The Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA, will host a screening of the new documentary The Flight of Jackie Cochran on September 19, followed by a discussion with the film’s director, Jessica Anderson, and producer, Nancy Hasty. The documentary examines the life and legacy of Jackie Cochran, one of the most accomplished aviators of the twentieth century. A contemporary and rival of Amelia Earhart, Cochran established numerous speed, altitude, and distance records during her career and became the first woman to break the sound barrier.
Beyond her record-setting achievements, Cochran played a significant role in advancing opportunities for women in aviation. During WWII, she was instrumental in the creation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), the organization that trained female pilots to support the war effort by ferrying aircraft and performing other non-combat duties. According to the Museum, The Flight of Jackie Cochran explores both her public accomplishments and the personal story behind them. Born into poverty, Cochran carefully reinvented herself as she built a successful career in business and aviation, leaving much of her early life shrouded in mystery. The film examines the determination, ambition, and resilience that helped her overcome social and professional barriers during an era when aviation remained overwhelmingly male-dominated.
Based on a stage play of the same name, the documentary also looks at how one of aviation’s most influential figures gradually faded from public memory despite her long list of accomplishments. Through archival material, historical research, and personal accounts, the film revisits Cochran’s contributions while exploring the personal sacrifices that accompanied her rise to prominence.
The September 19 program begins at 3 p.m. and will conclude with a conversation featuring director Jessica Anderson and producer Nancy Hasty, who will discuss the making of the film and Cochran’s enduring place in aviation history. The screening and discussion are included with regular Museum admission. For more information and to support The Museum of Flight, click on this link: www.museumofflight.org.
