Wally Funk: Aviation Pioneer

Flying airplanes was something that Wally Funk seemingly always wanted to do. She had her first flying lesson when she was nine years old and by 20 had become a professional aviator. In 1961 she volunteered for the “Women in Space” program with the hopes of becoming an astronaut. Wally was one of the 13 women who, despite having passed all of the rigorous testing proving they were physically and mentally qualified for space travel, were denied the chance to become astronauts when the program was canceled. Funk continued to dream of going into space and in July of 2021 achieved her dream by flying onboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket.

[@Wings_Museum]

She's so cool! It was amazing to see her go to space on the New Shepard

[@user-bq8ze6ky4x]

Wally was my flight instructor in the 1960s. I worked as a line boy at Wrights Flying Service at Hawthorne Airport where we both worked. She was the best! Will never forget her. It would be nice to see her again. Keith Lindsay

[@07Flash11MRC]

Glad she finally got her flight. She absolutely deserved it. Great woman!

[@DyanaM]

Oh, how I'd love to sit with her and Pancho Barnes, drink beers and listen to their stories. Her spirit and zest for flight are inspirational and heartwarming. This left me with a smile. Thanks!

[@moongurl22]

My goodness, what a life! ❤

[@JustNilt]

She's always been one of my heroes. Such an absolutely amazing person.

[@superioradvocacy2671]

I Have the privilege of knowing wally personally.... She is just an amazing person.

[@sealove79able]

A great interesting video.

[@germb747]

I got to fly w/ Wally in a C172!