Eagle Biography

Barbara Erickson London

Many considered flying a "man's job" but women such  as Barbara Erickson London had the skills and dedication that gave our country  the boost it needed to win World War II in the air. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, London entered the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) while at the University   of Washington. One of  only four women in a class of 40, she quickly soloed and soon received her  private license. Pushed on by the thrill of flying, she rapidly earned commercial and instructor ratings. Identified as a superior pilot, London remained at the university as a CPTP instructor. Later, she won the Northwest Region competition for the outstanding CPTP pilot.

In 1942, with the nation at war, London joined the Women's Auxiliary Ferry Squadron, later  known as the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), at Wilmington, Delaware.  An original member of the 2d Ferry Group, she trained in Piper Cubs and other aircraft until sent to Long Beach,   California, to activate the 6th  Ferry Group. London,  as squadron commander, organized and trained a cohesive unit, upgrading only  the best aviators to more complex aircraft. She classified pilots by aircraft  type: single engine, multiengine, light bomber, four engine, or pursuit. London flew the entire range  of fighters, bombers, and transports, including the P-51 Mustang, P-38  Lightning, C-54 Skymaster, B-25 Mitchell, and    B-17 Flying Fortress .

In 1943, she was  awarded the Air Medal by General "Hap" Arnold, commanding general,  USAAF, for meritorious achievements in aerial flight and significant  contributions as a WASP. Political decisions led to the deactivation of the WASPs  in December 1944. This emotional event ended a truly outstanding phase in  women's aviation and marked London's  temporary separation from the military. In 1948, in recognition of her World War  II service, she received a direct commission to major in the Air Force Reserve.  Later, Barbara Erickson married Jack London, Jr., whom she had met in the Ferry  Command. With him and several other veterans, she formed a new company, United  States Aviation, combining a flight school, charter service, and aircraft parts  sales, but sold it when the Korean War separated the partners. London then served as executive secretary and  board member for the "Powder Puff Derby" the famed all-woman  transcontinental air race-an association she continued until the mid-1960s. 

Returning to the retail aircraft business, she helped build Barney Frazier  Aircraft, Inc. London's aviation legacy  is apparent in her two daughters who are also pilots.  Terry London  Rinehart was the first female pilot hired by Western Airlines in 1975 and retired  from Delta after 29 years and Kristy Ardizzone is an executive for Jet Blue.  Four of London's grandchildren are also pilots.