Charlotte Sullivan Kelley

Charlotte Sullivan Kelley. Charlotte lived a life full of accomplishments. She was born April 8th, 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts, daughter of Leontine and Gene F. Sullivan. Aviation was her forte. She was a stewardess for American Airlines, but took flying lessons during her time off. She first soloed an airplane in 1945 and by 1955 had acquired 9 ratings, from multi-engine, commercial, instrument, seaplane, helicopter to Hot Air Balloon. She was the first Woman to be appointed Commissioner of Aeronautics in the U.S. (in 1956 by the Governor of Massachusetts). She has been honored by four past FAA administrators and two presidents, Charlotte flew in transcontinental Air Races, flew Air Force Jets, and was one of the first women flying US aircraft to break the sound barrier. A founding member of the "Ninety-nines", an organization begun by Amelia Earhart, the name taken from the 99 woman pilots who were at the forefront of aviation at the time. But she was most skilled in a Helicopter. She was an initial member of the "Whirly Girls" (#21) in 1955. One of six selected to represent the United States in four World Competitions, placing second in the world in Russia, 1978. U.S.A. Team photos are on display in the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C. She was the first woman rated as test pilot to fly the Lockheed-Hughes "Rigid Rotor" (prototype of the military "Cheyenne.") She became Chief Judge for the U.S., judging several times throughout the year at Ft. Rucker, Alabama (Main Base for U.S. Army Helicopter operations). She was finally certified by the FAI as an International Judge and served, for the U.S., as Chief Judge for the World Competition in England, 1984. One of her most memorable events, that took place a number of years ago, was meeting Igor Sikorsky, inventor of the helicopter and his son Sergei, who himself, has been most generous in connection with nonprofit groups such as the Whirly Girls, who provide scholarships and guaranteed employment with large helicopter companies to continue their advancement in the field. Charlotte has been in charge of the Whirly Girls Scholarship Program, working on the program as long as she was able. Charlotte donated her time in the Phoenix area as well, in many charitable groups, too numerous to mention. But with all that she accomplished, she took her children with her on many of her adventures meeting other pioneers of her time. Survived by: Brian E. Kelley (son) and Melanie P. Kelley (daughter); Jeff, Brian, Kenny, and Katie (Grandchildren). Later in life, her favorite "project" has been the time spent with her four grandchildren, to whom she is simply "No No." Charlotte will be missed by all who knew her and there can be no argument that she was "one of a kind." Brief Memorial Service Tuesday, September 3rd, 2008, 4:00 P.M. at Brophy Chapel, 4701 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85012. Internment will be at a later date in Boston. Donations in lieu of flowers to St. Judes Childerns Hospital or Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Ave, Suite, A10, Phoenix, AZ, 85021.