Betty Skelton, First Lady of Aerobatics

Aerobatics legend and International Aerobatics Club Hall of Fame member Betty Skelton – the “First Lady of Aerobatics” – died at her home in Winter Park, Florida, September 1, 2011, at the age of 85. Skelton was a pioneer aerobatic competitor and air show performer, winning the U.S. National Female Aerobatic Championships for three straight years (1948-1950). She flew the Pitts Special “Lil Stinker,” designed by Curtis Pitts, which is now displayed in the National Air and Space Museum collection. Skelton also flew in the Cleveland National Air Races and achieved speed records in a P-51 Mustang (421.6 mph) and an altitude mark of 29,050 feet in a Piper J-3 Cub.