Natasha Pavlovich
The Aviatrix
First Serbian woman to reach the edge of space.
Founding member of Virgin
Galactic.
Trailblazing aviator.
Private Pilot
Natasha Pavlovich’s passion for flight began with her first journey from Belgrade to Chicago. Determined to take the controls herself, she earned her private pilot’s license in 1998. She went on to own and pilot a Beechcraft Bonanza, log hours in Cessna 172s, and master aerobatics in a Dolphin 29 and Pitts S-2B.
Edge of Space
In 2004, Natasha made history as the first Serbian woman to reach the edge of space, co-piloting a MiG-25 from Russia’s Zhukovsky Air Base to 86,000 feet. At that extraordinary height, she waved the Russian, American, and Serbian flags — honoring her host nation, her birthplace, and the country where she was raised.
Aviation Photo Gallery
Virgin Galactic
A year later, Sir Richard Branson personally selected Natasha as a founding member of Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceflight company. She completed medical testing, classroom instruction, and centrifuge training in preparation for the mission, and looks forward to the day she earns her astronaut wings.
Honoring
Women Aviators
Inspired by the pioneering Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II, Natasha befriended original WASP Mary Lou Colbert and proudly supports the Kitty Hawk Foundation, which introduces aviation to children. Her admiration for these trailblazers also fuels her creative work: she is developing a novel and screen adaptation about the WASP, ensuring their legacy reaches a new generation
Natasha Pavlovich /Virgin Galactic/ ABC News
