NINETY-NINE News

MY GOD! IT'S A WOMAN, a book review. Magazine of the Women In Aviation, The 2nd Conference ‘y-g ljO jP II-e International Organization of Maureen Ramsay, Another Dynamic 99 Women Pilots, Dorothy Gillis and Warbird Women The Ninety-Nines Inc. Your Candidates for International Director > May 1991 j GENERAL COUNSEL______by Sylvia L. Paoli Minutes are the record of all the proceedings of a deliberative assembly. Their purpose is to show a record of what was DONE at the meeting, not what was SAID by the members. They should never reflect the secretary’s opinion, favorable or otherwise, on anything said or done. One of the most important require­ ments to accomplish this is the ability to distinguish fact from fiction— a skill incredibly lacking in most of us. We have little trouble telling natural color from a dye job, or real fur from imitation, or a “genuine” person from a “plastic” one, but when it comes to words, we fall dramatically short. An example are these two sentences: “A. Susie Smith reported on the survey taken to determine the feasibility of building a new City Hall. 75% approved, 25% disapproved. Proposed architects are Jones & Brown, and the construction firm is Brown & Jones.” “B. Susie Smith, the leading proponent of building a new City Hall, asserted that 75% of the constituency agreed with the need, desirability, and design of the proposed new City Hall and the outstanding qualifications of Jones & Brown, architects, and their related construction firm of Brown & Jones, with the minority citing only its wish not to spend any more money as the reason for its opposition.” Sentence “A” reflects a factual statement appropriate for minutes. Sentence “B” does not. Adjec­ tives and adverbs and strong verbs are not factual. Implications, innuendos, assumptions, intangibles and wishes are not factual. When a car accident occurs, the real facts are what actually happened— which may or may not ever be known. The statements of witnesses to that accident are the interpreta­ tion of those real facts. One of the most difficult jobs of a secretary, then, is to distinguish fact from opinion, truth from a falsehood, reality from imagination, accurate information from speculation, actual statements from beliefs and interpretations. So often the job is given to whomever will take it; that is not very good criteria for the position. It does come with some responsibility, as do all officer’s positions, and the members should evaluate a person’s qualifications carefully before just “dumping” a job on a member and expecting her to “put in her time.” As a 501(c)(3) organization—a public charity—the contents of minutes are especially important. If the general rules for good minutes are followed, and the contents are confined to actions taken, rather than discussions held, your minutes should be adequate. A very important consideration for our members is to be certain that your minutes reflect a formal motion listing the names of all members who are to be your delegates to any convention, showing a vote taken on that motion. The two items most frequently requested in tax audits are your delegate slips and your chapter (or section, where appropriate) minutes. The auditing agency is looking to those items to show that (1) you were a properly elected delegate entitled to vote at the meeting and (2) you were, in fact, in attendance. If

“One of the most difficult jobs of a secretary, then, is to distinguish fact from opinion, truth from a falsehood, reality from imagination, accurate information from speculation, actual statements from beliefs and interpretations. ” you have a large number of delegates attending a large convention, such as International Convention, it would be advisable for you to also assign specific delegates to bring back reports on specific meet­ ings, seminars, etc., and to so state in your minutes. Further, your minutes should reflect activities supporting our purposes and minimize social activities. While the content of programs is not one of the things required by minutes, it is a good practice to include a brief summary of educational and safety programs that support the organization’s purposes. Next month we’ll look more specifically at how to construct minutes. 99 YOUR LETTERS NINETY-NINE News From Belle Echtman, Tel-Aviv, the Magazine of the organizer of the Israeli Section: International Organization of “Indeed we have been through harsh Women Pilots, times, and very glad that all is over (more The Ninety-Nines Inc. or less). I didn’t mind for myself, but as May 1991 soon as the sirens went, I thought of all Vol. 17, No. 4 those young parents with young children, General Counsel, by Sylvia Paoli...... 2 having either to put on the youngsters gas Maureen Ramsay...... 5 masks or put the still younger ones in Warbird W omen ...... 6 plastic tents. Either way, it was very traumatic for the children, although when MayCay Beeler Sets Records...... 14 you hear them talking either on the radio Gerry Mickelsen, Revered...... 21 or TV they sound brave and grown-up, My God! It's a Woman, a book review ...... 22 to be sealed in a sealed room having to Women In Aviation Conference...... 26 wear gas masks. The trouble was that we were not sure whether they would send COVER: out chemical warfare, and when an­ nounced it was normal warfare missiles, Nancy Bird Walton in 1990 in everyone sighed a sigh of relief. a Tiger Moth. Nancy was the “There were people who could not first woman pilot in Australia face all this, especially parents who had gone through the holocaust—and where to be hired as a commercial the word gas was something they could pilot. Her charming book, not live with, and in fact some of the My God! It’s A Woman, is fatalities were older people who had a reviewed in this issue. heart attack. Also, some went to stay in See Page 22. ‘safe’ places, where they thought the missiles would not reach them. To all these I say, you did what you thought you should and no one should criticize. We, X°U R LETTERS, continued of course, stayed in Tel-Aviv, also trying “When our group meets again, I will read about our people. Keep up the to man our office and to show the world take the liberty of reading to them your good work!” that business is as usual. letter (a letter from Gene Nora lessen) that “We are indeed indebted to the United they should know that the 99s are thinking (Ed. Thank you so much. I’m starting States, although perhaps the restraint was of them, too.” a file into which letters like yours go so very hard to take, but it is the first time that I can refer to them when the flying that someone else fought for us, and well From Diana Austin, Secretary, Indiana gets a bit turbulent. Your letters are indeed. All Israel was aware that had we Dunes Chapter: much appreciated!) retaliated, we would have caused a rift in “On behalf of the 34 Dunes 99s, I am the allied forces, and so we kept in our writing to tell you that the 99 News is an sealed rooms, praying that the Patriot attractive, well-laid-out, and easily read missiles would engage the Iraqi missiles publication. I especially like the type-size and not cause too much damage. Of and the spacing of the articles. It must be course, there was damage and we lost a a tremendous job to organize and edit all few lives, but nothing in comparison to the items the 99s have. You are doing an what it would have been had we not had excellent job! Keep up the good work, such an ally. but remember to go fly or do something Iffl “Our 99 group met a few days before to relax after your long hours.” all this happened and we had in mind making a ladies day to fly to the Dead From Barbara Boot, Chapter Chairman, Letters to the Editor are welcome. The Sea. Rent a few planes and arrive en Mt. Shasta 99s: deadline for receiving letters is the first of block—but the date was within the midst “Congratulations! you are doing a every month. Letters chosen to be of hostilities, so it was postponed. As far wonderful job on the magazine. The Jan/ printed will be those that deal with the as I know, all the group is well— bad Feb issue is great. Really enjoyed the content of the Ninety-Nine News. Letters news travels quickly, so no news is good picture and article of Lynn Conklin. It’s may be edited for the purpose of clarity news. our magazine, so it’s especially nice to or space. Ann Cooper, Editor PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ond choice was to accept a recondi­ Most of the members of The tioned part with a limited warranty. Ninety-Nines, Inc. are General Such a choice—park my airplane Aviation pilots exclusively. Many for 6-8 months or accept second can no longer afford to own an air­ best! craft or even to fly frequently, so General Aviation is responsible the statistics I have cited have a for training a large portion of our great impact on our membership future pilots. But, what aircraft will and the future of our organization. we use for training? Will it be used We didn’t get into this tail spin sud­ by Marie Christensen aircraft with used parts? How many denly, we slowly allowed it to hap­ There is no denying—General times can a part be reconditioned pen by our inattention to the con­ Aviation in the USA is in such a before it is no longer safe? Will we trols. If we want to pull out of this serious decline that no one dares to find new imported aircraft available slide prior to impact, we are going project the future of it. To do so one or will new product liability laws to have to apply the proper pressures would have to be brave enough to prevent them from selling their air­ to the controls and work hard to forecast the total demise of single­ craft in the USA? Aerospatiale is regain straight and level flight. It’s engine, piston-powered aircraft interested in purchasing some of not easy to stop a tail spin. flight. In contrast to the de-regulated Piper’s production and that is rela­ Our organization takes a public airline industry, it is over-regula- tively good news for pilots. A lot of stand on important safety issues tion and product liability laws that questions remain unanswered about whenever the situation permits but are sounding the death knell for future production, however. The it is far more important that you, as General Aviation. pilot population has declined by individuals, become involved at your The production of single-engine, 125,000 in the past ten years. The local level. You must get acquainted piston-powered aircraft by US FAA Capital Investment Plan (CIP) with those running for office from manufacturers in 1990 is down 40% forecasts that by the year 2005 the local through the national offices from the previous year and 38.6% of pilot population will increase by and you must communicate with those manufactured were exported 15%. If that is true, who will train them. Present FACTS to them primarily to western Europe and America’s future pilots? Will about issues; take the time to write South America. GAMA reports that General Aviation have the ability to to them; take them on sight-seeing only 1,144 new lightplanes were do so? flights and tower tours; acquaint manufactured in 1990 and that fig­ I would like to be able to paint a them with some of our educational ure includes the production of light much rosier picture for General programs. Support and help to elect twins. That means that only 703 Aviation and for all of us who love those individuals who have the new lightplanes remained in the it so much, but it’s time to stop courage to make choices based on USA. Compare that figure with kidding ourselves and face up to the fact, not on a poll of the constitu­ 1978 when 17,811 new aircraft were reality that the facts present. Of ency who may not have any exper­ produced and few were exported. course, statistics can be presented in tise on the subject. Get involved. Our entire aircraft fleet is getting many different ways. I recently Run for office yourself. You may be older and in need of repairs. But, tread that the proportion of pilots the one who starts our wings rolling where do we get the parts with which with instrument ratings and flight toward level. Don’t wait for to repair them? Have you tried to instructor ratings is increasing sub­ someone else to do it, or for our find new parts for your aircraft stantially. Naturally that would be organization to do it. By all pulling lately? I was recently told by my true, if the number of private pilots together, we CAN get out of this tail mechanic that a part I needed for my and student starts is decreasing then spin but someone has got to make airplane would have to be “special the proportion of those with ad­ the first move. If we remain frozen ordered” and would take 6-8 months vanced ratings would be higher. That at the controls, our future is not very to get because they are not manu­ does not change the fact that the bright. facturing them any more. My sec­ pilot population is dwindling. 99 NINETY-NINE MAUREEN RAMSAY, Another Dynamic Ninety- Nine ______by Ann Cooper______News Building Magazine of the twin International Organization of tim e at Women Pilots H a lf M oon May 1991 B ay A irport. Vol. 17, No. 4 CA— M aureen R am say, BOARD of DIRECTORS an oth er The Ninety-Nines, Inc. dyn am ic President: Marie Christensen 99! Vice President: Pat Forbes Secretary: Lu Hollander Treasurer: Louise White Maureen Ramsay, with a BS in arship.” Director: Alexis Ewanchew Aeronautics from San Jose State Enroute to the jets that she Director: Diane Cozzi Director: Joyce Wells University, CA, has high hopes. pictures in her future, Maureen Director: Mary Lou Waite She has logged almost 500 hours of was hired in August, 1989, to fly Non-voting Advisor: Barbara Sestito, Past President night flight and has added 1,200 traffic watch for Traffic Central flying hours to her log in the past at Hayward Airport, CA flying year and a half. She has taken Cessna 172s. She had 550 flight Editorial Director: Alexis Ewanchew courses in CPR, physiological hours at that time. By now, as the Editor: Ann Cooper Editor's mailing address: training, and effective speaking and only female traffic watch pilot in 131 H illside A venue human relations. It is important to the San Francisco Bay area and a Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 908-464-8175 realize that Maureen just gradu­ veteran of one and a half years, By overnight express: ated from college in 1988. She 131 H illside A venue Maureen is a familiar part of the Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 began to fly in 1981 when she was skies over California and is

SECTION REPORTERS a senior in high school. known by voice to many of the India: Mohini Shroff After high school, Maureen air traffic controllers. Australia: Marcia Hremeviuc East Canadian: Kathryn Gamble-Lerchner attended West Valley College to Traffic Central eliminated the Western Canadian: Barbara Meredith work toward an associates degree. flight department, but the opera­ New England: Meta Politi New York/New Jersey: Barbara Mead She said, “I went on to San Jose tion was picked up by another Middle East: Evie Washington State University to major in aero­ company, Helicopters Unlimited, Southeast: Lee Orr North Central: Myrna Stephens nautics with a concentration in and Maureen continues to report South Central: Margaret Cosby flight operations and minored in traffic conditions from the same Northwest: Carol Skinner Southwest: Kathleen Browne business. While I was in school, I C-172s which had been operated took lessons, built flying time, by Traffic Central. She said, The NINETY-NINE News is published by The Ninety-Nines, Inc., a non-profit organization added ratings, and worked part “We fly day, night, VFR, and IFR engaged in education, charitable and scientific activities and purposes. time to pay for it all.” conditions (all under Part 91 of In September, 1989, Maureen the FARs). Each airplane has a Non-member subscriptions are available for $12 per year. was awarded the Marion Barnick reporter and a pilot and we all

Please send subscription monies and changes of Memorial Scholarship by the Santa depart between 5:30 to 6:30 each address to: Clara Valley Ninety-Nines. “This morning with a PM shift which Loretta Gragg Executive Director $1000 scholarship was to be used departs between 3:30 and 4:00. The Ninety-Nines, Inc. PO Box 59965 for a jet type rating or a flight “The reporters carry two-way Will Rogers World Airport engineer certificate,” she said. radios for communication with Oklahoma City OK 73159 (405)685-7969 “Both of these tickets cost way their base and with the radio more than $ 1000, so, thus far, I stations: KCBS-AM and KKIS- have been unable to use the schol­ AM & FM. They use the aircraft con tinu ed on next p a g e Maureen Ramsay, continued WARBIRD WOMEN ADF in order to monitor their AM wakes her at 4:30 AM and she When the collection of stations. All traffic broadcasts are arrives at the Oakland Airport by Warbirds at Oshkosh—some in live and occasionally I can be 5:05. She said, “I live just five the category of “Big Iron" and heard in the background, coughing minutes from the airport. I launch some the L-2s and other spotters, or yawning. at 5:30 and fly for three hours. Off liaison, or ambulance planes that “The preferable flight is a until mid-afternoon, I return to the provided such admirable and VFR flight so that ground traffic is airport to fly from 4:00 to 7:00 daring service— is circling out in more easily seen. We fly between PM. This is a good job for low­ front of the enormous and appre­ 1000 and 3500 feet, but sometimes time pilots who want to build ciative crowd, only FOUR or so have to resort to IFR in order to flying time. I now have 1900 are piloted by women. It is admi­ get to VFR. All of the flying is hours and have just obtained my rable that four can be counted, but done in the San Francisco Bay ATP. I’m ready to move on and it is significant that the four are in Area and much is done in the find a twin-engine job, hopefully a vast field of 150. high-density ATC environment of with an airline. My ultimate goal It goes without saying that the the SFO TCA.” is to fly with a major airline.” daily airshow is made bigger, In the spirit of those pilots who Maureen Ramsay is another louder, bolder, more historic and translate IFR to I Follow Roads, dynamic Ninety-Nine, a goal- more educational with the partici­ Maureen follows freeways. She oriented achiever. It is no mean pation of the Warbirds and their said, “Winding along over the feat to have added 1,200 flying pilots. This was especially true freeways means constant changes hours to a logbook in one year and before the liability crisis canceled JL • S the pyrotechnics, the explosives that made such a “Tora, Tora, Tora” kind of show of the salute to the flying military machines. When you contemplate that Maureen Ramsay crowds topping 850,000 during and her mentor, Joe the week that Wittman Field Yanacek, in a Seminole in 1989. claims title to the World’s Busiest Joe is a B-727 co­ Airport are witnessing the fly-bys, pilot for United. the thrill of flying in the airshow at Oshkosh becomes heady busi­ in frequencies and transponder a half. Maureen said that she ness. More power to the four that code squawks to transition ATA’s, enjoys skiing and volleyball, but represent us out there—Sue ARSA’s and the TCA. There are one has to wonder when she fits Parrish, Connie Bowlin, Jan two other traffic watch companies such pleasures into her busy day. Churchill and Dorothy Price in the Bay Area which means that In addition to her single-engine Gillis. 6 to 7 airplanes are simultaneously time, she has logged a total of 120 Dorothy wrote,“Our own Jan flying to report on traffic. To hours of multiengine time in Churchill, Delaware Chapter, not avoid mid-airs with other traffic Cessna 310,401, 402, 414, Piper only flew her 0-2 in group forma­ watch airplanes, we fly along the Apache, Seminole, Seneca, tion each afternoon, but was also right side of the freeways at all Comanche, Chieftain, Aztec, and chosen to fly a special one-on-one times and orbit in left turns. The Turbine Commander. We wager mock dogfight. Good for Jan!” pilots sit in the right seat with the that one of these days the SFO Now that Erin Reinschild has reporters in the left to enable the ATC personnel will recognize her flown the “Big Iron" in the Reno reporter to have clear vision of the voice as she reports descending Air Races (the first woman to ground through the left window.” from 24,000 feet in a wide-bodied wing her way around the pylons in In a typical day, her alarm jet. Good luck, Maureen! a P-51 and the winner of the Dorothy Price Gillis, a Woman Pilot Among the Warbirds Bronze Race on Sunday), perhaps Therefore, at the beginning of Show. It was a blast! In addition the nucleus of four at Oshkosh October we purchased our second to the usual group and formation will continue to grow. ‘Warbird’ and third airplane, a flying, we did flour bombings, Dorothy Price Gillis sent a few 1945 U.S. Army Air Force L-5G spot landing contests, and fly-in remarks. In 1988, she wrote, “A Sentinel (‘Flying Jeep’). Both L-2s backyard picnic dinners. The temporary 3rd engine enabled our and L-5s were used in Africa, recently harvested (unrolled) field 1942 U.S. Army Air Corps L-2A Europe, and the Pacific theatres was restricted to 155 Warbirds— Grasshopper to start flying the during WWII, primarily as ‘spot­ six B-17s, Lancaster, Liberator, ‘Warbird’ airshow season at the ters/observers’ (flying behind PBY, Mustangs, C-47s, trainers, Yankee Air Force show over the enemy lines to find the enemy and Liaisons, Observers and us Memorial Day weekend.” report back about artillery shelling) Warbugs.” When she wasn't in the cockpit and secondarily as ‘liaison’ (air By 1990, Dorothy Price Gillis of the L-2A, she and her husband, taxi). The L-5G was also used as had seriously been bitten by the Ken, spent a great deal of time an air ambulance and was used Warbug. She and Ken upped flying their C -182. Dorothy flew during the Korean Police Action. their stable of aircraft to five. it to a meeting in Iowa with 3 The L-5G will make a much better She wrote, “We have been other 99s aboard and conducted a ‘chase’ plane with its 190 hp, 6 having so much fun and so many successful Pinch Hitter Course cylinder Lycoming. It has leading challenges—formation in before returning home to Michi­ edge slots, drooping 45-degree Warbird airshows—AND we gan. A great-granddaughter of flaps, drooping ailerons, drooping have been watching the asking General George Patton, she flew main gear and oversized, tundra prices for Warbirds (genuine, the C-182 into what she termed, tires. It HATES pavement and lies historic, ex-military, got-shot-at- "the infamous Jackson County in wait to dash off in some com­ behind-enemy-lines planes) Airport in the Great Smokey pletely unexpected direction when rapidly escalate, so we made a Mountains for a Patton family it feels pavement, but is a pussy cat family decision to invest more reunion and on to the Amelia on sod and rough, short fields.” money in fun and planes and less Earhart Airport in Atchison, KS, Dorothy must have tamed the L- in dull stocks, bonds, money to attend the annual 99s Interna­ 5A, for she flew it solo to Sun ’N market and mutual funds, etc. tional Forest of Friendship cer­ Fun in Lakeland, Florida in April We own two 1941-42 U.S. Army emonies chaired by Ken’s famous of 1989. She folded the back seat Air Corps L-2A Grasshoppers; a sister, Fay Gillis Wells.” down and put the stretcher on 1944-45 U.S. Army Air Force L- Dorothy wrote that she, “flew board with a foam pad and sleeping 5G Sentinel; a 1951 U.S. Army the L-2A while Ken flew the 182 bag on top of the stretcher. “The Air Force L-19A Bird Dog and (with spare parts, tools, and aircraft,” she wrote, “is fully one REAL cross-country air­ luggage) to our 25th consecutive aerobatic, but placarded: Do Not plane, our C -182. The Grasshop­ year of attendance at the world's Spin with a Litter Patient Aboard. pers have 65 horsepower engines; biggest fly-in at Oshkosh. Forma­ At each of the 14 refueling stops the Sentinel has a 190 hp model; tion flying in the ‘Warbird’ por­ during the 28 flying hours round- the Bird Dog has 213 hp and tion of the daily afternoon airshow trip, crowds gathered around the astounding 60-degree flaps; and is a challenge, fun, and a wonder­ weird, rare (115 built), olive-drab the Cessna has a 230-hp engine ful learning experience.” She flew military, ‘air camper.' After the with a constant speed prop. We in airshows throughout the fall. 26th consecutive year at EAA/ actually flew three of our planes “Our 182 has not made a very Oshkosh, I flew the Grasshopper to for the Yankee Air Force’s good ‘chase’ plane for the L-2A,” the Finger Lakes area of upstate Annual Memorial Day Weekend she wrote in 1988. “It has to be New York (Geneseo) for six days and Warbird Airshow. Logistics flown behind the power curve to at the National Warplane get tricky!” stay with the L-2A and gets hot. Museum’s Corn Field Warbird Air The Gillis family saga contin- continueaon next page SECTION NEWS •What's going on in YOUR world?

Warbird Women, continued Middle East Section news ues. Weather cancelled a few In February of this year, Dor­ reporter, Evie Washington, wrote trips in 1990, but they did manage othy spoke to classes of sixth, that from Eastern Pennsylvania to fly four 99s to the Forest of seventh and eighth grade girls at Chapter comes news that Edythe Friendship gathering. Ken and Lincoln Junior High School in Fein had a visit from Israeli 99, Dorothy shared the piloting to see Pontiac, Michigan. She was Merav Schwartz. They flew to that their Bird Dog was in atten­ quoted in the newspaper to having Cape Canaveral intending to dance at the Bird Dog’s 40th said, “Take math and science watch the shuttle lift-off, but as Anniversary celebration in Iowa. classes to open the doors to ca­ they passed Daytona Beach, word They each flew a Warbird to the reers such as flying that tradition­ came that the mission was National Warplane Museum’s ally were closed to women. Only scrubbed. Edythe introduced 10th Annual Wings of Eagles Air 6 percent of licensed pilots in the Merav to Oshkosh, which, of Show in Geneseo, New York and U.S. are women and there is a course, left Merav open-mouthed, kept switching airplanes for the 6 great demand for more.” Dorothy fascinated with the convention and days. Dorothy said, “Minimum to went on to cite famed role models: with what we call “General Avia­ Maximum: Grasshopper to Bird Amelia Earhart; Fay Gillis Wells, tion.” Merav Schwartz, 22 years Dog. From a fifty-year-old do a founding member of the Ninety- old, is a new pilot with approxi­ nothin' to a high performance 40- Nines; Ida Van Smith, a famous mately 120-130 hours of flying year old with lots of goodies.” As black woman pilot who founded a time in a C-140. Reportedly, it is the year came to an end, Dorothy flight club for youngsters, and expensive and difficult for women was flying Christmas gifts for Mae Jamison, a medical doctor in Israel to become pilots. She needy children for a state welfare who is the first black woman completed her two year commit­ agency with corporate support. astronaut. ment in the Army and came to the The tough, reliable Bird Dog The newspaper stated that U.S. in order to acquire as much was designed by Cessna and the Gillis, who was dressed in the flying time as she could afford. At first, Model 305, was produced in fireproof, army-green fatigues she this writing she has returned to 1950. The Army designated it the wears when flying her 1942 Haifa and is taking exams to enter L-19 (for Liaison) and many were USAAC Grasshopper in Warbird a Technical School. Called just immediately deployed for Korea. shows, urged the girls to “aim after the bomb attack on Haifa, Others went to Army and Air high.” The President of the she responded, “We are all right National Guard units. Bird Dogs American Association of Univer­ at this moment.” Merav, in photo saw action in Vietnam— by then sity Women, Tamara Ellsworth, below, reported that she reads her known as the O-l (for Observa­ who arranged for Gillis’ visit, told Ninety-Nine News word by word. tion). that it was to motivate the girls to Early in 1985 a Vietnam vet­ new dreams. Ellsworth said. eran, Phil Phillips, was thwarted in T here is nothing you can’t do his search for a Bird Dog to fly today if you have the gumption.’ and some history on the venerable Dorothy flew with Ken for craft. He channeled his frustration twenty years while their daughter, and, with publicity and effort, Erica, was growing up. After started the International Bird Dog Erica went to college, Dorothy Association with 125 interested took flying lessons for the first persons. By 1987 that number had time, got her license, and, well, swelled to 450—the Gillis family you know what she’s doing. She’s among them. FLYING. 99 SECTION NEWS, cc Several Eastern Pennsylvania in aviation since the age of seven members of the Potomac Chapter, Chapter members attended the when she saw a female air traffic especially Elizabeth Matarese, a Aero Club of Pennsylvania’s controller at work, Joyce worked as Chapter member, friend, and Wright Brothers Memorial Dinner. a clerk at the Capitol City Control Edna’s flight instructor, made The highlight was the very inter­ Tower during high school. After sure Edna received many remind­ esting talk by Dottie Miller of her earning a Private Pilot license at ers of the banquet. Edna is very experiences as a stewardess for age 17, she went on to spend four involved with community activi­ American Airlines in the days years in the U.S. Air Force as a ties and church programs. She when a stewardess must be an controller. Now nearing comple­ leads tours of the National Air R.N., a specific height, and un­ tion of her Bachelors Degree in and Space Museum, assists with married. Many questions were Professional Aeronautics through aviation and aerospace seminars, asked of her at the end of her talk. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Uni­ talks to elementary and/or junior Eastern’s Nina McKissock has versity, Joyce, who owns a PA-12, high school students, and partici­ been teaching her “young astro­ works long hours at the Allentown pates in 99s activities and fly-ins. nauts” in 4th to 6th grades at two Tower. Keystone's Clarissa She is working on her Phase 7 elementary schools. She goes to Macintosh, has been a private pilot FAA Pilot’s Proficiency Wings. the schools twice weekly. Merle for two years and has managed to Starer’s youngest daughter is one rack up 370 hours of flight time— of Nina’s young astronauts. Nina pretty impressive for someone with promised one boy whose grades a demanding job in addition to were abysmal that she would take flying. She is employed by the him for an airplane ride if he Pennsylvania Department of brought his grades to a reasonable Education and her position entails level. At the next marking period, evaluating and consulting nutrition he showed remarkable improve­ programs for children. She became Above, Margot Eld poses with Edna Dragoo ment. She also inveigled Jaak interested in aviation as a result of as she presents the check and red roses to Holemanz, Aeronautical Engineer all the airline traveling that her job Edna. Below, Edna Dragoo, Potomac and producer of equipment for demanded. Clarissa is the proud Chapter Award winner, with Elizabeth Matarese. Potomac Chapter and FAA shuttle experiments, to speak to co-owner of N9379N, a Piper Airport Certification Specialist and CFII her young astronauts. Arrow based in Queen City and is Keystone Chapter members an asset to aviation and the local reported a successful Macungie airport which has benefitted from Women’s event in which approxi­ the time she has donated as the mately 50 women were given secretary of the Queen City Action airport and aircraft static display Committee. The committee’s tours. Introduced to the weather objectives have been to improve computer, navigational charts, and the airport and its surroundings. training airplanes, the women The Potomac Chapter members were also given tours of the are still celebrating with their Elizabeth Matarese, an FAA facilities and aviation questions special member, Edna Dragoo. A Airport Certification Specialist, is were answered. Joyce Jemo, very surprised Edna received the a member of the prestigious Keystone Chapter member and Air Middle East Aviation Award National Aviation Club (NAC) in Traffic Controller, Allentown during the Middle East Section Crystal City, VA. She was Airport, PA. was scheduled to Banquet hosted by the Washington recently elected to the Board of speak in February on procedures, DC Chapter at the Dulles Hyatt Governors for the NAC and communications, and operations in Hotel. The Section Governor, R.J. further elected Secretary. The the Allentown ARSA. Interested McGlasson, with the help of Potomac Chapter members have continued on next page SECTION NEWS, continued organized what has started to be a which honors Amelia, was held in Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger big hit with pilots, a Fourth Sun­ January. “Zonta,” derived from Library on the History of Women day Brunch Fly-In at local airports the Sioux Indian Language, means in America. The newsletter of the with restaurants on the airport, “honest” or “trustworthy.” Ac­ Washington DC Chapter said that within walking distance, or pro­ cording to the newsletter of the Fay’s podium was located oppo­ viding transportation between the Washington DC Chapter, “Doris site Amelia’s red Lockheed Vega airport and the restaurant. The Rich, author of A Biography— in the Pioneers of Flight Gallery. February fly-in was to Shannon Amelia Earhart, had been the Doris Rich, author of a biography Airport, Fredricksburg, VA, with guest speaker for the Middle East on Amelia, had an opportunity to brunch at Brothers Pizza Restau­ Section banquet. At the Zonta say a few words. Special women rant. There were some creative luncheon, she gave a delightful among the 150 or so in attendance suggestions from the participants after-lunch talk about her experi­ were acknowledged including for ways to call up and request ences while researching and Marie Christensen and Nancy clearance from ATC for vectors publishing the book. The appre­ Tier. Many guests were women through the east coast’s “Super ciative attendees included several pilots. Continuous videos on TCA.” In March the destination 99s: R.J. McGlasson, Governor of Amelia’s life were placed in was Sulada, VA, Hummel Airport. the Mid-East Section and Zontian; several locations. It was a lovely, Seven airplanes from Manassas, Holly Brenneman, who dashed off evening with Amelia’s spirit and College Park, Gaithersburg, symbolization of the romance and Washington Executive Hyde excitement of early aviation Field, and Freeway Airports had prevailing. arrived by the time a few Ninety- North Central Section news Nines also arrived. CAP pilots reporter, Myma Stephens, sent from Prince Georges County, MD word that a record number of arrived. The wind was wicked, Indiana Chapter 99s flew daffo­ with 40-knot crosswinds with dils for the American Cancer turbulence and severe windshear. Society in March. Indiana Chap­ Doris Rich prepares to autograph her hook ter members, Betty DeBaun, Mary News reporter, Evie Washington for Edith Fischer, Hampton Roads Chapter, at wrote, “You don’t appreciate the banquet of the Middle East Section. Rutherford and Dorothy Niekamp, crosswind landing practice until to go flying immediately after attended the Women In Aviation you have to land with 40 knots of dessert; and Betty Fischer. One of Conference in St. Louis. The St. wind switching from crosswind to the many benefits of attending a Louis 99s participated in the 2nd tailwind with low level wind Zonta function is meeting out­ Annual National Conference on shear. Can you believe a Ninety- standing women in many fields of Women in Aviation in St. Louis. Nine with a passenger arrived in a endeavor. It is impressive and fun Indiana Dunes Chapter’s Joy C-152? That must have been to chat with judges, dentists, Black spoke of how she began to some flight.” In spite of it all, 20 diplomats, authors, and others.” fly and her experiences in avia­ persons attended the Fourth At the National Air and Space tion. She was featured at the Sunday Brunch. Pilots, friends Museum, Smithsonian, Amelia's Gary, Indiana, Woman's Place and supporters are invited. letters and papers were donated. Outreach Ministry. Indiana Dunes The Washington DC Chapter Fay Gillis Wells, pioneer aviator Chapter members feel that public members have had unique oppor­ and journalist, was the special relations pays off. A recent article tunities to participate in a Zonta guest speaker recently at a recep­ announcing their meeting brought Luncheon and also the presenta­ tion given by the President of out a new 66. Personal contact at tion of The Microfilm Edition of Radcliffe College and the Director a Flying Companion Seminar the Amelia Earhart Papers. The of the NASM. The microfilm found another new member for the Zonta Luncheon, an annual affair donation was made possible by the chapter. Gail Schroeder, Vice SECTION NEWS, continued Chairman of the Indiana Dunes The Utah Chapter plans to Donlon and Gale DeRosa (a Chapter, has been going around in assist with the Air Race Classic tower controller). Darlene Pil­ circles. She participated in a FAA when it comes through Provo in lows plans to chair the Bakers­ safety seminar where she earned a June. field stop of the Hayward-Bakers- certificate for a ride in the Barany. Pat Church of Bakersfield field-Las Vegas Race, May 17-19. After hearing Dennis Johnson Chapter spoke at the 2nd Annual Mt. Diablo Chapter wel­ from the Great Lakes Skydivers Women In Aviation Conference in comed new members, Linda Ellis, speak at their March meeting, St. Louis, MO, at the end of March. Monique Weil, and Sheri several members of the Indiana She then planned to attend the Henderson. The BFR Seminar Dunes Chapter have decided to National Congress on Aviation and was held in March, on the heels give it a try. T.J. Schaum and Joy Space in New Orleans in April. of a successful Girl Scout Day at Black will jump in tandem. Janice Brown was the featured which there were 15 scouts and 2 Chicago Area Chapter speaker at the FAA’s Safety Semi­ leaders in attendance. Events pinned two new members, Cynthia nar which was co-sponsored by the included lectures on the 99s, Nixon and Marie Wulczak, at their chapter. She was billed by the Amelia Earhart, barnstorming, Achievement Awards Banquet. FAA as the “Champion World the Powder Puff Derby, a tower Anniversaries celebrated by the Famous Aviatrix.” Mary Lou tour, a FBO tour of Navajo Chapter members included Betty Romagno and Donna Weeks Aviation, and climbing into a Morgan—99 for 45 years; Vir­ passed instrument written exams. Swift and a Vari-E-Z. Their ginia Coffeen—30 years; Ellen The Future Flyers of West High badges were presented at the O'Hara— 25 years; Janet School planned a hangar party in March chapter meeting. Mt. Vaessen—5 years. Debbie Karas, April and extended a special Diablo members plan a Bay Chicago Area 99, and her hus­ invitation to 99s. Bakersfield Tracon Tour in April, a Treasure band, Robert, are the proud par- members welcome new 66s, Sherry Hunt in May and a fly-in to Sun ents of Scott, their fourth son. River in late July or early August. Photo to the right: Quad City 99s are shown Chapter scholarship applications with the North Central Section attendance are available and are due by May 'rophy and WASP Gerry Jordan (center front) who spoke at the February meeting. Left to 15th. nght: Cindy Darling, Carolyn Pobanz, Janet The Orange County 99s Irwin, Bunny Johnson, Myrna Stephens.______planned a Flying Companion The Southwest Section news continued on next page reporter, Kathleen Browne, wrote Orange County 99s with Test Pilot, that the Redwood Empire Chap­ R obert J. G illilan d ter members held a rehearsal for the Flying Companion Seminar, scheduled for May, at their March meeting. The members have been invited to fly with the Napa Flyers on Sundays. They welcome new 66s: Terry Orsow, Chere Paffore, and Bea Henke. May 1st was the deadline for the applications for the Sierra Foothills Chapter Scholarship of $500 for flight training for women in the El Dorado County area. The chapter planned a Flying Companion Seminar during April. CALENDAR SECTION NEWS, continued MAY 1991 Seminar for April at Orange Coast 2 Whitesboro, NY Whitesboro High School College. Pat Noyes Prentiss is the Safety Seminar sponsored by Central New York Chapter. proud holder of a Commercial 4 (May 5th Rain Date) North Jersey Poker Run, Barbara Mead 3-5 Ann Arbor, Ml Ann Arbor Muni Airport license, Multiengine with her Pinch Hitter Course for anyone 15 or over, male or female. Contact: Nancy Hecksel, Instrument rating and she has 313-549-5383. Recipient of 99s International Safety Education Award-1988, 1989. passed her Flight Engineer written 5 Trenton, NJ Trenton-Robbinsville Arpt Pennies-a-Pound (May 12th Rain Date), contact Mary Helfrick, Garden State Chapter as well. Robert J. Gilliland, 11 Lake Charles, LA Hilton Hotel former military and Lockheed test Dedication Luncheon of “Women In Louisiana Aviation" exhibit of Wedell-Williams pilot, (see photo) spoke at the Museum Foundation. Orange County 99s March 14-20 Houma, LA NIFA SAFECON Jan Maxwell 14 Teterboro Airport, NJ NJ Aviation Hall of Fame meeting. He has the most super­ North Jersey/Garden State Chapters to be honored. Contact: Leslie Highleyman sonic flight time of any pilot while 15 El Paso, TX Airport Hilton Hotel flying the F-104, the YF12A, and LORAN-C User’s Forum. Practical advice, technical sessions. Held to celebrate the closure of the mid-continent gap and beginning of public-use LORAN-C non-precision the SR 7 1. He discussed the approaches. Special hotel rates. Exhibits, Information and Service packets: Michelle Lockheed test program under B. Ingram, AND-30, MLS/LORAN/GPS Program, FAA, 800 Independence Ave. SW, Kelly Johnson from the P-38 of Washington, DC 20591. Telephone (202) 267-7586. 18 Denver, CO WWII through the SR 71 stealth Denver Area Flying Companion Course aircraft, the Blackbird. Gilliland 31-June 2 Sterling-Rock Falls, IL Whiteside County Airport traveled at excess of Mach 3 at 22nd Annual llli-Nines Air Derby. Sponsored by 4 Chapters: Chicago Area, Central Illinois, Aux Plaines, and Quad City Area. Open to men and women. Contact: Lisa 90,000 feet and told of flying Woldow, 309-346-7566 round-trip test flights from JUNE 1991 Edwards AFB to Florida and back 8 South Jersey Regional Airport in 2 hours 15 minutes total time Garden State “300" Proficiency Contest (rain date June 9). Contact: Julie Collinge, Garden State Chapter. including aerial refueling over 14-17 Grand Cayman Island Contact: Winston Hendriks Florida. FLY-IN SAFETY SEMINAR AND SYMPOSIUM, BACK TO BASICS II. The Fullerton Chapter will Seminars-FAA, AOPA, Air Safety Foundation, Participation by the Private Sector. Air Show/Static Display-Personally meet airshow pilots/crews; British Royal Air Force assist at the FAA Seminars every Harriers, Tornado GR Aircraft, U.S. Military A/C: F-16, F-15E, A-10; Tour British Royal 2nd Thursday of every odd month. Navy Warship. Participate in the Queen’s Birthday Festivities. For Reservations and Eagle Flight, a flightseeing tour Information, Call: 1-800-327-8777 or 1-800-GCAYMAN. 14-16 Piseco Airport Speculator Seaplane Seminar for handicapped children from Contact: Harriet Bregman, NY Capitol Chapter. Orange County was to be held in 21-23 Weld County Arpt/Greeley ,CO Rocky Mt. Regional Fly-In March at Fullerton Airport. Two 25-28 Laughlin, NV Sam’s Town Gold River Air Race Classic. Race route: 2723.7 statute miles via Utah, Wyoming, South Tracon tours were scheduled for Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arkansas, to Alabama. Entries open Jan.23 and March and April and, also in close April 16. Contact Air Race Classic Ltd., International Airport, 318 International April, a Girl Scout tour was Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78406-1801; 512-289-1101 planned. JULY 1991 The Santa Maria Chapter 9-14 Orlando, FL International Convention, 99s members were invited to join the members of the San Luis Obispo AUGUST 1991 Chapter at the Santa Ynez Air­ 16-17 OKIE DERBY 13th Annual 21-25 Nantucket Island, MA Harbour House Resort port in March to share a morning Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association Meeting. Contact David Prewitt at 215-751-0500. of soaring and lunch in Solvang. Anne Fairchild is a new member SEPTEMBER 1991 of the San Luis Obispo Chapter Colorado Chapter’s 50th Anniversary and is also the recipient of the first Flying Finish Scholarship (the Wanda Ewing Scholarship). continued on Page 14 BUSINESS MEETINGS and EVENTS CALENDAR DATE: 1991 SECTION/EVENT: LOCATION:CONTACT:

05 3-4 East Canada London Ontario Betty Ellis 05 9-12 South Central Lake Charles LA Pat Ward 05 10-12 Southwest Oakland CA Lois Erickson 05 14-18 NIFA Houma LA Pat Mlady 05 17-18 New England Groton CT Denise Dostoler 06 21-23 Forest/Friendship Atchison KS Fay Wells 06 20-23 COPA Canadian Edmonton Mary Oswald 07 26 to 08 2 EAA Convention Oshkosh WI Norma Freier 08 22-25 Northwest Bozeman MT Gwen Vaseden 094 North Central Chicago IL Dodie Jewett 09 12-15 South Central Paris TX Pat Ward 9 21-22 Western Canada Calgary Can Mary Oswald 09 27-29 Southwest Lake Tahoe Lois Erickson Fall No Central Chicago Area Chapter Dodie Jewett 10 5-6 NY-NJ Long Island NY Shirley Ludington

1992 03 Australia and New Zealand Christchurch NZ Pam Collins 04 24-26 South Central Dallas TX Pat Ward Spring Southwest Palm Springs CA Lois Erickson Spring No Central Gr Cincinatti Chapter Spring NY-NJ Shirley Ludington 07 8-12 99 Convention Kansas City KS Pat Mlady 08 29 Northwest Alaska Cleo Webb 10 1-4 SW & SC Joint Albuquerque NM L. Erickson/P. Ward Fall No Central Greater Detroit Chapter

NOTE: 99 members are welcome to attend all business meetings for which there are no registration fees.

NEW HORIZONS Edward M. Parker, Jr., 49 1/2, husband of Rosemary Parker, Greater St. Louis Chapter. Ed, a member of the Retired Police Officers Association, passed on to new horizons on March 1, 1991. Ed will be deeply missed.

Father of Elsie Wahrer, Chicago Area Chapter, died March 14th, four months after Elsie’s husband, Wally. Our condolences to Elsie.

Joe Ball, 49 1/2 and husband of Jeannie Ball. The Florida SpacePort Chapter was deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Ball. The members will miss his continued support of their many functions and activities.

NOTAMS American Flyers has announced its funding of a scholarship designed to assist female career-oriented pilots. The JUDITH RESNICK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP has been established in the memory of Judith Resnick, the back-up Command Pilot Astronaut aboard the space shuttle, Challenger, which exploded January 28, 1986. Women represent only six percent of America’s certified pilots. Unfortunately, pilot starts by women have decreased by 32 percent in the past decade, according to the FAA. American Flyers Chaimian, Donald D. Harrington, feels “that it is vital that we assist women in getting access to training and career opportunities” and has set up the scholarship with $20,000 annually for flight training. For more information, CONTACT: Judith Resnik Memorial Scholarship, American Flyers, Van Nuys Airport, 16461 Sherman Way, Suite 100, Van Nuys, CA 91406, or call 800-233-0808. RECORD SETTERS— Kitty Hawk 99, MavCay Beeler and Rich SECTION NEWS, continued Gritter, test pilot for Questair's experimental aircraft, Venture, Kathleen Browne wrote, a husband and wife team. By Ann Cooper “Imperial So-Lo: On February The Questair Venture, in February of this year, broke three MORE 1 Oth the Navions tlew to Dateland world aviation records for light piston engine powered aircraft for a in February to begin the race and grand total to date of nine. The records were set in class C-lb, Group Ozzie Osborne took first place One for Light Airplanes (1102-2204 lbs) in time-to- climb events. Rich with Don and Birdie Gibson and MayCay were piloting the Venture for sponsor Atlantic Aero, a taking second place. The chapter FBO at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC, where did the decorations for the Blue Questair and the Venture are based. Angels Luncheon and were The time-to-climb record is determined by the elapsed time from thanked at the luncheon by the brake release to altitude. Beeler took the Venture to 3000 meters (9835 master of ceremonies.” feet) in 2 minutes and 31 seconds, shattering the previous record held Long Beach Chapter mem­ by Gritter by more than a minute. During the record flight, the Venture bers plan a Flying Companion initially climbed at 5,000 fpm with an average rate of 3,900 fpm from Seminar in June. Ginger Graham brake release to altitude. and Connie Farmer flew for the Gritter then took the Venture to 9000 meters (29,505 feet) in 27 Flying Samaritans. They flew 2 minutes and 13 seconds, again breaking the previous record by more full aircraft and worked in 2 than a minute. On the same flight, Gritter took the Venture to a national clinics (Punta Prieta and La Bay) record altitude of 35,370 feet MSL which is largely unchartered terri­ over a period of 2 days. While at tory for aircraft powered by non-turbocharged engines. All altitudes Punta Prieta, Ginger was found by were confirmed by a 50,000 ft. calibrated Aerosonic altimeter. The the previous owner of her air­ only modifications made to Venture’s normally-aspirated Teledyne craft—small world. Lori Ann Pap Continental Motors IO-550-G engine were the addition of an altitude is the newest member of the Long compensating fuel pump and TCM pressurized magnetos. Beach Chapter. The March fly- Gritter took the Venture to 6000 meters (19,670 feet) in 7 minutes in was planned to be to Brackett 14 seconds, breaking his own record to this altitude by more than a Field for breakfast and to assist minute. During the record attempts the Venture was equipped with a with the PCIFA meet. The April 76-inch diameter McCauley Blackmac (TM) propeller incorporating fly-in is to the Santa Monica several advanced technology features validated by this series of flights. Museum of Flying. Jeana Yeager Of more personal and unrelated, but great news. MayCay and Rich is the scheduled speaker. have also just welcomed a baby into their midst. That little one has a From Arizona, the Embrv- head start toward the sky. Our warmest congratulations for all of your Riddle/Prescott Chapter mem­ successes, MayCay and Rich. bers toured Edwards AFB; visited the flight line; saw B-l, B-52, F-4, F-15, F-16, and YF-23 aircraft. They went into the 52-million dollar anti-echo chamber and talked with designers. The chapter scheduled a visit to Williams AFB for a session in physiology train­ ing and the altitude chamber and five members planned to attend the Women In Aviation Confer­ ence in St. Louis. The Los Angeles Chapter celebrated its 59th Anniversary in March. Tradition has been estab­ lished to hold a celebration dinner SECTION NEWS, continued or members and guests with possible merger with the San Diego VietNam action. Chapter mem­ aviation themes at interesting Chapter. ber, Lois Ward, was scheduled to restaurants. In the past they have The Monterey Bay Chapter speak at the Women In Aviation met at 94th Aerosquadron. the Air Tour took place in March at Conference in St. Louis and the Theme Restaurant at LAX, the Santa Cruz Aviation. The chapter National Congress on Aviation Boulangerie, the Magic Castle, is planning a Flying Companion and Space in New Orleans. Orville and Wilbur’s, and Pa­ Seminar and Lele Dahle, with the New York-New Jersey nache. This year the event was assistance of Marge Brenner, will Section news reporter Barbara held at Merlin McFly’s Restaurant pick up the office of membership Mead wrote that the Western which features roving magicians. chairman. New York Chapter members The chapter sales item—fanny The Sacramento Valley have picked a scholarship winner packs—have been selling like Chapter has planned an Air Fair for their $500 annual Henry hotcakes. There is a plan to have for May. Members could use some Richter Scholarship. The recipi­ order forms available at Section assistance and urge you to volun­ ent, Rachel Roth, is a Meetings. The fanny packs are teer to help. Half Moon Bay was Williamsville high school senior decorated with an aviation theme designated as the destination for a who interned at the Buffalo and come in Stealth Black, Navy fly-in, with Lodi as the alternate in Tower and plans to attend an Blue, and Battleship Gray. A the case of inclement weather. aviation college. The March meeting of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter was the 2nd Annual Italian Night with the proceeds going to the San Jose State flying team. Dee Ramachandran now has a multiengine rating and Maureen Ramsay (See the article on Maureen, Traffic Watch Pilot for the San Francisco Bay Area, elsewhere in this issue.) received The popular Fourth Sunday Brunch brings Jane Roach, Oregon Pines 99, and Russian pilots together. L. to r.: Wendy Webster and her ATP. The Watsonville Air mountain climber, Julian Goldberg, prior Helene Scher, Potomac 99s; Paul Essex, Show is planned for Memorial Day to their sightseeing tour o f the beautiful College Park; 49 1/2 Patrick and Betty weekend and the Santa Clara Oregon Coast. Olivolo, Potomac 99; Holly Brenneman and Donna Neary, Washington DC 99s. Valley Chapter will have two VIemorial Day weekend fly-in to booths there. Liz Daffin and Judy The Long Island Chapter’s Durango, CO, is planned. Mary Owen are the newest members of Bozena Syska won third place in Haizlip was to be honored by the the chapter. A Flying Companion the January caption contest in Museum of Flying in March. Seminar is planned for April. Private Pilot magazine. For The El Cajon Valley Chapter From Phoenix comes word that those of you who missed the fundraiser, a Spring Garage Sale, the March program was a talk on April issue and Bozena’s winning was set for April. In February, the the drone program presented by line, she wrote, for the cartoon chapter members had a fly-in to Louis Hagler. His stories were character facing to the rear into Palomar Airport for brunch and delightful and members of the the face of the person flying in over the ocean for a session of Phoenix Chapter discovered that the back seat of the aircraft, whale watching. In March they some of today’s “new” technology “You FAA guys are impossible! planned a joint fly-in with the San is not so new at all. Drones were So I make one SMALL modifica­ Diego Chapter to Calexico for used to test aircraft to the edge of tion to my plane!” breakfast at the historic De Anza the envelope and beyond as well as Long Island Chapter’s Mae Hotel. The chapter is discussing a reconnaissance aircraft during the continued on next page SECTION NEWS, continued Smith and North Jersey Each card has information on how Eveans, Treasurer. Committee Chapter’s Jeanne Kent presented to contact the 99s. North Jersey Chairmen are: Dorothy Allbright, a seminar on survival techniques Chapter welcomes several new Airmarking; Jan Anderson, Mem­ at the February meeting. The members: Laura Babar, Kathy bership; Dorothy Laird, Scholar­ audience was advised to STOP— Jaffe, Marie Kneser, Dodie Riach, ship; Sharon Meadors, Aerospace; Sit down. Think, Observe, and and Denise Belanger. and Linda Marshall, Newsletter. Plan—when involved in an acci­ From the Northwest Section The Montana Chapter is hard at dent or forced landing. Survival reporter, Carol Skinner, is a work on the Northwest Section kit necessities were displayed and photograph of Oregon Pines meeting to be held in Bozeman in discussed. Handouts were distrib­ Chapter member, Jane Roach, August. Surprise guests at the uted to assist in assembling a with Julian Goldberg, a Russian March meeting were Ray Costello, survival kit, including ideas about mountain climber whom she flew NW Representative for AOPA, improvised uses for aircraft parts. for a sightseeing tour of the and Phil Boyer, new AOPA Bozena Syska reported that her Oregon coast. Evidently eleven of President who spoke to the mem­ plane, just back with a recondi­ Russia’s top mountain climbers bers briefly. tioned engine, no longer “just visited the Salem, OR area as part Members of the Western flies,” it “dances, soars, and of a mountaineering exchange. Washington Chapter had a 99s glides through the air.” Her recent They also visited the Indepen­ booth at the Tacoma Dome Avia­ passengers, Gloria Bryant and Lou dence Airpark, home of member, tion show in February and also Goldstein were impressed with the Jane Roach. She was one of six helped to host a banquet at which smoothness and quiet. The Long pilots who provided sightseeing the guest speaker was Mimi Island Chapter members are trips along the beautiful Oregon Tomkins. planning a flyout in May. If the coast for the guests from the The Willamette Valley Chap­ weather is nice, members will USSR. In appreciation, Jane’s ter presented their annual Flying head north to Cape Cod. Other­ passenger, Julian Goldberg, Companion Seminar in March at wise, they will go south and if the presented her with a “perestroika” Lane Community College, Eu­ weather is poor everywhere, pin. gene, OR. A trip to the Museum they’ll try again the next day. Betty Wittmer, of the Oregon of Flight in Seattle was scheduled Long Island Chapter welcomes a Pines Chapter, is the 99s’ repre­ for March, weather permitting. new member, Stacy Marcus. sentative to the Oregon Aviation Western Canada Section North Jersey Chapter mem­ Alliance, formed by Oregon reporter, Barbara Meredith, sent bers were pleased with the Student Aeronautics Administrator Paul word that the officers are: Marie Pilot Forum which was held in Meyerhoff. 20 aviation organiza­ Oswald, Governor; Sharon March with nine panel members tions throughout Oregon provide Spence, Vice-Governor; Nancy contributing a wide range of input to the Aeronautics Division Rand, Secretary; and Angelee information useful to the student concerning aviation matters in the Keeley, Treasurer. Marie Oswald pilot. A list of local flying clubs state. In January Trish Hanna, wrote some good advice in their that offer reduced rental rates to Oregon Pines, presented a work­ newsletter. Tracking Outbound. members is being compiled to shop at Willamette University on She wrote, “One thing we must help new pilots transition from careers in aviation to encourage surely do: Enjoy the company and flight school rentals. The North girls of junior high school age to fellowship of our own members! Jersey Chapter members have enter fields of study requiring For some of you it will be easy, printed By The Numbers cards for math and science. since you live close to each other distribution to local pilots and There are new officers of the and can talk frequently. For flight schools. The cards are Montana Chapter: Tina others where distance is somewhat designed to fold to business card Pomeroy, Chairpilot; Gail of a problem, more effort is size and have been well received Sanchez, Co-Chair; Loretta required. Let’s make this a year by flight instructors for students. Chapman. Secretary; and Jan when we show appreciation to one SECTION NEWS, continued another for simply being who we The first winner was Susan Badge and intend to have a booth are. If you haven’t done this Henderson of Kingsville. This at the Georgetown Air Show. lately, dial a 99 near you. Meet award is for the female student pilot Cindy Huffman, Austin for coffee, take a short flight in the chapter area who achieves the Chapter’s Amelia Earhart together and then tell other 99s highest mark on both the written and Scholarship winner who passed about it by putting it into your flight exams for her private pilot her ATP, was married on Christ­ Chapter Newsletter in Tracking license. The award is a large plaque mas Day to Paul Esterly. Cindy Outbound. We need to read about to hang in her home flying club for and Paul are pilots for American each other’s adventures, too." one year, a small remembrance Eagle in Nashville, TN. The Atlantic Chapter mem­ plaque, and a cheque for $250. Fort Worth Chapter mem­ ber, Kathleen Walker, won 2nd Congratulations to Susan. Nancy bers were delighted to watch a place in the Spot Landing at O’Neil-Holden, Connie Paton, and video of 49 1/2, Ernie Latham’s Waterville. Erna Scriven received Nancy Stasko invited local pilots for demonstration flight of the a trophy for the Most Qualified an informal gathering to learn more kitplane, the Questair Venture. Woman Pilot, the trophy donated about the Ninety-Nines. Pat Crocker (Read about MayCay Beeler’s by the Atlantic Co-Op. (Erna won visited the Lake Erie Chapter to record-setting flight in the Ven­ 589 jelly beans for guessing the talk about Career Day Presentations. ture elsewhere in this issue.) correct number in the jar— more Also planned are safety meetings, the Fort Worth members were also than satisfying her sweet tooth.) Spring Section meeting, a fly-in to treated to videos of their Christ­ Eastern Ontario Chapter Pelee Island, and judging 5 Science mas packages being delivered to hosted an open meeting on aero­ Fairs. Mexico to a small mission in batic flying with good speakers Montreal Chapter has been Cuidad Victoria. The packages and a worthwhile turnout. In quiet but busy. Suzanne Pettigrew’s went into the hands of some very January Loma De-Blicquy devised northern flying experiences were needy children and Charli Lamb a short quiz based on the A.I.P. captured on video and shared with went along on the trip. and Ninety-Nines history and had members. Suzanne spent two years The (iolden Triangle Chap­ chapter members scratching as a first officer on Twin Otters and ter hosted the Fort Worth, noggins for the answers. HS 748s with Air Inuit. She is now Dallas Redbird, and Collin First Canadian Chapter a Second Officer on B-727 with Air County Chapters to a tour of members were challenged by the Canada. Montreal members wit­ American Airlines’ Flight Acad­ Transport Canada Pilot Decision nessed the first 50-seat Canadair emy. Jacque Boyd arranged for Making course. Cathy Fraser and Regional Jet off the production line Judy Tarver, Pilot Recruiter for Diane Bourdon hosted a Career as twelve members toured Canadair American Airlines, to speak to Evening with ladies present who Aircraft Production Facilities in St. the group regarding pilot require­ represented all levels of flying, Laurent and the Regional Jet Produc­ ments. American Airlines members and non-members. The tion Line at Dorval. Ahead are plans presently employs 131 female event was held at the Air Canada for a B-727 simulator ride and pilots, 12 of whom are Captains Simulator building and they seminar; a seminar of emergency including Golden Triangle’s received an unexpected look at the training at the Air Canada Flight Beverley Bass. The tour in­ A-320 sim. Ahead are a Flying Attendant Training Center; and a cluded simulators, mockups, Companion Seminar, soaring and visit to the Air Museum in Ottawa. flight attendant training facilities, gliding, tours, and Science Fairs, The South Central Section and the flight operations area to name a few. reporter, Margaret Cosby, wrote that which controls all in-flight Four Maple Leaf Chapter the Austin Chapter had six 99s and aircraft. members attended the Windsor two 49 l/2s together on a tour of the (iolden Triangle’s Becky Flying Club Wings Banquet to weather bureau at Robert Mueller Vrazo showed members how to present the Maple Leaf Chapter Airport. The members planned to crop and creatively mount scrap- Award of Excellence for 1990. assist Boy Scouts with the Aviation conlinued on next page SECTION NEWS, continued book items. Vice Chairman, ecuted. Jody Chappie flew her C- pilot and co-pilot who later admit­ Penny White, represented the 182 in with passenger, Pat ted that they had already decided chapter at the mid-winter South Blackwedler; Alice and Darryl on careers in aviation. New Central Section Board Meeting in Monroe flew in as did Anne and member, Faye Makarsky, brought Austin. The Questair Venture was Andry Moffat in their Cessna 210. Debbie Cool to a meeting and she displayed during Jacque and “Glider Bob” Saunders spoke on was recently installed as a Ninety- Charlie Boyd’s open house at their understanding orographic effects Nine. Welcome, Debbie. San hangar. They operate a builder’s on flight or “soaring made easy.” Antonio Chapter’s Gloria Blank, aerie where homebuilt aircraft Wind conditions curtailed part of Barbara Martin, and Eddie and enthusiasts can rent space to work the program and delayed depar­ Fred Hansen attended the public on their aircraft projects. They tures, but lunch and hangar flying hearing in Castroville, TX, as also operate DFW Air Salvage. more than made up for inconve­ observers and to show support for High Country Chapter nience. Charter passengers were the airport which is receiving members reported that their returned to Montrose in two trips protest from the community. The Telluride fly-in, an exciting in Don M iller’s C-185. Members meeting was called for the accep­ learning experience, was hosted hope to get in some soaring time tance of a standard zoning ordi­ by Fran Long and Don Miller of soon. nance for Public Use Airports. Telluride Aero Center. C-421 San Antonio Chapter Air Despite the fact that funds are charter pilot, Bob Wallich, flew Bear program presenters, Margaret available, the city is hesitant to Dena and Larry Kempton, Ruth Cosby, Ginny McDaniel and resurface the runway and extend and Kenny Patterson, and Phyllis Virginia Spikes, traveled to Poteet, the taxiways. Barbara Martin and Marla Kramer in for the TX, to put on the program for 3 caused the city representatives to program. An emergency gear more first grade classes. 99 Laura stammer when queried as to who extension was required, the gear Richter made all the arrangements, was liable in case of an accident “shot down’’ with nitrogen, but all but there are still at least two caused by the poor condition of went well and the landing was classes who want to be included in the facility. A solid support by smooth and professionally ex- the program. It was exciting to local pilots was shown by their Private Pilot, Dehhie Wyrick, first recipient see two little girls who played continued on Page 20 of San Antonio 99s Aviation Scholarship at Palo Alto College, displays the San Antonio Achievement Award Certificate.

A

At the 1st San Antonio 99 Aviation Scholarship presentation, Palo Alto College, were, (I. to r.) Bruce Hoover, Director of the College's Aviation Program and Instructor; Gloria Blank, San Antonio Chapter Chair; Dehhie Wyrick, scholarship recipient; Virginia Spikes. 99 Liaison to the college scholarship program; Lena Cronk, 99 Treasurer; and Barbara Martin, 99 Safety Chair. Missing from the photo are Dr. Gary Northam, Instructor, and Curt Lezanic, Dean and Dir­ ector of Occupational Technical Education. The Palo Alto Aviation Scholarship Selection Board is comprised of members from the local aviation industry, 99s, and College staff. NEW RATINGS, AWARDS, and HONORS

Gail LaPook Chicago Area ATP Donna Webster Chicago Area Multi/Instrument Gina Pennington Chicago Area Private Barbara Neroth Chicago Area Private Marilyn Krenger Chicago Area Private Cassie Sawyer Western Washington Commercial SEL Gwen Kliewer Western Washington Float rating Cheryl DeShon Western Washington Multiengine Anita Israel Western Washington Private Sabrehna Wyche Purple Sage Commercial - t i a n — - Pam Jones Oklahoma Commercial Millie Thomas New Orleans Private Susan Deanne Coco New Orleans Instrument Julie Shimer Keystone Instrument

Ruby Fudoli, Greater St. Louis Chapter 99, was featured in the Florissant Valley Journal. Ruby was pictured on the front cover and mentioned the 99s in the article. Elizabeth Smekar, Michigan Chapter, has joined B.F.Goodrich Aerospace at Columbus, OH, as Regional Manager of the Eastern Division. Esther Berner, WASP and 99, is Indiana Chapter’s nominee for the North Central Section Governor’s award. ‘A 2 - 5 - Ann Marie Schorsch, Chicago Area Chapter, completed her 737 check ride and is flying as a first officer for United. 99

A COMMUTER PIL O T STR IK ES A DEER

According to an article in General Aviation News and Flyer, an airline pilot for Express II with 10 years of flying experience made a gear-up emergency landing in a Queen Air after hitting a herd of deer on takeoff. The incident, which took place in Enid, Oklahoma, in December, resulted in a safe landing with minimal damage to the aircraft. Most of the shock of the touchdown was apparently absorbed by the fiberglass lug­ gage pod on the belly of the Queen Air. The thickness of the pod assured that the props were kept from hitting the ground. The Flyer stated, “The pilot, Peggy Jones, was preparing to take off at about 6:30 a.m. when a herd of nine deer dashed across the runway. According to airline officials, the left wheel struck part of the herd, killing three of the animals, and bending the landing gear. “Jones radioed airline officials in Enid ...and decided to land rather than fly on to Ponca City, OK, the flight's destination. The airplane had been scheduled to continue to Dallas-Fort Worth. “An airborne pilot with Martinaire of Oklahoma, en route to land at Enid, approached Jones’ aircraft to survey the damage. The pilot assessed that the nose and right landing gear looked undamaged, but that the left gear was bent. Phil Trenary, president of Exec Express II, flew from Fort Worth on hearing of the emer­ gency. He also flew alongside Jones and after looking at the bent landing gear, decided a gear-up landing was the best alternative.” A truck from Vance AFB and the fire department from Enid foamed the runway in preparation for the planned emergency landing. Jones, 34, spent nearly two hours in flight after having struck the herd of deer. The Flyer article concluded, “Enid fire department officials praised her skill in bringing the aircraft down without injury or major damage. “‘It was a super landing,’ said assistant fire chief Bill Presley. ‘It looked like a smoother landing than some I’ve been in.’” SECTION NEWS, continued numbers. San Antonio Chapter 99s shirt was created for our astronaut funds. There was also a Safety members volunteered to airmark the member, Linda Godwin, to wear in Seminar presented by Mr. O.B. runway if and when it is resurfaced. space during her trip on STS-37. The Young from the Orlando FSDO. The Margaret Cosby was appointed to the shirt will become a permanent part of Florida SpacePort Chapter toured Kendall County Airport Advisory the Space City memorabilia. (See the Patrick AFB radar facilities. Committee and was busy rounding up article about Linda Godwin’s planned Arabian Section: Activities during airplane owners who are would-be carriage of Louise Thaden’s helmet the Gulf Crisis—Patsy Knox, Gover­ users of the potential facility. into space elsewhere in this issue.) nor, wrote that the starting of the The Purple Sage Chapter, in We all hoped that the flight was Middle East ground war, February Midland, TX, held a Flying Compan­ spectacular, Linda. We were thinking 24, 1991, did not stop eleven of the ion Seminar at Cutter Aviation, of you. In March the Space City and Arabian Section 99s and 49 l/2s from Midland International. Media Houston 99s had a joint meeting on wishing Diane Payne, their first 66, a coverage came from the local news­ Galveston Island. Following a great bon voyage. Diane returned to paper and TV station and the turnout seafood lunch, the members toured Derby, England, to complete her was good. Purple Sage members the Lone Star Flight Museum at Private license and to begin a new also co-sponsored an Operation Scholes Field (an old Army Air position as an ultrasound technician. Raincheck at Midland College with Field). The museum opened in 1990 Mara Culp hostessed a picnic and over 100 in attendance at each of the with 30 aircraft and continues to add premier showing of Patsy’s video of two sessions. to its collection of “Best of Type” Lotfia El Nadi, the First Egyptian Oklahoma Chapter members aircraft from the colorful 1930s and Woman Pilot (1933). In Switzerland welcomed new pilots, Michelle 1940s. Chapter members saw the Lotfia is supporting Kuwaiti friends Marceau and Gloria Solheim. Con­ Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, the while they await news of family gratulations. Planned for April was Grumman Hellcat and Tigercat, a members still left in Kuwait. Before an annual Membership Brunch and Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a North the picnic ended, sirens alerted us of Poker Run. A “Mystery Flight” is on American B-25 Mitchell, a Boeing B- incoming SCUDs. Gas masks were tap for May and the installation of 17 Flying Fortress, a 1950s at hand and the party continued in new officers will be held in June. Beechcraft T-34, and an AT-6 Texan. Mara’s “safe room.” The next night Airmarkings are underway as are The plane winning the “most photo­ the tragic hit by SCUD was only five plans for the “Okie Derby Proficiency graphed” award had to be the gor­ miles from our homes. Nancy Taylor Air Race” which is flown in August. geous blue and white 1936 Beech continued aa active volunteer role Arranged by Virginia Colbert, Staggerwing. It is hoped that the during the war. With her Red Cross Northeast Kansas Chapter mem­ future will hold more of these highly work and assisting at the 85th Evacu­ bers enjoyed Marshall Field, Fort successful joint activities. Lee Orr, ation Hospital, she volunteered at Riley, KS, and, in the simulators, reporter from the Southeast Section, Associated Press, Dhahran Interna­ found quite a difference in handling mentioned this year’s inductee, tional Hotel. We were all able to the controls of UH-1 helicopters Charlotte Fogg Frye, inducted to the catch a glance of her on CNN cheer­ compared to fixed wing aircraft. Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. ing and serving cookies to patients. After time in the sim, Airfield Com­ Charlotte’s prestigious award was Patsy wrote, “We were very fortunate mander Don Kreiser conducted a featured in a previous issue. In spite to meet many of our courageous debriefing and explained that the best of deteriorating weather, the Florida young women military pilots and student pilot is a woman with no SpacePort Chapter Poker Party was were looking forward to seeing them previous flying experience. He a GO. Many were able to fly to their all again after the war. The news of explained that a woman has a lighter first stops and return before weather Major Marie Rossi, Chinook helicop­ touch which is needed for flying closed in. Members working the ter pilot, going down in the Saudi helicopters. Plans are in the offing terminus stop at Spruce Creek Fly-in desert after her supply missions in for a return trip and a chance to use Community were prepared with Iraq greatly saddened us. At our the UH-60 simulators. substitute stops where participants December Ninety-Nine party, Marie Space City Chapter members drew their remaining cards. The first had shared her enthusiasm for flying, were entertained by Danny Garner, a prize was $99 with an additional 59 admitting she started out in the Army tower controller at Hobby Field. He prizes awarded. Assisted by the Air Defense, but (she) switched six talked about the tower-pilot relation­ Daytona Beach Embry Riddle years ago to do something that she ship and exchanged the pet peeves of Chapter members, the proceeds of loved.” 99 pilots and controllers. A Space City the Poker Party go toward scholarship GERRY WILLIAMSON MICKELSEN 1913—1990 by Barbara Sestito The newspaper said she died Governor,” said it all. navigation. She had little time with few, if any, regrets. An I remember what she said about for new-fangled radios and aviator, adventurer, teacher, being elected International Presi­ VORs. One time we were racing friend—she did it all her way. I dent. “Gad,” she would say, “I over Indiana, over an overcast was fortunate to have known and didn’t think they would elect ME!” layer. Gerry folded her hands, loved her. She was my “other She took a sabbatical from her handed me the map and said, “I mother,” a friend, confidante, and teaching job and flew her Bellanca can’t help you anymore. I can’t mentor. What a gal! to as many Section and Chapter see the ground.” A teacher by profession, Gerry meetings as she could during her Gerry loved to travel. Her taught grammar school for over 30 two year term. She was also there home was filled with books, years. She and another lady were to pack up our records from our maps, and mementos. She fished, the only teachers on King Island in New York office and move them to backpacked and, as a collector of the Bering Straits. She loved the our permanent home in Oklahoma masks, covered her walls with Eskimo children and returned to silent reminders of the places she Alaska many times. She also loved. taught in Yuba City and Sacra­ At the end of her life, she mento, CA. She was a great fought a valiant battle against teacher, but flying was her first Alzheimer’s Disease. She re­ love. membered her friends and her Gerry learned to fly in 1935. eyes shined when we talked of When the call went out for flying or of the Ninety-Nines. WASPs, she couldn't imagine She left 20% of her estate to the being left out. She put her other Ninety-Nines and hopefully a life on hold and answered the call. scholarship will be established in Her experiences in the WASP and her name. the friends she made sustained her City. She loved our first building She asked that no memorial throughout her life. She always and was very excited about the new services be held, but that her cherished the special camaraderie building and especially the Re­ ashes be scattered over the Sierra of the WASPs and made it clear source Center. Nevada Mountains. She asked that they were something unique She wanted to do something that her friends have a party and and special. Her buddies were and, when she heard about the Oral remember the good times. She women like Fran Gustafson, Kay History Program, she decided that did it her way—no regrets. Rest Brick, Margaret Geherart, and was more than worthy of her in Peace, Mom. Marion Brown. support. Gerry contributed a total

Gerry was first a Ninety-Nine of $35,000 to the project. The fact A portion of the Gerry Mickelsen Oral and her circle of friends widened. that we have the oral histories of History Collection, at Headquarters of the She joined in November of 1939, more than one hundred women Ninety-Nines, Oklahoma City, OK a few days past our tenth anniver­ pilots, indexed, computerized and sary, and was a member of the Los accessible is thanks to Gerry. The Angeles Chapter. Later she center is appropriately named the transferred to the Bay Cities Gerry Mi eke Isen Oral History Chapter and helped to charter the Center. Sacramento Valley Chapter. She I had the privilege of flying became Governor of the South­ with Gerry often. We flew the west Section. After her term of Powder Puff Derby several times office a gift of a small ceramic including the last one in 1976. She box inscribed, “To Our Beloved was terrific at dead reckoning MY GOD! IT’S A WOMAN, a book review by Ann Cooper Nancy Bird Walton has done Charles to give the pilot landing Charles Kingsford Smith and aviation a great service. She not instructions and then handed me Charles Ulm flew the Pacific only has lived (and flown!) an the telephone. I took the receiver Ocean in 1928. It was nothing but exciting, noteworthy life, she has and said, “Hello.” There was a inspiration for this brave young written a book to record for stunned silence and then a horri­ girl. England’s Amy Johnson and posterity the names and achieve­ fied voice uttered, “My God! It's Germany’s Elly Beinhorn further ments of a neglected portion of a woman.” excited and inspired Nancy. aviation history— aviation in Nancy lived and flew during Nancy wrote, “Amy (John­ Australia. the magical golden years of flight. son) knew nothing about long Dedicated to women pilots She wrote, “In the 1920s and distance flying. Her previous with determination and tenacity, 1930s, flying was mainly a sport, longest trip had been from London Nancy Bird obviously displayed but it was also a challenging and to her hometown, Hull— 168 those attributes— in spades. Born romantic adventure. miles. She had only 100 hours in 1914, she reportedly balanced “We flew without any of the solo experience and she had no on the backyard fence as a child, sophisticated, high technology experience of flying over moun­ outstretched her arms and called gadgets that adorn the aircraft of tains, deserts and through mon­ herself an “eppy plane.” This was today. Instead of expensive soon rains. Despite everything, 1919, the year that Australians computers and navigational aids, (she flew from England in 1929 in were excited with the advent of an we relied almost exclusively on a 95-hp Gipsy Moth) she arrived England to Australian Air Race. road maps that showed the ap­ in Darwin nineteen days later. Her first flight was several years proximate locations of towns, Her aircraft was patched with pink later, 1928, when she was taken railways, roads, tracks, and little sticking plaster and some shirts aloft with Reg Annabel in a else. that had been made in Burma from “beautiful, shining Gipsy Moth.” “Sometimes we could barely war surplus aviation fabric. Amy She was working as a bookkeeper see the ground because of dust damaged her aircraft in Rangoon and housekeeper for her father and storms, low cloud or heavy rain. and she tore up the shirts and uncle in their country store in Mt. We navigated with a wristwatch, mended the Moth’s wings with George and she saved every penny compass and old school ruler. 'dope' made by a local chemist. that she could squirrel from her “I was privileged in those days This dope, which was used for salary toward the opportunity to to walk in the footsteps and live in tauting the fabric, is the same fly. At age fifteen, Nancy Bird the shadows of the young airmen product used today as nail lacquer. made an appointment for her first who returned from World War I She crashed the Moth four times flight lesson. The year was 1929 and began establishing what is on the way out and her courage and Australia reeled with the now Australia’s aviation industry. and determination were magnifi­ devastation of Depression as did “Some of those brave young­ cent.” the U.S.A. sters grew to become legends. Nancy Bird has chronicled Why did Nancy title her book Many became captains of the air aviation in Australia and captured as she did? She wrote, as a pro­ industry, and others went on to the history of many women pilots; logue, “In 1936,1 was the only serve their country yet again in Johnson, Jean Batten, Thea charter pilot in Cunnamulla, World War II.” Rasche, and her good friend and Queensland. Charles Russell, a Nancy remembers reading of copilot with whom she barn­ well-known grazier, was visiting the exploits of Bert Hinkler in the stormed, Peg McKillop. Of Peg, one of his properties when he was newspaper when she was a teen­ she wrote, “We had some won­ marooned by flood waters. 1 ager. He dared to fly 850 miles derful experiences together and walked into his agent’s office just nonstop in Australia in 1921 and today I appreciate and admire her as Charles was being told by solo from England to Australia in more than ever. She has been phone that the aircraft was being 1928 in an Avro Avian. She flying almost continuously for 57 sent to rescue him. The agent told remembers with excitement when continued on nest page MY GOD! IT’S A WOMAI continued years.” a paddock where nothing larger by Nancy Bird. Do read her book Her flying went on hold during than a cockatoo had landed be­ and discover a history of aviation the war years and during the years fore.” Of another flight she wrote, that might not otherwise be that she raised her children, but “...in desperation, I picked a clear­ available to you. she spent many an interesting ing between trees and put my In an epilogue, Nancy under­ flying hour and her book teases Leopard Moth down with my hand­ scores the plight of the female the non-Australian reader to pull brake partly on before my wheels pilot in the male bastion of out the globe and atlas. Isn't it touched the ground. As soon as aviation, throughout the years. intriguing to read, “The first they touched, I locked the wheels She wrote, “Fifty-four years after charter job that I flew came from and then eased the brakes for a split Charles Russell gave me the title the Nevertire district of New second as one wheel went over a to my book, a Sydney business­ South Wales. Wrenford Matthews mound of earth which should have man, Michael Lee, hired a light of Wahroonga station wanted me overturned us. I jammed on the aircraft in Brisbane to take him to fly him northeast to Carinda, brakes again and pulled up 8 yards and a colleague into the country. which is between the Macquarie from a big gidgee tree—and came As they approached the aircraft, and Castlereagh rivers. ...As I was very near to having a wing lopped Michael’s colleague grabbed his about to straighten up and head for off.” arm and said, “My God! I’m not Wahroonga station, the engine Her book is filled with people, going to fly in that. The pilot’s a coughed and fluttered, and I felt places and dates, some of them woman!” gusts of compression coming back exotic to the uninitiated: the Thank you for your book, at me. I thought I was on fire! I gidgee tree, the mulga and malee Nancy. Thank you for your pulled the throttle back and put scrub, the sharing of the air with contributions to aviation and to down in a steep side-slip on the cockatoos and galahs and the aviation history; and thank you only available bare ground, an sharing of the paddocks with for your warm, delightful humor. area beside the house, dotted with kangaroos and emus. prickly bushes and foraging She formed the Australian chooks.” Women Pilot’s Association. She Nancy was not on fire, but that was given the Order of the British was her first forced landing and, Empire from Her Majesty the only a teenager, she was learning Queen at Buckingham Palace. She about flying, learning from experi­ was awarded an honorary Master ence. As the first woman to of Engineering by Sydney Univer­ operate an aircraft commercially sity and, in 1990, the Order of in Australia, she went on to spend Australia. many an hour in the air over Nancy Bird flew a few races in remote areas as a pilot for the Far the U.S. and was pleased to meet West Children’s Health Scheme. many U.S. pilots and Ninety-Nines: Young Australian Barnstormers, She piloted to aid the children and Betty Huyler Gillies, Louise Peggy McKillop (left) and Nancy other family members in the Sacchi, Iris Critchell, Fran Bera, Bird. The year was 1935. outback, persons far from medical Elinor Smith, Betty Miller, Kay help. Brick, Jerrie Cobb, Jean Ross |t h e b o o k h a n g a r Nancy's book is fun to read. Howard Phelan and Jimmie Kolp, Bruce Myles has written Night You'll read, “Spiralling willy- to name a few. She, a pioneer Witches, The Amazing Story of willies were abundant in the sky pilot, traces flying from the 20s to Russia’s Women Pilots in World and the turbulence from the the present exciting days of watch­ War II. The story of brave young thermals threw our Gipsy Moth ing females participate in the space girls who flew fierce combat mis­ about like a paper toy,” or “I once program. There is no way to sions. Watch for an upcoming had to land beside a homestead in mention all of the pilots mentioned review. Ann Cooper AMELIA EARHART MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND— a n in e t y -n in e s scholarship p r o g r a m

A SILENT AUCTION for RARE AE COMMEMORATIVE AIR MAIL COVER, by Alice Hammond The AE Memorial Scholarship Trustees are offering the remaining 1983 Commemorative Cover for sealed bids at the Convention in Orlando in July. Bids will be opened Saturday, July 13 at 4 PM. The winner will be announced at the banquet that evening. This cover is a 1963 Amelia Earhart 8-cent Airmail First Day Cover recancelled July 24,1983 at Atchison, Kansas, with an additional 8-cent AE Airmail and a 13-cent Tree Stamp added. It is signed by Muriel Earhart Morrissey, and Charter Ninety-Nines: Melba Beard, Betty Huyler Gillies, Nancy Hopkins Tier, and Fay Gillis Wells. The following anniversaries are observed: 1783 MAN’S FIRST FLIGHT—MONGOLFIER; 1963 AMELIA EARHART AIRMAIL STAMP; 1963 AE HOWLAND ISLAND BEACON RELIT; 1973 FOREST OF FRIENDSHIP INITIATED. A minimum bid is $75.00. Mail your tax deductible bid by check payable to AEMSF, with a Stamped, Addressed Enve­ lope to: Alice Hammond, 15 Oakdale Drive, Millville, NJ 08332-2438. The bid must be received prior to July 6, 1991. Checks for unsuccessful bids will be returned. 99

Sweatshirts, T-Shirts & Nightshirts

The interlocking 99 logo on blue sweatshirts, t-shirts, and nightshirts with all the sections listed in the background—a new product developed by international headquarters. 102 - T-shirt S,M,L,SL $12.50 103 - Nightshirt One size $20 Amelia Earhart Lockheed Electra Magnets $2 Purse Leashes $6.50 Luggage Straps $8 Send orders to The Ninety-Nines, Inc. International Headquarters Will Rogers World Airport Oklahoma City, Okla. 73159

(Include $3 for postage and handling) INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Orlando, Florida by Nancy Wright, Convention Chairman

Plan to go “Up, Up and Away with the Ninety-Nines” to Orlando, Florida for the 1991 International Convention, July 10-14, 1991.

Exciting things are happening! We will start off the convention with a welcome breakfast with our own Jessie Woods as the speaker. Jessie is a former wingwalker, parachutist, pilot (soloed in 1928), flight instructor, Governor of the Southeast Section. One Educational forum will feature Frank Kingston Smith, an aviation attorney, author, and very entertaining speaker. Appearing at the workshop with Frank will be Marie Lacour, who owns and operates Aerial Messages, her own banner-towing school. Don’t miss the seminar, Aviation Careers and How To Get There, presented by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Several Ninety-Nines workshops are in the works that can be advanta­ geous to chapter chairmen: Membership, Aerospace, Air marking, AE Scholarship, and Special Projects, such as Air Shows, etc. We will conclude the convention with our Gala Awards Banquet at which Dr. Janice E. Voss, astronaut, will speak and the presentations will be made of the Ninety-Nines Award of Merit and the Kathryn B. Wright Memo­ rial Award. We will include many options: a trip to the Kennedy Space Center, Dinner and Entertainment at the Church Street Station, and a Luau at Sea World with Shamu and Laser Light Shows. We hope to keep you enlightened and enter­ tained! We need the cooperation of Sections and Chapters to support the Hospitality Room with money and manpower. The decorations are in place: Long Island Chapter—the breakfast, the Maryland Chapter—the Amelia Earhart Luncheon, the Southeast Section—the Amelia Earhart Reception for Scholarship Winners, and the Florida Suncoast Chapter—the banquet. The Florida SpacePort Chapter is our eyes, ears, and legs in Orlando. Thank you! Thank you to these won­ derful chapters for getting involved! We are receiving calls from all over with offers of help. We will try to include all of those who volunteer. The money collected will be used to supply the Hospitality Room with goodies and refresh­ ment, offset decoration expenses, and many other things, which I am sure will occur at the last minute. Money not spent will be applied to next year’s convention.

THIS IS OUR CONVENTION. LET’S SUPPORT IT! LET’S ATTEND IT! LET’S ENJOY IT!

UP, UP AND AWAY TO THE ORLANDO CONVENTION!

f * WOMEN IN AVIATION, 2nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE A Photo Essay by Ann Cooper Led by Dr. Peggy Baty, Academic

Dean, Parks College of Saint Louis Left to Right, University, Conference Director, pilot D r. A lice and ski I led leader, the conference which H ayes, Dr. drew 400 persons to St. Louis, MO, was Peggy Baty, a resounding success. Baty has worked P aul P oberezn y, tirelessly for months to prepare a EAA worthwhile agenda filled with talented Founder; and inspiring speakers. Topics ranged Jam es from historic perspectives (pioneers B usey, FAA Administra­ Edna Gardner Whyte, Nancy Hopkins tor; an d Tier, Bobbi Trout , and Adela Scharr A u drey were featured), to current pioneering P oberezn y efforts (Paul Poberezny, Brooke Knapp and Jeana Yeager, record-setters and award winners, were featured speakers), and on to the vast array of opportunities that are increasingly available for women pilots. Dr. Baty wrote, "The 1991 Women In Aviation Conference is being held due to the overwhelming response from last year’s ‘first annual’ meeting in Prescott, AZ. The theme this year is to look at women’s contributions to avia­ tion historically and currently. Particu­ lar emphasis is given to our ‘career series’ where we have assembled women from a variety of aviation oc­ Aviation Pioneers—JENNIES TO JETS: Jean Ross Howard-Phelan, Whirly Girl cupations to serve on panels. They will Brooke Knapp, left, a record-holder in jets Number 13, and avid spokesperson for and Edna Gardner Whyte, who first flew in a address issues and questions relative to women in helicopters. Canadian Jenny and kept on flying! their chosen careers. Parks College of Saint Louis University is proud to sponsor this year’s Women In Aviation Eero Saarinen’s Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the U.S., is representative of Conference. It is our goal to promote the Gateway to the West and the opening of the U.S.A. to expansion. Perhaps, for this confer­ ence. it can also be representative of Women's expanding role in Aviation. women in this traditionally male field and to encourage more females to pursue the exciting and challenging opportu­ nities available to them in aviation.” Enjoy portions of the conference in the following photo essay:,______C a ro l L. O sborn e, L ockh eed em ployee, author, pu blish er, and aviation h istorian. v Carol spoke "V on the a a'" History not the Mystery o f AE. Nancy Hopkins Tier, to the right, who shared the pioneer history of women flying in the ’20s and ’30s. Nancy flew in the Ford Reliability Tour of L92K and continues to fly to this date. ( i ^ 7 ° 3

Below: Pioneer Pilots Bobbi Trout, left, who first flew in a Jenny in 1922 and flew in the 1st Women’s Air Derby in 1929, and Jeana Yeager, modern pioneer and record-setter, who co-piloted the Voyager on the non-stop, non-refueled world flight.

Parks College Officials. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Whelan and Peggy Baty with Edna ______Gardner Whyte.______

*,V :•.'*’u n i Above left: Arlene Feldman. (I), the attorney!pilot! and first woman to be Regional D irector. FA A ; with Brooke Knapp, who has set or broken 100 w o rld aviation sp e ed records.

Left: Adela Riek Scharr. WAFIWASPI CFI and. in the Air Force Reserve, experienced in T-33 an d m ore. Right: Wally Funk, with over 33 years and over 13,400 hours of flight, once an FAA specialist (1st woman to complete Inspector Academy Course) and an Air Safety Investiga­ tor for NTSB . is currently the Chief Pilot, Emery Aviation College, CO, (and a wit! She kept us laughing at lunch A_____ YOUR CANDIDATES FOR INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR DORIS ABBATE Concerned 99s are CONSTITUENTS OF THE ELECTORATE. I’m sensitive to your needs; let’s focus on 99s purposes and camaraderie. Of 99s, by 99s, for 99s, I represent you in OUR MEMBER OWNED ORGANIZATION. I’LL STRIVE FOR ACCORD IN A FORTHRIGHT MANNER BY THE FOLLOWING: Accountability, a full audit annually. All reports and minutes available to members. Restore CHECKS AND BALANCES in Parliamentary Authority. Bylaws are a contract, as is the Budget, Council of Governors and any adopted resolution. Confidence and cooperation conflicts with confidentiality. Full disclosure is paramount, particularly organizational information publicly available. Dues paying member rights and privileges give 99s a right to a say. Officers, Employees, and professionals serve members. Empower elected officers. Elected members only should attend board meetings and control headquarters, 99 News, directory or other official business. Experience counts: tenacious life member, joined 1961. International Secretary, Standing Rules Chair, Nominating Committee, USPFT/Council & Finalist, Convention committees, Parliamentarian, Speaker, Section Governor, Vice Governor, Treasurer, Secretary, Charter, active member Long Island Chapter. Corporate Secretary/Treasurer. Let us keep faith in our organization. Vote for the Director who takes time to understand your needs and is willing to stand up in your behalf. A vote for Doris Abbate supports the troops.

ALEXIS EWANCHEW Alexis is presently an International Director and a liaison for Membership and Award of Merit Committees. She is also a Trustee for the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Board and the Editorial Director for The Ninety-Nine News. Her experience at the Section Level includes Governor and Vice- Governor, along with Chapter Level experience as Chairman, Treasurer and Nominating Committee Chairman. Alexis has had a varied background which also includes International liaison for College Programs and Safety Education, Director of Florida Race Pilots Association, Educational Vice- President of BellSounds Toastmasters, and a judge for the FL Goldcoast Chapter’s Griner Scholarship. An enthusiastic 99 since 1976, Alexis has attended every International Convention as a delegate and many Section Meetings. She is an active pilot, ASEL/AMEL and instrument rated with 1100 hours, and is currently pursuing her Commercial License. Professionally, Alexis is a manager with Southern Bell, involved in training participative management courses to all employees. She has been in the workforce for 26 years, and has acquired expertise in engineering and business administration. Formal schooling includes Georgia Tech and Florida Atlantic University. Dependable, persistent, organized, dedicated, loyal and helpful, are adjectives that describe Alexis. She desires to continue to be part of the process that will affect the future of The Ninety-Nines. YOUR CANDIDATES FOR INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

JAYE HOWES

As a member of San Fernando Valley Chapter since 1982, I've served as newsletter editor, Vice Chairman, and Chairman for two consecutive terms. I’ve been Leadership Chairman, Southwest Section, for the past three years, conducting several well-attended seminars. For three years I’ve also been International Membership Chairman and have recently created and pro­ duced your new membership brochure. I’ve attended five International Conventions and fifteen Section meetings. My management skills have been honed by operating my own advertising business for 20 years.

The spirit, courage and camaraderie our founding members displayed over 60 years ago must be rekindled. We have recently experienced this kind of rekindling in our country’s response to the heroic efforts of the men and women of Desert Storm. WE can do it, too! As your International Direc­ tor, I will work to rebuild our spirit, to rebuild our courage and camaraderie, and to heal our differences— to move forward, with your help, toward a better and greater tomorrow for all 99s.

A. LEE ORR A. Lee Orr, a twenty year veteran member of the Ninety-Nines, joined the Arkansas Chapter in May 1971, and helped found the Blue Ridge Chapter. Lee has a cumulative eighteen years of experience in office at the Chapter level, and has been promoted through the elected offices to her present position as Governor of the Southeast Section and a member of the Interna­ tional Council of Governors. She has attended 34 Section meetings and 19 International meetings. She is a professional pilot, President and owner of Shelby Aviation, Inc., for the past 17 years, Airport Manager of the Shelby Airport, North Caro­ lina, since 1977, and is Executive Vice-President of Orr Aviation, a busi­ ness she and her husband founded 30 years ago. Lee was a 1988 AE Scholarship winner and holds ASMEL, CFII. She is an FAA Flight and Written Examiner and an FAA Accident Prevention Specialist for the Southern Region. She is active in her local community as a popular guest speaker at civic events and schools as an authority on careers in aviation, and serves as a judge for aviation essay contests in the school system of the State of South Carolina. Lee’s Goal: “To recognize and encourage the participation of all members in the governing affairs and policies of the organization and to enhance the image of the 99s in the world of aviation.” NOTE OF THANKS TO DR. LINDA GODWIN FROM THE FAMILY OF LOUISE THADEN Dear Linda, Louise McPhetridge Thaden, Louise Thaden also wrote, On behalf of all the Thaden 1905-1979, held several firsts. “Why do the birds sing; How is family, we would like to express Among them, Louise was FIRST: the soil made to bear fruits our sincere thanks to you for de facto president and founder of And flowers to grow? carrying our mother’s helmet into the Ninety-Nines, Inc. and the Who evolved gravity? Why do space. Her closing to us was FIRST secretary. She was the some great burdens bear; always, “Love to Infinity and FIRST woman to simultaneously Who made life and Back.” Although she can now see hold the altitude, speed, and Where did time begin? all the wondrous magnitude of that endurance records; the FIRST Does Space end in God and infinity, how truly happy and winner of the Women’s Air Derby Trinity? proud we are that one of her in 1929; the FIRST woman to win Distant Planets, are they possessions will travel a short the Bendix Transcontinental Air Earths which war no more? distance into that wonder. Race in 1936 (the first major race Why is man? For what We are all green with envy of to be opened to women competi­ Purpose made; surely your forthcoming flight. Good tors). Louise wrote, Not Futility.” luck and best wishes to you on “Flight is abiding peace. your journey from us all. Absolute serenity. The It is faith and compassion. helm et With Sincere thanks, Purest joy. destin ed Jim and Pat Thaden Wehh It is a spirit totally free. f o r space Bill and Louise Thaden Flight is with and grandchildren, yesterday’s yearning. The Linda G odw in. Fred and Nancy Frost fulfillment Safe Tracy Thaden and Terry Briggs of today’s dreams. Tomorrow’s F light! promises.” jMORE PHOTOS FROM THE WOMEN IN AVIATION CONFERENCE, by ANN cooper

PHOTO, upper left: Dr. Peggy Baty, Jeana Yeager, recipient of the Adela Scharr Medation, and Adela Riek Scharr. Above: A M ajor General from Scott AFB '■ewards the representative WAFs and WASPs. Extreme left: Brooke Knapp shares a special moment with Bobbi Trout. Left: Dr. Peggy Baty, the hardworking coordinator o f the conference, invites one and ill to the Third Annual Women In Aviation Conference in Las Vegas, NV. The dates are March 12-14,1992 at the Aladdin Hotel. SILVER WINGS FRATERNITY WEL­ FAA RATINGS MY GOD! IT ’S A WOMAN,” the COMES YOU 25 YEARS AFTER SOLO! GUARANTEED—A&P; I-A; FE. autobiography of Nancy-Bird Walton. A KIT AND NEWSPAPER: DUES $10 Your copy can be purchased by sending Ratings guaranteed in 4 DAYS. ANNUALLY. WRITE:Russ Brinkley, $20 to P.O. Box 136, St. Ives 2075 President, Silver Wings Fraternity, Call now: American Flight Academy, N.S.W. Australia. Box 11970, HARRISBURG, PA 17108 10727 Airport Road, Everett, WA OR CALL 717-232-9525. 98204. 206-355-3117 C;irt*er S talled? IN A NUTSHELL, • Personalized “fast-track" guidance from experienced A NEWSLETTER OF WELLNESS airline captains FOR WOMEN. * In-person or phone consultations to help you avoid expensive mistakes 6 ISSUES FOR $12 Aviation Career Counseling 803/G8-.9493 GLOBE _ „ „ SAMPLE: 799 N. Ontare Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 '5 ^7 FIBERGLASS, LTD., INC. Susan Kennedy 1203 Elm Blvd. FAA-PMA APPROVED RAISE FUND$ for your CHAPTER- Liberal, KS 67901 MANUFACTURER OF Exquisite French Eau de Parfum and PIPER REPLACEMENT PARTS personal care items for 1/4 to 1/2 store WANTED! Made o f Hexcef’ Fiberglass Cloth and Flame Retardant Resin prices PLUS make money! For informa­ Cherokee/Warrior/Archer/Arrow/Dakota tion: Beverley Mitchell, PO Box 896, JOB FLYING A TWIN Lance I Saratoga /Comanche /Tomahawk 1900 Hours, ATP, 120 hrs ME Aztec/Seminole/Seneca/Navajo Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303. BA Aeronautics—San Jose State ■ Wing Tips wlwo Reco Lites ■ Tailcones 313-540-3043. ■ Fwd/Aft Dorsals ■ Stabilator Tips Willing to Relocate ■ Wheel Pants & Fairings ■ Vertical Caps Contact: Maureen Ramsay SMALL SPACE ADS SELL!! If you are LAKELAND REGIONAL AIRPORT reading this space, think of the others that 3240 Dranefield Road 415-521-7584 will do so, too. You could be selling, Lakeland, Florida 33811 USA 800 899-2707 ■ 813 644-2178 buying, advertising, etc. Send your ad to FAX 800 966-6919 ■ FAX 813 646-6919 THE NINETY-NINE News, 131 H illside ______—------M em ber Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. 3 ‘i

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Now in a new and expanded edition, the story of the spirited women from the farms and Main Streets of America who flew some of World War Il's most dangerous and sensational air missions. Includes Jacqueline Cochran's official Final Report on the WASP.

"Sally Van Wagencn Kcil has restored the WASPs to history with full honors in this affectionate and savoy book." —New York Times Book Review "Here is a record not only of that invincible American spirit in a time of war, but of an internal as well as external struggle for a new type of woman." Those wonderful —The Christian Science Monitor "An important, exciting book." WOMEN IN THEIR — Library Journal FLYING MACHINES Four Directions Press 611 Broadway, Suite 426, New York, NY 10012 To Order Call Toll Free THE UNKNOWN HEROINES N a m e ______• s 1-800-556-6200 OF WORLD WAR II Address______8:30 am to 5:30 pm City/State/Zip______Sally VanWagenen Kell Weekdays For copies of Those Wonderful Women Eastern time Check enlosed for $ ______Satisfaction Guaranteed Charge to □ Mastercard □ Visa Hardcover. $22.95 If dissatisfied for any reason, Card Number______please return within 30 days for plus $1.50 shipping ami hand I mg replacement or refund Signature ______

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