Katharine Stinson was born in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina on September 18, 1917. She became interested in aviation as a child and took her first plane ride at age ten with famed World War I pilot Eddie Stinson (no relation). This initial experience with flight made her determined to become a pilot. As a teenager, Stinson assisted mechanics at the Raleigh Airport and received flying lessons as payment. While working at the airport, she met Amelia Earhart, who encouraged her to obtain an aeronautical engineering degree as well as a pilot's license. Heeding Earhart's advice, Stinson enrolled in high school physics courses to prepare for the engineering program at N. C. State College.
From the description of Katharine Stinson papers, 1937-2001 [manuscript] (North Carolina State University). WorldCat record id: 537715355
