CAF Member Julie Clark Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame
Dallas,TX ( March 28, 2025) – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) proudly celebrates Julie Clark's induction into the prestigious National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) Class of 2025. Clark, a trailblazing pilot and longtime CAF member, has left a lasting mark on the aviation world through her remarkable dedication to flying.
Clark’s journey in aviation began at a young age when she first flew with her airline captain father in a DC-3. She soloed at age 21 and earned her licenses through ATP, eventually instructing in a Navy flying club in T-34 Mentor aircraft. Her professional career took off in 1976 when she was hired by Golden West Airlines. She made history as one of the first women pilots to fly for a major airline, joining Hughes Airwest. Through mergers, she continued to break barriers, ultimately retiring as a captain at Northwest Airlines.
Before women could officially become Colonels, she was a staple performer at CAF Headquarters in Harlingen. In the 1980s, when the CAF finally allowed women to become Colonels, she was one of the first. Clark’s passion for aviation extended beyond the commercial sector. She owned and restored several aircraft, including a Beech T-34 she purchased as military surplus, meticulously bringing it to airshow-ready status. She spent over a decade performing at airshows nationwide, including the legendary EAA AirVenture and CAF AIRSHO, mesmerizing audiences with daytime aerobatics and nighttime shows featuring colored smoke and fireworks from her wingtips.
With over 34,000 flight hours, she has earned dozens of prestigious awards for showmanship and service to women’s and children’s groups. Clark continues to give back to the aviation community through mentoring, scholarships, and her nonprofit work, inspiring future generations of pilots. She is also a charter member of ISA+21, an organization dedicated to the advancement of female airline pilots.
Clark’s induction into the NAHF solidifies her place among aviation’s greats. The CAF congratulates her on this well-deserved honor and celebrates her lifelong dedication to aviation. Her legacy serves as a beacon for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts everywhere.
