April 16, 2025 – Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia, the largest World War II flying museum in Georgia and one of the largest in the Southeast, will host a special screening of Crosswinds: The Courageous Life of Cornelia Fort, a new documentary celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of pioneering aviator Cornelia Fort.
The event marks one of two regional screenings scheduled for 2025. The film will premiere at the National WASP WWII Museum Homecoming at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on April 26 during the museum’s 20th anniversary celebration. Following three years of in-depth research and production, Redwood Educational Technologies will unveil Cornelia’s thirst for knowledge, dedication to excellence in the air, and a zest for life that defined her short life.
Airbase Georgia will screen Crosswinds: The Courageous Life of Cornelia Fort on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Cornelia Fort, born in 1919, was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. After earning her commercial pilot’s license in 1941, she trained pilots as part of the Civilian Pilot Training Program, first in Colorado and then in Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, while in flight with a student over Honolulu, she narrowly escaped death as the Pearl Harbor attack began – becoming an unintentional participant in one of the most important events in 20th century history.
Determined to serve her country, Cornelia joined the newly formed Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) in September 1942, the second woman Nancy Love accepted into the program. She was tragically killed in a mid-air collision in 1943 while delivering a military aircraft to Dallas, Texas, becoming the first female pilot to die while on active duty with the U.S. Army.
“This film is a tribute to Cornelia’s extraordinary courage, both in the air and on the ground as she respectfully challenged the norms of the day for young women,” said Judy S. Miller, writer, producer, and founder of Redwood Educational Technologies. “It’s a privilege to partner with Airbase Georgia for this screening, as we both share a deep commitment to preserving World War II aviation history.”
Airbase Georgia operates a restored Fairchild PT-19 Cornell, the same model aircraft Cornelia flew during her service. The aircraft will be on display during the screening.
Appearing in the documentary are two of Cornelia’s nieces – Chloe Fort and Leontine Fort Linton Lapointe – and Dudley Fort, Jr., Cornelia’s nephew. Cornelia’s great-great-niece is the voice of Cornelia. Also appearing in the film, and in person at the Airbase Georgia event to participate in a panel discussion following the screening, is Leslie Sargent, retired FAA inspector, with whom Judy has consulted to solve unanswered questions about the Interstate Cadet Cornelia flew in Hawaii and her BT-13 accident.
“The mission of Airbase Georgia and the Commemorative Air Force is to educate, inspire and honor,” explained Joel Perkins, Airbase Georgia leader. “Hosting the screening helps us preserve the story and legacy of Cornelia Fort and the Greatest Generation.”
Following the screening, the documentary will be available for streaming at www.stories250.com.
For program information contact Development Officer Chris Madrid, Chris.madrid@airbasegeorgia.org.