Eileen Collins was born in Elmira, New York where she attended Elmira Free Academy. After graduating from Syracuse University in 1978, Collins was one of four women chosen for Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training and later became the second female pilot to attend the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. During her career Collins logged over 6,751 flight hours in 30 different types of aircraft. In 1990, NASA selected her for the astronaut program. In 1999, Collins had another historic flight as the first female commander of a U.S. Spacecraft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-_rwxr3ygE
‘Uniquely New York’
is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
Links:
Path Through History
WSKG’s Path Through History
Chemung Valley History Museum
Photos Courtesy of:
Chemung County Historical Society
NASA