Originally from Syosset, Long Island, Betty began her aviation journey in 1928 while studying as a student nurse at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. She earned her pilot’s license (#6525) on May 6, 1929, after just 23 hours of flight time, including instruction. Immediately, Betty set her sights on obtaining a commercial license and joined The Ninety-Nines when it was founded in November of that same year, becoming one of the organization's 99 charter members. She served as the International President from 1939 to 1941, during which the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund was established.

When the United States entered World War II, Betty was already flying for Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. By September 1942, with approximately 1,400 flight hours under her belt, she became one of the original 25 members of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). By December of that year, she was appointed commander of the WAFS stationed at New Castle Army Air Base in Delaware. Betty made history as the first woman to fly a P-47 Thunderbolt and, alongside WAFS member Nancy Harkness Love, was one of the first women to qualify as an aircraft commander on a B-17 Flying Fortress.

In 1943, the WAFS program was renamed the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Reflecting on her early involvement, Betty once remarked, “Just as well I was in on the ground floor… I was too short for WASP entry requirements.”

Beyond her wartime contributions, Betty played a significant role in promoting women in aviation. From 1953 to 1961, she served as chairwoman of the All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race (AWTAR), a position she considered one of her most important achievements. Under her meticulous supervision, the race grew from 49 aircraft (90 pilots) in 1953 to 101 aircraft (201 pilots) in 1961.

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Betty to the first FAA Women’s Advisory Committee, recognizing her expertise and leadership in aviation. Her contributions to the field were further acknowledged when she received the Paul Tissandier Diploma from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1977 and the National Aeronautic Association Elder Statesman of Aviation Award in 1982, among other honors.

After more than 50 years in the air, Betty retired from flying in 1986 due to vision problems. The San Diego Ninety-Nines fondly remember gathering at her home in Rancho Santa Fe for meetings and “hangar flying” sessions by the pool, where she enjoyed hearing the flying stories of fellow chapter members. Betty passed away in 1998 at the age of 90, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in aviation.