Guide to the Clara Adams Addition Papers

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 ride on the ZR III during one of her test flights. During her many years of flying, Clara Adams flew in free balloons, gliders, Zeppelins, and various passenger aircraft. Although not a pilot, Clara helped to contribute to the advancement of commercial aviation.