Question Mark (aircraft) Question Mark (aircraft) Question Mark (""?"") was a modified Atlantic-Fokker C-2A transport airplane of the United States Army Air Corps. In 1929, commanded by Major Carl A. Spaatz, it was flown for a flight endurance record as part of an experiment with aerial refueling. "Question Mark" established new world records in aviation for sustained flight (heavier-than-air), refueled flight, sustained flight (lighter-than-air), and distance between January 1 and January 7, 1929, in a non-stop flight of more than 150 hours near Los Angeles, California. Following the record-setting demonstration, the C-2A was returned to transport duties. In 1931 more powerful engines replaced
Viola Gentry Viola Gentry Viola Gentry (1894 - 1988) was an American aviator, best known for setting the first non-refueling endurance record for women. Gentry was born in Rockingham, North Carolina. She learned to fly an airplane in 1924, which made her the first woman from North Carolina to fly an aircraft. On December 20, 1928, Gentry flew 8 hours, 6 six minutes and 37 seconds, which set the first non-refueling endurance record for women. This record was broken in 1929 when Bobbi Trout flew from California for 12 hours straight. After Smith's flight, Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) rules were regulated stating