Y2501

Jacqueline Cochran

Women's Aviation Pioneer

Collins Cover Announcement 

JACQUELINE COCHRAN 

Famous Woman Pilot

Aviation, pilots and vintage aircraft are always well received topics on stamps and this new fifty-cent issue depicts a most noteworthy individual. Jacqueline Cochran was honored as the "World's Foremost Aviatrix" in the late 1930's and her accomplishments are extraordinary.

During the summer of 1932 during a vacation from her job as a beautician, she decided that she would learn to fly a plane. She became the first woman to enter the prestigious Bendix Trophy Race from Los Angeles to Cleveland. In 1938 she won it with a time of eight hours and ten minutes. As World War II began, she organized and commanded the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS), served in the Air Force Reserve from 1948 to 1970, and retired with the rank of Colonel. In 1953 Jackie became the first woman to break the sound barrier flying an F-86 sabre jet. In 1964 she piloted a jet at 1429 mph, more than twice the speed of sound. At the time of her death in 1980, she held more speed, altitude, and distance records than any pilot, male or female, in the world.

Throughout the last 28 years of her astonishing aviation career, Cochran founded her own cosmetics firm and served as Chairman of the Board until her death in 1980. Twice she was named the "Woman of the Year in Business".

My hand-painted cachet shows a close-up of the famous pilot with a reproduction of her signature. The year 1933 is indicated as the first year she entered the Bendix Trophy Race thus starting her fabulous career. The plane she flew is also an important part of my cachet. A COLLINS FDC that is a tribute to the woman who conquered the wild blue yonder. Jacqueline Cochran. Item #Y2501. $12.00.

Winter 2026 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 22 Y2501 — Jacqueline Cochran —Aviation Pioneer — 3/9/96

Aviation, pilots, and vintage aircraft are always well received topics on stamps, and this fifty-cent issue depicts a most noteworthy individual. Jacqueline Cochran was honored as the "World's Foremost Aviatrix" in the late 1930s, and her accomplishments are extraordinary. During the summer of 1932 during a vacation from her job as a beautician, Jacqueline decided that she would learn to fly a plane. She became the first woman to enter the prestigious Bendix Trophy Race from Los Angeles to Cleveland. In 1938 she won it with a time of eight hours and ten minutes. As World War II began, she organized and commanded the Women's Air Service Pilots (WASPs), served in the Air Force Reserve from 1948 to 1970, and retired with the rank of Colonel. In 1953 Jackie became the first woman to break the sound barrier flying an F-86 saber jet. In 1964 she piloted a jet at 1429 mph (more than twice the speed of sound), solidifying her legacy as a pioneering aviator. At the time of her death in 1980, she held more speed, altitude, and distance records than any pilot — male or female — in the world.

My hand painted cachet shows a close-up of the famous pilot with a reproduction of her signature. The year 1933 is indicated as the first year she entered the Bendix Trophy Race, thus starting her fabulous career. The plane she flew is also an important part of my cachet. Appearing in one of my mail sales for the first time is my FDC tribute to the woman who conquered the Wild Blue Yonder.