Fifinella: The Winged Mascot of the Women Airforce Service Pilots

Fifinella, the impish winged mascot of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), occupies a unique place in American aviation history. Originally conceived by author Roald Dahl and brought to life by Walt Disney Studios, she became a symbol of grit, skill, and irreverent charm during World War II.

Origins in Myth and Media

The name "Fifinella" first appeared in Roald Dahl’s 1943 book The Gremlins, a whimsical tale commissioned by the Royal Air Force to popularize the mischievous creatures blamed for mechanical failures in aircraft. Dahl invented Fifinella as a female gremlin, and Walt Disney Studios developed her visual design for a planned animated film adaptation. Though the film was never completed, the character’s design—featuring a red flight suit, yellow gloves, and bat-like wings—was repurposed by the WASP.

Adopted by the WASP

The Women Airforce Service Pilots, formed in 1943 under the leadership of Jacqueline Cochran and General Henry H. Arnold, were civilian women trained to fly military aircraft in non-combat roles. They ferried planes, tested aircraft, and trained male pilots, freeing up men for combat duty. Seeking a mascot that embodied their daring spirit, the WASP requested and received permission from Disney to use Fifinella as their official emblem.

Fifinella was emblazoned on flight jackets, aircraft nose art, and barracks signage. Her image—playful yet fierce—reflected the WASP’s defiance of gender norms and their critical role in wartime aviation.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Though the WASP were disbanded in 1944 and denied military status until decades later, Fifinella remained an enduring symbol of their contribution. In 1977, the WASP were finally granted veteran status, and in 2009, they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Fifinella’s image continues to appear in commemorative patches, museum exhibits, and historical retrospectives.

She is more than a cartoon—Fifinella represents the audacity of women who flew against expectations, and the mythic spirit of those who turned wartime necessity into a legacy of empowerment.