Kim McClung (1985-2019) overcame all obstacles to become DEA’s first female pilot. Although told she would never be accepted in male-dominated South America, she recalls she was treated with “even more respect” than the male pilots. She flew missions worldwide and served as DEA’s first LEAR jet pilot.
Pictures
Row 1: The DEA Aviation Operations Center Service Hangar in Fort Worth, Texas, ca. 1990.
Row 2: Kim, ca. 2019, alongside DEA's first helicopter pilot.
Row 3: A flight suit and helmet donated by the DEA Air Wing, manufacturer unknown, ca. 2000s, DEA Departmental Transfer, 2019.2.36 and 2019.2.37. This is the same as the uniforms some DEA pilots wear. Helicopter pilots are issued flight suits and helmets for protection. The flame-resistant suit can help a pilot escape injury in a crash or other dangerous situation. The vest has a water-activated light in case of an emergency water landing.