#FlashbackFriday Pictured is pioneering aviator Ruth Elder, circa 1927. That year, Elder became the first woman to attempt a transatlantic flight by airplane. She and her flight instructor and copilot, Capt. George Haldeman, departed New York aboard a Stinson Detroiter named American Girl, bound for Paris. 🛩 ✈ An oil leak forced them to land in the Atlantic, where they were rescued by a passing ship. Although they did not reach Paris, Elder flew 2,623 miles—setting a new distance record for a female pilot. Her story also connects to Venice’s deep aviation roots. Earlier in 1927, Haldeman made one of the earliest recorded flights into Venice, landing on Nassau Street to deliver fresh strawberries to the Hotel Venice. 🍓 A few months later, Haldeman would return to Venice with Miss Ruth Elder to help promote her upcoming transatlantic flight. Their friend and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers’ photographer, Jay Brown, took press photos of the duo over Venice, which would be cir...