Vicki Van Meter Flew Across Country At Age 11
Aero-News was saddened to learn
this week of the passing of Vicki Van Meter, 26, who at the age of
11 flew across the United States.
By most outward appearances, Van Meter led a uniquely varied and
interesting life. In 1993, at the age of 11, Van Meter was an
enthusiastic 11 year-old who took the controls of a Cessna 172, and
flew "solo" -- accompanied by an instructor -- from Augusta, ME to
San Diego, CA. Nine months later, she made a similar trip across
the Atlantic.
Both trips received considerable attention in the media. Van
Meter made the rounds on early-morning talk shows talking about her
flights, was a guest at the White House, and had her picture
displayed at the Smithsonian, according to the Meadville (PA)
Tribune.
Her journeys also touched off a brief wave of similar attempts
by young pilots. In 1994, Van Meter's record as youngest pilot to
fly across the US was broken by a nine-year-old girl. That movement
came to an end, however -- with legislative steps taken to
discourage such "stunt" flights -- following the death of
seven-year-old Jessica Dubroff in 1996.
"I was really rooting for her, but I guess reality says
accidents do happen," Van Meter, then 14, said after Dubroff's accident, reports
The Associated Press. "It's unfortunate it had to happen to someone
so brave, someone trying to fulfill her dreams."
Van Meter stopped flying after her Atlantic crossing -- she
suffered illness brought on by high altitude, turbulence, and
disorientation on both flights -- but she continued to speak of one
day becoming an astronaut. In college, though, Van Meter moved away
from aeronautics, and instead earned a degree in criminal justice.
She also spent two years in the Peace Corps, in the former Soviet
republic of Moldova.
Most recently, Van Meter worked as an investigator for an
insurance company, according to the AP. Her family said Van Meter
battled depression ... but they thought she had it under
control.
Her body was found Sunday, in her home in Meadville. Cause of
death is reported to be from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
This isn't really an aviation story... and isn't the kind of
thing we usually report on ANN. Truth be known, our staff debated
for some time on whether to report this here.
For a brief time, however, Van Meter's ambitions carried her
into the sky. While many within the aviation community take issue
(rightfully so) with the notion of glorifying young children as
pilots... that doesn't detract from the fact Van Meter DID take the
controls, and flew farther than many of us.
One hopes that in death, Vicki Van Meter has finally found
smooth air.
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