Published: 5/27/2019 10:15:02 AM
NORTHAMPTON — Carrying on the legacy of legendary local pilot Mary Shea, 16-year-old Adele Jordan will step out of a Cessna 152 biplane dozens of times over the course of the next year, just as Shea did one sunny afternoon last year shortly before she died.
Shea, who died of complications from knee surgery last May at the age of 86, was a celebrated figure in the western Massachusetts aviation community for around half a century. Born and raised in Holyoke, she was a decorated pilot and beloved teacher who also founded the Eastern New England chapter of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots.
As the recipient of the Mary Shea Wright Flight Memorial Scholarship, Jordan will take to the skies once a week for 12 months, working to earn her private pilot license. It is the first time the scholarship, provided by the Northampton Airport, has ever been awarded.
A sophomore at Northampton High School, Jordan first became interested in flying when she learned about her family’s history in the field. Her grandfather flew as a hobby but also worked in aviation as an engineer.
“He was an engineer for jet engines during World War II and after. That definitely played a major role in why I applied for this and why I feel passionate about this,” said Jordan, who attended Northampton Airport Wright Flight at JFK Middle School, a 10-week afterschool program that teaches students about aviation.
The scholarship, advertised at both Northampton High School and Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, offers female students 16 and over the opportunity to earn a private pilot license, including ground instruction, flight instruction, materials, a medical certificate and a flight test.
Knowing of Jordan’s passion for STEM and adventurous attitude, her friends encouraged her to apply.
“I decided that I should just give it a shot,” Jordan said.
After a round of interviews with multiple candidates, the Northampton Airport decided that Jordan should be the one to follow in Shea’s footsteps.
“One of Mary Shea’s pet projects was to get females to come out and learn to fly and get their pilot’s licenses, even if they don’t necessarily turn it into a career,” said Rich MacIsaac, Northampton Aeronautics Inc. airport manager. “We thought it was important to take that legacy and try to continue that.”
“In the whole aviation industry, females make up a very small percentage of pilots, particularly in the career field,” MacIsaac added, emphasizing the importance of the scholarship and encouraging women to fly.
Although she hasn’t settled on a profession, Jordan is eyeing the fields of chemistry, engineering and aviation.
“I definitely want to go into STEM because that’s what I’m most passionate about, but there are endless possibilities, and I’m not sure where I’ll go,” she said.
Since a pilot license can only be earned at 17 years old, Jordan’s training aligns well with the 12-month training schedule. MacIsaac called this year’s scholarship “a pilot project” for future years and said that the airport plans to offer it again for years to come.