Amelia Earhart made her first independent mark on aviation history by flying solo across the Atlantic on May 20-21, 1932. In 1937 she tried to become the first female pilot to fly around the world. During her journey across the Pacific, her plane vanished.

Earhart's flannel-lined leather flying suit provided her with extra warmth. Such suits were essential for long-distance flights. Early airplanes offered scant protection from the elements, especially the icy cold at altitudes of 20,000 ft. (6096 m).