Not many women in their 90s will tell you they feel far more comfortable in the cockpit of a plane than behind the wheel of a car, but then again, few have had experiences quite like 94-year-old Violet Cowden.

Cowden was one of 1,000 certified Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, in World War II. Today, there are only 300 or so still alive.

Cowden flew, tested and transported fighter planes. And for that, she was recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. She still lives life to the fullest, still loves to pilot aircraft and tell her story to all who care to listen and learn from this amazing woman.

Want to see more great historical photos of Violet? Click here!