Cindy Dees, an accomplished pilot and author, has co-written a book entitled ‘Where the Skies Begin’, alongside Mary Wine, that pays tribute to the pioneering women of aviation. The book is inspired by the remarkable feats of female aviators who participated in the historic 1929 Women’s Air Derby, a race that marked a significant breakthrough for women in the field of aviation.
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Reflecting on her journey, Dees acknowledges the profound impact these trailblazing women had on her own career. From an early age, her affinity for flying took shape, as she began flying at just three years old and obtained her pilot’s licence before she was legally able to drive. “The courage and tenacity displayed by these women in 1929, navigating fragile aircraft across America, is a legacy that I truly honour. They demonstrated that women could be just as skilled and daring in the cockpit as their male counterparts,” she remarked.
Dees, who served as a U.S. Air Force pilot, has flown missions across numerous countries in a massive C-5 cargo aircraft. The collaboration with co-author Mary Wine, a notable historical fiction writer and skilled martial artist, added a personal dimension to the storytelling. Their accounts aim not only to celebrate past accomplishments but also to educate readers about the evolution of flying, highlighting safety and engineering advancements within the aviation industry.
Statistical data indicates that around two-thirds of people experience fear of flying, a sentiment that Dees can understand intimately. However, she reassures potential passengers by asserting that commercial air travel is 190 times safer than driving. In an effort to alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding air travel, Dees also shared ten compelling facts about flying, which she believes could help ease concerns.
One intriguing fact revolves around the so-called “black box,” which is officially bright orange to aid visibility post-accident. These flight recorders are designed to endure incredibly harsh conditions, including extreme heat and a significant amount of pressure, making them remarkably durable.
Additionally, the physical effects of flying can alter the way food tastes. Dees explained that cabin pressure can dull taste buds, particularly the perception of saltiness, by as much as 30%. Consequently, airlines often enhance meal flavouring to accommodate the high-altitude dining experience.
Weather phenomena also play a surprising role in aviation. It is estimated that a typical commercial aircraft is struck by lightning roughly once a year. Thanks to modern engineering techniques, aircraft are now designed to allow electrical charges to flow harmlessly through the structure, thus eliminating significant risks associated with lightning strikes.
Another interesting aspect of airplane design is the small hole at the bottom of aircraft windows, often overlooked by passengers. This “breather hole” serves a crucial function by equalising the pressure between the inner and outer panes of glass, reinforcing the outer pane’s structural integrity under cabin pressurisation.
Many people may believe that a passenger could open an aircraft door mid-flight, but Dees assures us this is a misconception. The pressure inside the cabin is so significant that it would require extraordinary strength to pull open a door, far exceeding the capability of any individual.
Reflecting on aviation history, Dees highlighted that the Wright brothers’ inaugural 1903 flight was a mere 120 feet long, a distance that is considerably smaller than the wingspan of modern aircraft. This demonstrates how far aviation has come since those early days.
Interestingly, only about 5% of the world’s population has ever flown, making it a unique experience enjoyed by a select group. For those who do fly, Dees warns that alcohol can affect individuals differently; one drink at altitude has the same impact as two drinks at sea level due to reduced oxygen levels and lower humidity in the cabin.
Dees concludes by expressing her excitement for the publication of ‘Where the Skies Begin’ on July 28, encouraging readers to embrace the stories of these courageous women. The book is now available for pre-order and serves as a remarkable tribute to those who laid the foundational stones for future female aviators.
Through her work and insights, Dees not only pays homage to the past but also inspires a new generation to take to the skies, continuing the legacy of those pioneering women who dared to dream.