Wally Funk's life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the indomitable human spirit. Her story, a blend of adventure, determination, and sheer grit, is a captivating narrative that deserves to be told and celebrated. In this article, I will delve into the remarkable journey of this aviation pioneer, exploring her groundbreaking achievements, the challenges she faced, and the lasting impact she had on the world of aviation and beyond.
A Life in Aviation
Wally Funk's love for aviation was evident from a young age. Born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, she grew up in the town of Taos, where her parents ran a five and dime store. Her childhood was filled with outdoor adventures, and she developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. At the age of five, she began her journey with aviation, jumping from a barn onto a bale of hay wearing a Superman cape. This early experience ignited a passion that would shape her entire life.
Funk's determination to pursue aviation was unwavering. She quit high school at 16 when she was not allowed to take classes in mechanical drawing instead of home economics. She enrolled at Stephens College, a private all-women's college in Missouri, where she studied aviation. Her academic prowess led her to Oklahoma State University, where she competed for the aviation team, the Flying Aggies. After earning her bachelor's degree, she became a civilian flight instructor at the Fort Sill military base in Oklahoma.
Despite her impressive qualifications, Funk faced significant barriers as a woman in the aviation industry. No major airline would hire female pilots, so she became an instructor and charter pilot at Hawthorne airport in California. Her resilience and determination, however, allowed her to overcome these obstacles and forge a successful career in aviation.
Breaking Barriers
Funk's achievements in aviation were groundbreaking. At 20, she became the US military's first female flight instructor. In 1971, she was appointed as the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) first female flight inspector, and three years later, she became the first woman instructor for the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB). These accomplishments were a testament to her skill, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
However, Funk's greatest dream was to become an astronaut. In 1960, she discovered that the young pilot Jerrie Cobb had been tested for spaceflight, and she joined the Mercury 13 program, which became the first all-female group to undergo the same training and testing as the seven American men chosen as Mercury astronauts. Despite her exceptional performance, including spending 10 hours and 35 minutes in an isolation tank and having three feet of rubber tubing shoved down her throat, NASA was not prepared to send a woman into space. They would only accept USAF pilots, who were all male.
Funk's rejection by NASA was a significant setback, but it did not break her spirit. She trained in Russia at the Yuri Gagarin Centre in Star City near Moscow and returned there in 2000 to do zero-gravity weightless training in a specially equipped Ilyushin 76 cargo plane. Her determination to become an astronaut remained unwavering, and she continued to push the boundaries of what was possible for women in space.
A Historic Flight
In 2021, Funk's dream finally came true. She was invited to join Jeff Bezos and his brother on a sub-orbital flight on Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft. At 82, she became the oldest person to fly into space, breaking her own record. The flight was a significant milestone, not only for Funk but also for women in aviation and space exploration. She took with her a helmet and goggles worn by the famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart, a fitting tribute to the pioneering women who came before her.
Funk's historic flight was a testament to her resilience and determination. She had waited a long time to finally get up there, and her joy and excitement were palpable. Blue Origin said on her death that they were humbled to be part of her journey. Her achievement was a powerful reminder that age is just a number and that dreams are never too late to pursue.
A Lasting Legacy
Wally Funk's life and achievements have left a lasting legacy. She was elected to the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame in 1995 and joined the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington in 2017. Her memoir, 'Higher, Faster, Longer,' was published in 2020, and a young person's book based on her life was published in 2025. Her story has inspired generations of women to pursue their dreams and break barriers in their own fields.
Funk's impact extended beyond aviation. She was a pilot for Sierra Pacific Airlines and a spokesperson and inspirational speaker, especially for women's equality in the workplace. Her belief that 'nothing has ever gotten in my way' and her determination to overcome obstacles have become a mantra for many. Her life is a powerful reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
Conclusion
Wally Funk's life was a testament to the power of the human spirit. Her achievements in aviation and space exploration were groundbreaking, and her impact on the world of aviation and beyond will be felt for generations to come. Her story is a reminder that dreams are never too late to pursue and that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. From her early adventures in Taos to her historic flight on Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft, Funk's life was a captivating narrative that deserves to be told and celebrated. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate people around the world to push the boundaries of what is possible and to never give up on their dreams.
