This month in Dobbins History: 700th AS receives first female tactical pilot in 1993 Published Dec. 19, 2013 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- It was an early fascination with planes that lead 1st Lt. Kimberly Schmitt, 700th Airlift Squadron's first female tactical pilot, to dream of one day becoming a flyer. Schmitt graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in aviation. She was also a private pilot by 1986 and achieved more than 800 flying hours by the time she had formally entered Air Force pilot training. She was certified as a flight instructor, instrument instructor and multiengine licensed. In her junior year of college, she applied for and went before the selection board for the Air Force. Upon graduation in May 1989, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to Tinker AFB, Okla. as an air weapons controller, but that didn't curb her determination to fly. In September 1991, she interviewed with the 700th AS. "From the moment I got here. it felt like home," said Schmitt. "I had a very positive and warm reception and I've found the most acceptance here." Once she was accepted to go to pilot training, she received her separation from active duty and left for Columbus AFB, Miss. It was then that Schmitt saw her dreams become a reality, being a "first" for 700th AS. Maybe the next time someone looks in the sky and sees a plane that has tilted its wings and waves hello to the skies, it'll be Schmitt flying. It could be Schmitt's turn to inspire others to pursue their dream.
