Jerrie Mock — LLMpedia

Jerrie Mock
Name	Jerrie Mock
Birth date	September 22, 1925
Birth place	Newark, Ohio, United States
Death date	September 30, 2014
Death place	Quincy, Florida, United States
Nationality	American
Known for	First woman to fly solo around the world
Occupation	Aviator

Contents

Jerrie Mock Geraldine "Jerrie" Mock was an American aviator who became the first woman to fly solo around the world. Her 1964 flight in a single-engine aircraft garnered international attention from aviation communities such as Experimental Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and National Air and Space Museum. Mock's accomplishment intersected with contemporaries including Amelia Earhart, Beryl Markham, Jacqueline Cochran, and organizations such as the Civil Aeronautics Authority.

Early life and education

Geraldine Mock was born in Newark, Ohio and raised in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Ohio residents connected to regional institutions like Ohio State University, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Licking County, and local civic groups. She attended Ohio State University and was influenced by mid-20th century American aviators such as Amelia Earhart and military aviation figures like Charles Lindbergh. Her formative years coincided with national developments involving Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Army Air Forces, and regional flight schools affiliated with organizations like the Civil Aeronautics Authority.

Mock trained in light aircraft at local flight schools and earned pilot certifications recognized by agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and predecessor organizations including the Civil Aeronautics Board. Her early flying connected her with pilot networks such as the Women Airforce Service Pilots alumni, regional chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and clubs in Columbus, Ohio. She logged hours flying single-engine craft like models from Cessna, Piper Aircraft, and maintenance support provided by firms such as Lycoming Engines and Continental Motors, Inc..

In March 1964 Mock departed on a solo circumnavigation that paralleled historic flights by Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. Her journey began and ended at Port Columbus International Airport and traversed international airspaces regulated by authorities including International Civil Aviation Organization protocols and customs of countries such as Canada, Iceland, England, Spain, Morocco, Nigeria, India, Thailand, Japan, Alaska, and United States. The flight drew coverage from media outlets like The New York Times, Time (magazine), Life (magazine), and broadcast networks such as ABC and NBC.

Mock flew a single-engine Cessna 180 nicknamed "Charlie," maintained with parts from manufacturers including Cessna, Lycoming Engines, and navigation gear by firms such as Bendix Corporation and Garmin predecessors. Her route included takeoffs and landings at airports like Gander International Airport, Shannon Airport, Heathrow Airport, Barajas Airport, Lagos Airport, Colombo International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and remote airstrips in Alaska. Flight planning involved map resources from the U.S. Geological Survey and meteorological briefings from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration services.

Following her circumnavigation, Mock received accolades from aviation institutions including the National Aeronautic Association, the Federal Aviation Administration, and recognition from civic bodies such as the Ohio Governor office and United States Congress members. Her achievement prompted comparisons to Amelia Earhart, led to exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum, and inspired aviation programs at Ohio State University and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Awards and honors paralleled those given by organizations like the Aero Club of America and public commendations from figures such as President Lyndon B. Johnson and state governors.

Mock married and balanced family responsibilities with aviation activities, interacting with communities in Columbus, Ohio, Gunnison County, and later residing in Florida where she engaged with organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), and local museums. In later years she collaborated with archival institutions like the Library of Congress, donated materials to the National Air and Space Museum, and participated in events alongside aviators such as Bob Hoover, Chuck Yeager, and members of the Women in Aviation International community.

Mock's flight has been the subject of biographies, museum displays, and media profiles appearing in outlets like The New York Times, Life (magazine), and television documentaries produced by public broadcasters such as PBS. Her airplane "Charlie" has been exhibited in institutions including the National Air and Space Museum and regional museums associated with Ohio History Connection. Cultural recognition aligned her name with historic aviators like Amelia Earhart and led to commemorative events organized by groups such as the Experimental Aircraft Association and Women in Aviation International.

Category:1925 births Category:2014 deaths Category:American aviators Category:Aviation pioneers Category:People from Newark, Ohio