A lot of people have heard of Jackie Cochran and the WASPS. Not so many have heard of Nancy Love and her outfit, the WAFS (Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron). Unlike the WASPS, WAFS pilots all had at least 500 flying hours before they could join. The average WAFS pilot had over 1100 hours of experience. http://www.wasp-wwii.org/wasp/Nancy_Love.htm

The American women pilots provided valuable service during WWII. They ferried everything from trainers to B-29s and fighters from factories to airfields all over the country. They also flew target tugs to train gunners. 38 WASPs died in service during the war. http://www.icct.net/~cahailey/WASP_KIA/38KIA2.html

The Soviets took it even further. They had women combat pilots including several aces. http://www.faa.gov/avr/news/Nexen.htm