"Don't lose Sheila!" A Pioneer at 52.

Sheila Scott was the first pilot, male or female, to fly directly over true North Pole in a light aircraft. She logged three solo flights around the world: 1966, 1971, 1979

Her age at the time of the last flight : 52 years

SOLO FLIGHTS AROUND THE WORLD

Sheila Scott was born April 27, 1927, Worcester, Worcestershire [now in Hereford and Worcester], Eng. and died on October 20, 1988, in London.

Born as Sheila Christine Hopkins, this British aviator broke more than 100 light-aircraft records between 1965 and 1972 and was the first British pilot to fly solo around the world. She was intensely driven and competitive. Not only did she pioneer these solo flights, she attempted to beat records where they could be beaten, including besting her own times. As well, she was fearless, braving challenges that would have stopped today's pilots. Flying alone, she was tracked by the US Navy, who had strict instructions: "Don't lose Sheila!"

For a wonderful site with oodles of additional information on this remarkable woman visit:
http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/scott_sheila.html