of wearing paper dresses during the air races to cut weight in the plane.
15,Talks about flying with her husband and a friend to get coffee.
16,The best part of flying is being off the ground.
17,Was never afraid of flying. Worked as a flight instructor for a time.
18,Talks about managing the Concord Airport.
19,Became a member of the UFO's (United Flying Octogenarians). Will fly until she loses her medical license.
20,Talks about her daughter not having an interest in flying.
21,Discusses who influenced her the most in aviation.
22,End
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