Jackie Cochran: Pilot in the Fastest Lane

"In Doris Rich’s latest aviation biography, barefoot, illiterate Bessie Pittman reinvents herself as Jacqueline Cochran, the brash beautician who set more speed and altitude records than any pilot in history. . . . Rich illuminates the lesser-known facts of this under-appreciated pioneer and lights a belated candle for her too."--Air and Space

 

“History has proven Earhart to be the favorite, but Cochran undoubtedly was the superior pilot: determined to be not just the best woman pilot but to be the best pilot, period, she broke countless aviation records for speed, altitude, and distance. . . . Rich gives Cochran her rightful place in aviation history.”—Publishers Weekly

“Often combative and abrasive, Cochran is a true American legend, and Rich’s biography will ensure that Cochran’s contributions will not be forgotten.”—Booklist

 

“At the time of her death on August 9, 1980, Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran—recipient of America’s Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Legion of Merit—held more speed, altitude, and distance records (200-plus) than any other pilot, male or female, in the history of aviation. . . . Rich reminds us that this remarkable lady, despite her shortcomings, reached Mach 2—twice the speed of sound—piloting a Lockheed F-104 at the tender age of 58.”—Library Journal