WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Washington County, Utah)
VICTORIA "VICKI" VAN METER
(record setting young pilot)
BIOGRAPHY
Victoria Louise "Vicki" Van Meter was born March 13, 1982 in Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. She grew up there and took her first flying lesson at the age of 10.In September 1993, at the age of 11, Vicki was the youngest female pilot to fly across the United States. She flew a Cessna 172 2,900 miles from Augusta ME to San Diego CA.
In June 1994, at the age of 12, she flew across the Atlantic in a single engine Cessna 210 from Augusta ME to Glasgow Scotland. She then continued on to London England, Paris France, and Frankfurt Germany on a goodwill tour.
After her flights, Vicki spoke across the country to people of all ages encouraging them to follow their dreams. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from Edinboro University in Edinboro PA. After graduating, she served in the United States Peace Corps in the country of Moldova, taking pride in personal sacrifice and hard work. Vicki was an animal rights advocate, and an environmentalist, as well as a supporter of women’s and children’s rights.
Vicki enjoyed hiking in the red rocks and canyons of southern Utah where her family now resides.
Sadly, Vicki passed away on March 13, 2008, but the inspiration that she brought to others through her amazing accomplishments at such a young age still lives on.
FAMILY
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Parents and Siblings:
James "Jim" Van Meter Corinne Van Meter Elizabeth Van Meter Daniel Van Meter Victoria "Vicki" Van Meter |
PHOTOS
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This statue is in the lobby of the St. George Municipal Airport
REFERENCES
Vicki Van Meter official websiteWikipedia article on Vicki Van Meter
Vicki Van Meter's Arete Superlative Performance Award
For the full program, click here
Sports People: Vicki Van Meter
Article by Franz Lidz
Sports Illustrated, June 6, 1994, pp. 56-57
Vicki Van Meter - Summer Fun Reading Program bookmark
Taking Flight - My Story
Book by Vicki Van Meter with Dan Gutman
Viking - The Penguin Group, 1995
The Little Girl Who Wanted To Fly, The Incredible True Story of Vicki Van Meter
Book by Corinne Van Meter
Victoria Press, 2013
Vicki Van Meter Obituary
Find-A-Grave entry for Victoria L. "Vicki" Van Meter