Geography - Amy Johnson

Who was Amy Johnson and why is she so important?

Amy was born in Hull and went on a solo-trip to Australia!

Amy Aviation is on a tour of the UK, visiting places well-known for their connection with UK aeronautics! Today she’s in Hull finding out about Amy Johnson, the world’s most famous woman pilot! Kingston upon Hull is in the north of the UK. It’s a big city in an area called the East Riding of Yorkshire…

Amy Johnson was born in 1903 – the very early days of aviation! By the time she was 26, she’d not only got her pilots licence but an engineer’s licence too.

Just two years later – in 1930 – she undertook an enormous journey – a solo flight from the UK all the way to Australia! It was the first time that a woman had made a solo flight of that length – it took her 19 days. At the end of her journey she was exhausted – sick from the fumes of petrol, and burned and blistered from the sun. But she’d done it! It was incredible achievement and even to this day no other woman has made the journey solo.

Her adventures didn’t stop there – in the Second World War, Amy joined the Air Transport Auxiliary, whose job was to transport RAF aircraft around the country. Sadly she went missing after her plane crashed in the Thames when she was only 37. She never forgot Hull – and to reward children who had been especially brave, she set up an award called the Amy Johnson Cup of Courage.

It’s still awarded today to children who have performed acts of bravery. Hull’s got a lot to be proud about!

Who is Amy Johnson? (Amy Aviation's UK Tour)

Amy Johnson was born in 1903 - the very early days of aviation! By the time she was 26, she'd not only got her pilots licence but an engineer's licence too. Just two years later - in 1930 - she undertook an enormous journey - a solo flight from the UK all the way to Australia!

Amy's Aviation: Paper Planes (Episode 1)

Amy is exploring the world of planes and aircraft. And in this episode she's showing us the basics of flight with the help of some paper planes! Fun Kids is a children's radio station in the UK! Listen on DAB Digital Radio in London and online across the UK at www.funkidslive.com!

Graduate Questions to investigate about Amy Johnson:

  • What does the word 'Aviation' mean?
  • Why was Amy's flight to Australia so important for Aviation?
  • Why were people surprised at Amy's achievement?
  • How far was the flight to Australia? How long did it take Amy? If you were to fly to Australia today, how long would it take?
  • Why are some children awarded the Amy Johnson Cup of Courage today?
  • Investigate more about Amy and find 5 interesting facts about her or Aviation. 

You can present your learning in any way you choose. Make sure you show how much you have learned about Amy and why we think she is an important person to know about.