Rosella Bjornson is a celebrated figure in Alberta’s aviation history, recognized as the first woman to pilot a Canadian jet airliner. She paved the way for women’s empowerment in aviation and played a crucial role in advancing the rights of female pilots, particularly regarding maternity leave and pregnancy accommodations. Her life and career exemplify courage, determination, and a willingness to break barriers. More on iedmonton.
Early Life of Rosella Bjornson
Born in Lethbridge in 1947, Rosella spent her childhood on her father’s farm near Champion. Her future in aviation was evident early on. Growing up, she balanced farm chores with her growing fascination for flying. Her father, a pilot who acquired a two-seater Aeronca Champ after World War II, frequently took the family on flights, sparking Rosella’s lifelong passion for aviation.
Even as a child, she loved sitting on her father’s lap and holding the airplane’s controls. With her father as a mentor, she developed technical skills and confidence, learning to operate tractors and other machinery on the farm. This non-traditional upbringing instilled in her the resilience and determination that would define her career.
Choosing a Career in Aviation
Rosella’s ambition to become a pilot was groundbreaking, as there were no women pilots in North America at the time. At 17, she enrolled in a private pilot training program, which required 35 hours of flight time with an instructor. She earned her license and set her sights on joining an airline. However, Air Canada turned her down because they only hired university graduates.
In 1966, Rosella enrolled at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Geography while continuing to fly during summer breaks.
The Beginning of a Historic Career
In 1970, Rosella moved to Winnipeg to work as a flight instructor, gaining valuable experience required by airlines. Her breakthrough came in 1973 when Transair hired her as a first officer on the F-28, a twin-engine jet. This made her the first woman in North America to serve as a first officer on a jet airliner.
In 1980, after Transair merged with Pacific Western Airlines, Rosella relocated to Edmonton, becoming a first officer on Boeing 737s. By 1990, she achieved the rank of captain and became a member of the Canadian Airline Pilots Association.
Over her career, Rosella logged 18,000 flight hours. Each flight was unique, but one of her most memorable was an early journey from Winnipeg to Churchill, where her proud parents were among the passengers.
Achievements and Recognition
Rosella Bjornson broke gender barriers in a male-dominated field, achieving remarkable milestones with humility. She was honored with the Flight Operations Award from the City of Edmonton and was inducted into the International Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame. In 2015, Canada Post celebrated her legacy with a commemorative stamp.
Rosella’s story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of courage, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of dreams. She not only carved a path for herself but also paved the way for future generations of women in aviation.