Sheila Scott: Forgotten Aviator's Daring Solo Flights

Sheila Scott, born Sheila Hopkins in Worcester in 1922, achieved remarkable feats in aviation, including the longest solo flight around the world in 1966. This journey marked her as the first British person to complete such a circumnavigation. She also holds the distinction of being the third woman globally to achieve this, and was the first person to fly solo over the North Pole in 1971.

Scott's path to aviation was unconventional. After serving as a nurse during World War Two and briefly pursuing acting, she discovered flying in the late 1950s. Despite initial challenges, including a less-than-natural aptitude for flying and driving, her tenacity led her to break over 100 aviation records. Notably, one weekend saw her in the air for 48 hours, setting three records.

Despite her significant accomplishments, Scott's legacy has been largely overlooked. A special event, "The Sensational Life of Sheila Scott: Worcester's Queen of the Skies," is being held at The Hive on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to rectify this. Organizers aim to bring recognition to her achievements, acknowledging the sexist coverage she often faced during her active career.

Scott was not a stranger to public recognition during her lifetime, appearing on Desert Island Discs in 1967 and receiving an OBE in 1968. Her appearance on This Is Your Life in 1974 also brought her to wider attention. Today, efforts are underway to reclaim her story for a new audience, inspired by her complex persona and groundbreaking achievements.