Helen Keller execute a lot in her lifetime . Despite becoming deaf - blind at 18 months of eld , she authored multiple books , engaged in outspoken activism and gave lecture around the world . Butdid Helen Keller fly a planer ?
Who Was Helen Keller?
Helen Keller(1880 - 1968 ) was a United States – establish author , activist and educator . The narrative of how a untested , indifferent - blind Keller learn how to read and compose with educational activity from her partiallyblindteacher Anne Sullivan ( 1866–1936 ) is one of the world ’s most famous representation of handicap .
But Keller was more than just a symbol . After she graduated from Radcliffe College , Kellerco - foundedthe American Civil Liberties Union and traveled the existence supporting the right of cleaning lady , worker and citizenry with impairment . She also flee an aeroplane in 1946 .
Helen Keller’s Flight
In June 1946 , Helen Keller piloted a four - engine Douglas Skymaster for 20 minute of its route over the Mediterranean Sea from Rome to Paris . Keller , a frequent traveler , was in Europe representing the American Foundation for the Overseas Blind .
How Did Helen Keller Fly a Plane?
The Federal Aviation Administration’smedical standardsrequire airline pilot film to have 20/20 vision in both eyes , so many people are surprised to learn that a deaf - unreasoning person flew a woodworking plane . According to thearticle"Wonderful Helen Keller Flies a Plane , " put out in The Bulletin , Keller piloted the planer with help from her representative , Polly Thomson .
" She sat in the co - pilot film ’s rump , with thepilotbeside her , and I relayed to her his instructions , " Thomson tell The Bulletin . " The plane bunch were amazed at her sore touch on the ascendancy . There was no quivering or palpitation , " Thomson said . " She just sat there and flew the airplane calmly and steady . "
" It was wonderful to feel the soft movement of the aircraft through the controls , " Keller say .
Who Was Polly Thomson?
Mary Agnes " Polly " Thomson ( 1885–1960 ) was Helen Keller ’s voice and companion for 46 years and the somebody who relayed the pilot ’s instructions to Keller when she flew a plane . At the time of the escape , the pair had worked together for 32 long time .
According toPerkins School for the Blind(which both Keller and Sullivan attend ) , Thomson touch Keller through her hairstylist , who cut Sullivan and Keller ’s hair . Thomson enjoyed travel and accompanied Keller on multiple term of enlistment of Europe .
She worked as Keller ’s secretaire and , after Sullivan ’s death in 1936 , do as Keller ’s independent interpreter .
