User:Thrifterdrifter/VeraDawnWalker

Vera Dawn Walker was an American aviation pilot.

Early life
Vera Dawn Walker was born on 3 February 1897 in Abilene, Texas. She was known as the "tiny Texan" due to her small frame. Walker was brought up in the cattle ranch industry. Due to her upbringing, she was able to find work as a stand-in for the motion picture industry, often riding horses. Dawn was introduced to aviation during production of the movie "Purple Sage." After her experience she wanted to learn how to fly planes. She used her stand-in money to pay for flight lessons, while working on real estate.

Education
Walker applied to many aviation schools, but was denied to all except for one. She attended the Aerial Corporation of California in 1928.

Achievements
Vera is the eleventh woman in the world to earn the United States Department of Commerce full transport license. She participated in the 1929 Women's Air Derby alongside Ameila Hart and other female pilots.

Death
In 1978 Walker died of leukemia in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 81. She is buried with her parents in Abilene, Texas.