Nelda Lee

Year Inducted: 
2004

Nelda Lee is responsible for flight and ground test engineering for the four military aircraft that are manufactured in St. Louis for The Boeing Company, including the F-15Eagle, AV-8 Harrier, T-45Goshawk, and F/A-18 Hornet. She was the Level 2 Manager for Test & Evaluation personnel who are located at St. Louis and at the military test sites at China Lake, California; Patuxent River, Maryland; and Eglin AFB, Florida. Nelda was an employee with McDonnell Douglas Corp. and now The Boeing Company for 45 years. She has a BS degree in Aerospace Engineering and was the second woman to receive this degree at Auburn University. Nelda also has an MA degree in Management and Human Resources Development from Webster University. A highlight of her career with McDonnell Douglas was when she logged 1.5 hours of flight time in the F-15 Eagle in 1980.

In addition to her career with The Boeing Company, from where she retired in 2014, Nelda enjoys aviation as a pastime and hobby. She is a licensed commercial pilot with instrument, multi-engine, and helicopter ratings. She is a member of The Ninety-Nines, International Women Pilots, and previously served as Governor for the nine-state North Central Section.

Currently she is serving on the board of trustees for the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. She is also a member of The Whirly-Girls, International Women Helicopter Pilots, and is Whirly-Girl #247. She previously served as International President and was recipient of the 10th Annual Doris Mullen Whirly-Girls scholarship in 1977. Nelda is charter member #15 of Women in Aviation International and served on the Board of Directors. She is a member of the Society of Flight Test Engineers and the Auburn Alumni Association and has previously served both St. Louis chapters as President.

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