Deltaville, Virginia

Inducted in 2002, Maude “Maxine” Walker soloed a Piper J-3 in November 1940 and received her private license in February 1941. Maxine taught instruments to Piedmont Aviation pilots in Link Trainers in Norfolk, Virginia and was actively involved in the Civil Air Patrol Program where she often flew PT-17 Stearman. As a flight instructor she has provided many pilots both primary and advanced flying training. In 1957, she and fellow pilot Louise Smith competed in the Women’s International Air Race from Texas to Cuba. In 1959, Maxine became the first female air traffic controller at the Richmond tower. She retired from the FAA in 1981. She operated temporary control towers at both the Shannon and Hummel Field Fly-ins for many years. She presently serves on the Airport Committee for Hummel Airport in Middlesex County and the Board of Directors of the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society. Maxine has been active in the women’s pilot organization “Ninety-Nines” for 55 years.