Jackie Cochran: Pilot in the Fastest Lane

"In Doris Rich s latest aviation biography, barefoot, illiterate Bessie Pittman reinvents herself as Jacqueline Cochran, the brash beautician who set more speed and altitude records than any pilot in history. . . . Rich illuminates the lesser-known facts of this under-appreciated pioneer and lights a belated candle for her too."--Air and Space

History has proven Earhart to be the favorite, but Cochran undoubtedly was the superior pilot: determined to be not just the best woman pilot but to be the best pilot, period, she broke countless aviation records for speed, altitude, and distance. . . . Rich gives Cochran her rightful place in aviation history. Publishers Weekly

Often combative and abrasive, Cochran is a true American legend, and Rich s biography will ensure that Cochran s contributions will not be forgotten. Booklist

At the time of her death on August 9, 1980, Jacqueline Jackie Cochran recipient of America s Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Legion of Merit held more speed, altitude, and distance records (200-plus) than any other pilot, male or female, in the history of aviation. . . . Rich reminds us that this remarkable lady, despite her shortcomings, reached Mach 2 twice the speed of sound piloting a Lockheed F-104 at the tender age of 58. Library Journal