Born and raised north of Seattle, Washington, Gladys Buroker’s interest in aviation began as a child. At 18, she made her first solo flight after only five hours of instruction. She flew an OX-5 Waco 10 in September 1932. Undoubtedly, her sense of adventure led her to parachute jumping with a barnstorming group. In addition, she learned wing walking and made a motorcycle tour of the 48 states.
Her First Airplane and Licenses
By 1935, Gladys Buroker saved enough money to buy her first plane, a 1933 Travel Air 2000. The plane boasted a Curtis OX-6 water-cooled 100-hp motor with dual ignition. It proved to be a powerful machine. On August 4, 1937, Gladys married her longtime friend and flight instructor, Herb Buroker. In November she passed her written exam and flight test and received her pilot license. Following that achievement, Gladys continued studying and flying to qualify for her commercial certificate and flight instructor rating. By 1938, she logged the 200 hours required for the commercial flight test and passed with flying colors. She also received her flight instructor rating at that time.
World War II
As World War II approached, Gladys Buroker became the first woman instructor at the all-male Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPT) at St. Martin’s College. The outbreak of war resulted in Gladys and her husband moving their pilot inland to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. At that time, the CPT program became part of the War Training Service (WTS). The program possessed 38 flight instructors and 200 students by 1943. The WTS ended in January 1944. Fortunately, the Burokers obtained a contract through the Veterans Administration for veteran flight training.
A Second Career
A hanger fire in 1950 prompted a change of life for the couple. As a result, Gladys embarked on a second career. She became a licensed practical nurse at the Kootenai Memorial Hospital. Despite the career change, she remained actively involved in aviation. She participated in the development of the Henley Aerodrome at Athol, Idaho, a base for vintage airplanes. In 1972, Gladys bought a Semco (9GB) hot air balloon which came equipped with three burners and a wicker basket. She launched the balloon for opening day at the Expo ’74 World’s Fair in Spokane. In addition to planes and balloons, Ellen flew gliders.
Retired, Gladys served as manager of flight operations for Henley Aerodrome. Occasionally, she towed gliders with a Pawnee aircraft or used a Cessna 182 to fly parachutists. At the end of 1990, Gladys retired from her position at Henley. Her passion for flight and indomitable will which sparks all who fly, however, remained a significant part of her life.
Gladys’ autobiography proves to be a good read – Wind in My Face For an exciting and informative video – Northwest Profiles: Gladys Buroker – Bing video