The WASPs: Paper Airplane Challenge

 By JESSICA AVERY
Programs Coordinator

During World War II, the United States found itself in short supply of male pilots. With most men fighting overseas, the U.S. desperately needed trained pilots for non-combat missions in America. Women throughout our country then answered the call, leading to the creation of the first female squadron. Between 1942 and 1944, more than 1,000 women volunteered their time to become Women Airforce Service Pilots – WASPs for short. ​The head of the WASP program was Jacqueline Cochran, a pioneering aviator who later became the first woman to break the sound barrier!

Initial training for the WASPs took place here in the Houston area and later moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. To apply for service, a woman had to have a civilian’s pilot license, logged 500 hours of flight time, be between 21 and 25 years old and pass an Army Air Corps physical. 

The squadron’s wide variety of aviation duties included ferrying planes to airbases across the country, towing targets for air gunner training, transporting equipment and even testing newly-repaired planes before the men were allowed to fly them again. They were trained to fly every aircraft in the military’s arsenal, including the B-26 and B-29 bombers. However, even though these women were serving their country and piloting military aircraft, they were considered civilians. In June 1944, Army Air Forces Commanding General “Hap” Arnold sought to designate the WASPs as members of the United States military, but the request was denied. Following the end of the war, the WASP squadron disbanded and the women returned home to their families. In 1977, the WASPs were finally granted military status and recognition for their efforts during World War II.

Fifinella

As with all military units, the WASPs needed a mascot! Roald Dahl, who served as pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II, had heard stories of little “gremlins” who were responsible for aviation difficulties like tampering with plane engines. Dahl was inspired to create a children’s story about these mischievous gremlins -- but with a few tweaks.

​In Dahl’s story, Gus Gremlin understands the world situation during World War II. Instead of tampering with aircraft, Gus urges his fellow gremlins to help the RAF by learning about plane engines to help Britain win the war. Dahl even created fairy-like female counterparts to the gremlins known as fifinellas. The name came from a very popular racehorse that “flew” around the racetrack. Dahl’s book became very popular and was eventually optioned by Disney Studios to make into an animated film. One of the WASPs, Byrd Howell Granger, was seeking a way to boost morale, and in 1942, wrote to the Disney company to ask for permission to use the name “Fifinella.”  Not only did she receive permission, but Disney also sent along an illustration from pre-production that they thought would be perfect!  

Paper Airplane Challenge

Now it's your turn to fly a plane! Download the paper airplane instructions here and then create your own fleet! How far can your airplanes fly?