Meet Gladys Ingle, Aviation Trailblazer Who Redefined Aerial Stunts

Gladys Ingle was an icon in the world of aviation, defying gravity and stereotypes with her exceptional skill as a wing walker and aerial stunt performer. As the fourth licensed female pilot in the United States and the only woman in the renowned aerobatics team, the 13 Black Cats, Ingle left an indelible mark on aviation history. 

Early Life and an Affinity for Risk

Born on March 28, 1899, in Walla Walla, Washington, Gladys Ingle demonstrated an adventurous streak from an early age. Growing up in Oregon, she walked on fences, crafted towering stilts, and raced motorcycles—activities that shaped her future as a daredevil. Her fearless nature eventually led her to Southern California, where she pursued a career in aviation.

Breaking Barriers in the Skies

Ingle’s aviation journey began in 1921, when she and her sister Ann performed parachute jumps from balloons as part of the C.P.O. Aerial Circus. A year later, she transitioned to aerial stunts involving airplanes, marking the beginning of a career that would see her become an internationally renowned daredevil.

She made history by becoming the fourth woman in the United States to earn a pilot’s license, a remarkable achievement in an era when aviation was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Her expertise extended beyond flying—she became an exceptional wingwalker, performing breathtaking stunts that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Female Quotient® (@femalequotient)

The 13 Black Cats: A League of Aerial Daredevils

Gladys Ingle’s reputation as a fearless performer led her to become the only female member of the 13 Black Cats, an elite group of stunt pilots and aerial performers. The team was known for executing daring feats at high altitudes, often for Hollywood films and air shows.

One of her most astonishing stunts involved transferring from one airplane to another mid-air—more than 300 times throughout her career. Another involved replacing a missing wheel on a plane while it was still flying, a feat that required not just immense bravery but also incredible balance and precision. Footage of this has since become legendary.

Fearless Feats: Archery, Loops, and Crashes

Ingle’s daredevilry extended beyond plane-to-plane transfers. She performed archery while wing walking, shooting arrows at targets mid-flight. She also stood on an aircraft’s wing while it executed a "loop-the-loop", a high-risk stunt that could easily turn fatal.

Despite the dangers, Ingle remained unfazed. When asked if she ever felt fear, she famously remarked, "Nothing to it at all, nothing to it." Her nonchalant attitude towards extreme stunts only added to her legendary status.

Throughout her career, she experienced multiple forced landings and plane crashes, yet she always emerged stronger.

Hollywood and the Silver Screen

Beyond airshows and live performances, Ingle also worked in Hollywood, doubling for movie stars in high-risk aerial sequences. Her stunts contributed to the golden age of aviation cinema, helping create some of the most thrilling moments captured on film during the 1920s and 1930s.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from stunt flying, Ingle settled in Southern California and later moved to Arroyo Grande, California, to live with her daughter Bonnie. She passed away on October 27, 1981, but her legacy as an aviation pioneer endures.

Today, pictures and films of Gladys Ingle are preserved in aviation museums and at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, ensuring that future generations recognize her contributions to the history of aviation.

Gladys Ingle was more than just a stunt performer—she was a fearless innovator who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the skies. Her audacity, skill, and unwavering confidence made her a legend in the field of aerobatics.