Irene Selina Dean-Williams (12 July 1903 – 3 July 1946) was a pioneer aviator. She was the first woman to obtain a commercial pilot license and became the first woman pilot to own an aircraft in

Western Australia Western Australia (WA) is the westernmost state of Australia. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east, and South Australia to the south-east. Western Aust ...

. She is best known for making a record-breaking flight from

Perth Perth () is the list of Australian capital cities, capital city of Western Australia. It is the list of cities in Australia by population, fourth-most-populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth . The ...

Sydney Sydney is the capital city of the States and territories of Australia, state of New South Wales and the List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city in Australia. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Syd ...

Early life

Dean-Williams was born Selina Irene Schmidt and adopted her stepfather’s surname in 1910.

Career

Dean-Williams obtained her private pilot’s licence on 30 May 1931. She then obtained a commercial pilot’s licence in late 1932. Her mother bought her a bi-plane and the renowned Harry “Cannon-Ball” Baker gave her flight instruction. In 1932 she made a record-breaking flight. She was the first woman to fly between Perth and Sydney return. Sponsored by Berlei Clothing Company, Dean-Williams left Perth on 27 March 1932 arriving in Sydney on 20 April 1932. Her return flight left Sydney eight days later. Flying at 80 miles per hour she returned to Perth on 27 April 1932. Dean-Williams died of cancer on 3 July 1946.

Legacy

A building is named after Dean-Williams at

Perth Airport Perth Airport is an international airport, international, domestic airport, domestic and general aviation airport serving Perth, Western Australia. It is the List of the busiest airports in Australia, fourth busiest airport in Australia meas ...

. A collection of her papers was donated to the J.S.Battye Library of West Australian History in 2008.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dean-Williams, Irene 1903 births 1946 deaths Women aviation record holders Australian women aviators Australian aviation record holders