and that was what really got me going!"
    Before long Betty, mom, and dad were all taking flying lessons. Then, at the age of 12, Betty talked a young Navy Ensign into permitting her to solo. Four years later, when she turned 16, Betty received her CAA pilot’s license. At the time, she may have been the most experienced newly licensed pilot in the world!
    In the ensuing years, under the guidance of Clem Whittenbeck, one of the most famous aerobatic pilots of the 1930s, Betty learned the art and science of aerobatic flying. She rapidly blossomed into an accomplished performer. In fact, it was only two weeks after Whittenbeck taught her some rudimentary tricks that Betty gave her initial public performance at a local air show. "My first show I