Alumni Profile – Elsie MacGill
Trailblazer for women around the world honored on Canadian $1 coin as U-M Aerospace celebrates 110-year anniversary
After becoming the world’s first female aircraft designer and the first woman to receive an aeronautical degree in 1929, the “Queen of Hurricanes” story continues as Canada honors Elsie MacGill on a limited edition $1 coin. Last year, the heroine was recognized with the honor after paving the way for future female engineers around the world with her heroic story of triumph and excellence.
Before earning the title of “Queen of Hurricanes,” MacGill studied at the University of Toronto’s School of Practical Science with a focus on electrical engineering as the first woman admitted to the engineering program. After graduating, she switched her focus to aeronautics, where she began attending the University of Michigan, going on to complete her degree in 1929 and earning the title the first female aeronautical engineer in the world. This achievement was the first step toward MacGill landing in the history books and stamping her mark on the industry.
After completing her Master’s from U-M, MacGill got to work tearing down the boundaries of what females at the time were thought to be capable of. She quickly became a leader in aircraft design when she joined Canadian Car & Foundry (Can Car) as their Chief Aeronautical Engineer. After joining Can Car, she began construction and testing of the Maple Leaf II Trainer, which has been recognized as the first aircraft designed and produced by a woman.
Shortly after this achievement, she began producing the first Hawker Hurricane during the peak of World War II. This new combat aircraft became one of the main fighters flown by Canadian and Allied forces during the war.
While serving as Chief Aeronautical Engineer for Can Car during the war, MacGill earned the name “Queen of Hurricanes” as she oversaw the production of over 1,400 Hawker Hurricane planes. The combat aircraft became a wartime success story, leading MacGill to be considered a war hero and representing Canada’s economic transformation during the war. It was also during this time that she was formally accepted into the Engineering Institute of Canada, marking her as the first woman member of the professional association.
For these reasons, as well as many others, Canada announced in August of 2023 that Elsie MacGill would be commemorated with a limited edition $1 coin. Limited to three million coins, the $1 piece quickly became popular with collectors and hobbyists. 33 years after her death, in 1980, the run produced two million colored coins and one million non-colored coins in her honor. The coin featured MacGill holding blueprints with the Maple Leaf II Trainer flying above her and the Hawker Hurricane beside her with her name engraved beneath the fighter aircraft.
Today, MacGill is remembered throughout the Michigan Aerospace Department, marking a time in history when women began showcasing their talents and skills in aerospace engineering. As we welcome our 110-year anniversary this fall, we remember Elsie MacGill as a trailblazer and an icon for the industry.
Some facts and reporting featured in this article are sourced from previously published work, including an article by Michigan Engineering in 2023, as well as work from The Canadian Encyclopedia and Engineers Canada.