| Ruth Reinhold, a pioneer female aviator, learned to fly at
Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport in 1933 at the old north
terminal (where the Left Seat Restaurant is now located). After
obtaining her commercial and private pilot's licenses, she co-owned
Associated Aircraft Service, flew charter flights around the U.S. and
taught flying classes for 35 years. Her students included World War II
Civilian Training Program pilots, Barry Goldwater and members of his
family. She was Goldwater's personal pilot for 20 years.
Region: Phoenix and Central Arizona
Theme: Women at Work |
| Born in Boston, Ruth Reinhold studied fine arts at Boston University
and the University of California, Los Angeles. After moving to Phoenix
in 1933, she began flying lessons at Phoenix's brand new airport, Sky
Harbor. While pursuing her pilot's license, she worked for Copperclad
Airlines which allowed her a discount on the training. She also
performed bookkeeping assignments and assisted with the maintenance of
the planes. Once she obtained a commercial and a private pilot's
license, she began her flying career full time. She later wrote in
her book, Sky Pioneering, "It was believed then that most women would
not endure the rough language used by male pilots while teaching
novices, and that a lady instructor would attract the patronage of
more females."
Prior to World War II she co-owned Associated Aircraft Service which
demonstrated and sold aircraft, and she flew charter flights around
the country. During the war she trained pilots to fly four-engine
bomber planes in the Civilian Training Program. Ruth spent 35 years
teaching students to fly, including Barry Goldwater and other members
of his family. She was Goldwater's personal pilot for 20 years, and
flew him during his 1958, 1968 and 1972 U.S. Senate campaigns, as well
as his 1964 presidential campaign. She also held positions on the
Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board, the Arizona Department of
Transportation board, and the Arizona Department of Aeronautics Board.
The OX-5 Club awarded her the Amelia Earhart Pioneering Achievement
Award for 35 years of dedication to aviation. She wrote a book that
told the history of aviation in Arizona, called Sky Pioneering, and
became a member of the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame and the Arizona
Aviation Hall of Fame.
The Left Seat Restaurant, which is located where the North Terminal
once stood, is open to customers during business hours.
Photo Credits:
Ruth Reinhold - Courtesy of the Arizona Historical Foundation, ASU Libraries
Phoenix Airport, 1930s - Courtesy of Sky Harbor Airport Museum
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