Dorothy Rungeling, C.M.
Member of the Order of Canada

On October 10, 2002, Dorothy Rungeling was honored with an appointment to the Order of Canada primarily for her significant achievements in aviation. The Order of Canada recognizes people who have made a difference to Canada. From local citizens to national and international personalities, all Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada -- the country's highest honor for lifetime achievement.

Once billed as "Canada's Flying Housewife", she dared to challenge convention and secured a place in aviation history. From her base at the Welland Airport, she earned her pilot's licence in 1949, followed by her commercial license in 1951, instructor's certification in 1953, her senior commercial pilot's licence in 1954 and her Airline Transport Licence in 1958. She was the first woman in Canada to hold the ATL. In addition, she also became the first Canadian woman to conduct a solo helicopter flight. The pursuit of her life-long passion was to promote the safety of flying when private aviation was still in its infancy and to interest women in learning to fly. Now in her 90s, she remains active as a writer, having published two books in the last two years, and is an instructor of computer skills to senior citizens.

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