The Whirly-Girls also awarded its annual Livingston Award to “Mama Bird” Evelyn Bryan Johnson, Whirly-Girl No. 20. Johnson, who served as manager of the Morristown, Tenn., airport for 50 years and on the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission longer than any other member, has logged more than 57,000 hours instructing students. She received her helicopter rating in 1957, became only the fourth woman in the world to earn her helicopter instructor rating (in 1958) and later received the Carnegie Medal for Heroism when she rescued the pilot of a helicopter that crashed into a power line. At the age of 95, Johnson still flies and has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest time female pilot in history. –K.R.
Perhaps young Elena, you might consider contacting the Whirly Girls and seek advice from some very involved people. Who knows, perhaps one day we might read of your becoming one of them.
