CHARLOTTE HAMMOND

     Charlotte Hammond was a pilot, flight instructor, and a member of the Ninety-Nines (The International Women Pilot Organization).  Charlotte earned her private pilot’s license with the help of the Captain Semmes Scholarship administered by the

Imperial So-Lo 99s.  She became an FAA designated written exam administrator and was on on the board of directors of the San Diego Aerospace Museum.

     Charlotte was driving to Imperial Airport to give a flying lesson when a farming truck pulled out in front of her, causing a fiery collision that cost her both her hands and feet.  After her accident, this thirty-one year-old, El Centro, California native, vowed to return as much as possible to her old life.  She learned to walk with prostheses and drove a specially equipped pick-up trunk.  Charlotte took French lessons, studied art and literature, and was preparing to begin classes at the California Western School of Law in San Diego.   She also became a member of the Handicapped Pilots Association.  Charlotte died from a lung aliment on August 21, 1992 at thirty-one years of age.

     Charlotte Hammond will always have a special place in the hearts of all of the

Imperial So-Lo 99s.   She will always be remembered for her long fascination with flying; she would often say,  “ I like the sense of freedom,”  it offers.