Adams, Clara, Mrs., 1884-1971

Abstract

Adams was associated with many aeronautical figures of international distinction, mainly early women aviators. Her personal friendship with Dr. Hugo Eckener of Germany as well as passage on experimental and inaugural Zeppelin flights, such as the Graf Zeppelin and Hindenburg, led to her becoming a proponent of lighter-than-air travel.

Abstract Clara Adam’s main claim to fame is that she holds many firsts for women in aviation, not as a pilot, but as a paying passenger. Her first flight came in March 1914 at Lake Eustis, Florida where she went up in a Thomas Flying Boat piloted by Walter E. Johnson. This flight sparked an interest in aviation that lasted the rest of her life. Clara was introduced to Lighter-Than-Air transportation through a letter of introduction by General Paul von Hindenburg to Dr. Hugo Eckener. She was given a...