Previously unpublished letter from Amelia Earhart offers encouragement to teen girl

On Aug. 14, 1933, aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart responded to a letter she received from a teenage girl who dreamed of becoming a pilot. That previously unpublished letter, containing practical advice and encouragement, is now being sold for $15,000.

June Pierson, 13, of Detroit wrote to Earhart, asking her to share the steps she needed to take in order to become a pilot. In her one-page letter, Earhart said Pierson needed to first undergo a physical examination to ensure she could safely fly, and then start taking lessons. She could also take on other jobs in the industry, Earhart wrote, like working as an air hostess or in a factory. "As far as women's opportunities in flying go, I think they will improve as they have in all industries," Earhart said. "Just now there are no pilots on the regular scheduled airlines. Someday I expect there will be." At the end of the letter, Earhart — who would disappear during an around-the-world flight in 1937 — promised to answer any additional questions Pierson might have.

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