In 1911 journalist Harriet Quimby {1875-1912} became the first woman in the United States to earn a pilot's license. Although her career in aviation was brief, she made a series of notable flights, including the first night flight by a woman. On April 16, 1912, Quimby became the first woman to fly solo across the challenging English Channel. She published hundreds of articles about flying and about women's issues.