Episode Details

Wally Funk, aviation’s fearless trailblazer, has died at 87, leaving behind a legacy that soared far beyond the clouds. A pioneer who shattered gender barriers in aviation and space, she aced NASA’s astronaut tests in 1961—only to be denied entry due to sexism. Undeterred, she became the first female FAA inspector, first female air safety investigator, and trained 3,000 pilots with 30,000+ flight hours. At 82, she finally flew to space with Blue Origin, describing the launch as “amazing.” Honored with inductions into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame, she inspired generations—especially girls—to chase their dreams, no matter the odds. Her life proves: courage knows no expiration date.

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