We have just learned that Western/Delta Captain Shirley Burch (Otis) Shannon passed in May of 2020. She was 73 years of age at the time of her passing. Shirley joined Western Airlines on August 9th, 1976, and retired with Delta Air Lines, based 030/DFW at the time of retirement. Shirley was born/raised in Chico, California where she had most recently resided prior to her death.
Shirley Shannon (WG #182) earned her helicopter rating on May 9, 1974. She also held ratings for multi-engine, flight instructor, ground instructor, and airframe and power plant mechanics. She was also a safety counselor for the FAA. She was the third Whirly-Girl to join Western Airlines and one of 8 women flight crew members in Western’s total pilot group of over 1500.
Shirley was an accomplished 5th-degree black belt in jujitsu from the age of 12. She was the school photographer in high school and after graduation, she earned her helicopter rating on May 9, 1974. she was a member of Whirly-Girls International (WG #182) She also held ratings for multiple engine, flight instructor, ground instructor, airframe, and power plant mechanics. She was a safety counselor for the FAA and a second officer for Western Airlines and one of 8 women pilots in Westerns 1500 crew members. She was also the first woman pilot for Delta Airlines. Shirley was a very talented and accomplished lady who will be missed by all.
