Linda Finch | |
|---|---|
.jpeg) Linda Finch speaks to children during World Flight 1997 in New Orleans | |
| Born | Linda Dueler March 13, 1951 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Other names | Linda Finch Doctor |
| Occupation(s) | Aviator, aviation historian, businesswoman, author, spokesperson |
| Children | 3[1] |
Linda (Dueler) Finch, also known as Linda Finch Doctor (born March 13, 1951), is an American businesswoman, aviator, and aviation historian from San Antonio, Texas. Finch had 30 years of experience in the construction industry, making prefabricated buildings, and operating healthcare facilities. She began her career managing nursing homes in her twenties and owned several nursing homes in her thirties. Finch became a pilot and purchased an airplane that she used in her nursing-home business. She later added construction firms to her portfolio.
Finch's primary aircraft interest was World War II-era planes. She has restored vintage aircraft and has participated in air shows and airplane races. Finch became a member of the Confederate Air Force (now Commemorative Air Force).
Finch is best known for her 1997 World Flight, which recreated (and completed) Amelia Earhart's world-record attempt. She flew a restored 1935 Lockheed Electra 10E, which was the type of plane that Earhart flew in 1937 on her around-the-world attempt. Finch's Electra was modified, with a Global Positioning System, increased fuel capacity, and modern communications equipment. She followed Earhart's route as closely as she could and completed the 26,000-mile trip around the world in 73 days. With Pratt & Whitney (who funded the restoration and flight), Finch established the You Can Soar educational and motivational program, which enabled students in 200,000 classrooms to follow her flight. Its website was viewed 30 million times.
The magazine Flying characterized her as a "Veteran aircraft restorer and accomplished warbird pilot."[2]
- ^ Stewart, Jocelyn Y. (March 18, 1997). "Pilot Sets Out to Finish What Earhart Started". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Flying Mag 1996was invoked but never defined (see the help page).