May/June 2017

99 News The Official Magazine of the International Organization of Women Pilots May/June 2017 CALENDAR 2017 May/June 2017 Ninety-Nine News Volume 43, Number 3 The Official Magazine of The International Organization of Women Pilots JuNE 6-10 Southeast Section Fall Meeting, Memphis, Tennessee. Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved 20-23 2017 Air Race Classic, starting at Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK), home of AOPA 27-28 New England Section Meeting, Lennox, in Frederick, Maryland, and terminating at Massachusetts. Officers and Directors Santa Fe Municipal Airport (KSAF), New Mexico. Visit airraceclassic.org/race- 27-30 Arabian Section Fall Meeting, Cairo, Egypt. Contact Alia Twal at [email protected]. 99 News information. July december 11-16 Ninety-Nines 2017 International Con- 1 due date for submissions to 99 News for the January/February issue. To list your 99s events ference and Business Meeting, San Jan McKenzie Corbi Bulluck Lisa Cotham Barbara Crooker Terry Carbonell Marjy Leggett Leslie Prellwitz CathyWappler Martha Phillips on this calendar page, Antonio, Texas. Visit travelplannerstexas. 1-3 20th Anniversary of the German Section, com/99s2017. President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Director Director Director Prudhomme Past President send information to: Wiesbaden, Germany. Information will be Director updated at a later date, ninety-nines.de/ 99 News published by The 99 News 24-30 EAA AirVenture Air Show, Oshkosh, Wis- events\. THE NINETY-NINES, INC. ® PO Box 950374 consin. Visit eaa.org/en/airventure. International Organization of Women Pilots A Delaware Nonprofit Corporation Oklahoma City, OK August The Ninety-Nines Mission Statement 73195-0374 Correction Organized November 2, 1929

Email: 1 Due date for submissions to 99 News for In the March/April issue, it was incorrectly (ISSN 1548-565X) The Ninety-Nines is the International Organization of Women Pilots that pro- [email protected] the September/October issue. stated that Elizabeth ‘Betty Wall’ Strohfus was INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS motes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual Online Form: september the first Woman Airforce Service Pilot to have an 4300 Amelia Earhart Dr, Suite A support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight. Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140 USA www.ninety-nines.org/ airport named after them (Minnesota’s Faribault 14-17 Northwest Section Fall Meeting, Trout- Mail to: PO Box 950374 forms/index.cfm/news_ Municipal Airport – Liz Wall Strohfus Field.) dale, Oregon, hosted by the Oregon Pines Oklahoma City, OK 73195-0374 reporter.htm Chapter at the Edgefield Resort. Contact However, several other U.S. airports honor 405-685-7969 or toll free 844-994-1929 (please use the new form) Debra Plymate, [email protected]. the WASP, including Dorothy Scott Airport (0S7) FAX: 405-685-7985 Editorial and Photo Guidelines Email: [email protected] Oroville, Washington, and Corneilia Fort Airpark We encourage submissions for publication in the 99 News. Furnish author’s name, email Pleae indicate the 24-28 distinguished Flying Cross Society Bien- Website: www.ninety-nines.org address and phone information. We reserve the right to edit for space and/or clarity. We ac- name and location nial Convention, Dallas, Texas. Heroic (M88), Nashville, Tennessee. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE cept both original photographs and high-resolution digital photos (at least 4X6 at 300 dpi). of the event, the women DFC recipients will be recog- Donna Crane-Bailey, Chairman We cannot use photos from the following sources: newspaper, home printer, photocopies contact name and nized. Visit www.dfcsociety.org. Laura Barnett, Marie Fasano, Lu Hollander, the phone/fax/email. Susan Larson, Marion Nauman, Janice Pelletti or copied from the Internet. Include caption information with all photos and your contact 25-27 North Central Fall Meeting, Minneapolis, Deadline for Changes to Bobbi Roe: Publisher/Editor information. Please email photos as separate attachments. For advertising Minnesota. the Annual Business Meeting Danielle Clarneaux: Associate Editor/Graphics For additional submission guidelines, log on to ninety-nines.org and click on 99 News information, specs and 29-Oct.1 Southwest Section Fall Meeting, Redding, Agenda AVIATRIX PUBLISHING, INC. magazine. Submissions should be emailed to [email protected]. Deadlines for sub- rates, or to place an ad, California. The Ninety-Nines utilizes a Reference Lake Forest, IL 60045-0911 missions are listed in our calendar on page 2. If you have any questions, please email us at please contact Committee at the Annual Business Meeting THE 99 NEWS [email protected]. advertisingmgr@ October as authorized in the Standing Rules. Any 4300 Amelia Earhart Dr, Suite A ninety-nines.org 1 due date for submissions to 99 News for proposed changes to the Meeting Agenda in Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140 Fax: (405) 685-7985 EDITORIAL POLICY the November/December issue. San Antonio, Texas, must be submitted to the Email: [email protected] The opinions expressed in the articles presented in this magazine are those of the authors 5-8 South Central Section Fall Meeting, Reference Committee no later than Friday, July COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS and shall not be construed to represent the policies or opinions of The Ninety-Nines, Inc.® 14, 2017, at noon local time (Central Daylight Arabian: Shreveport, Louisiana. Alia Al Twal 99 News is published bimonthly by The Ninety-Nines, Inc.®, International Organization of Time) for consideration. Australian: Jennifer Graham Austrian: Monika Stahl Women Pilots, at 4300 Amelia Earhart Drive, Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140. With the Committee members’ knowledge Brazil: Patricia Rodriguez da Rocha The subscription is included in the annual Ninety-Nines membership dues. Periodicals of the history and documents of The Ninety- British: Dorothy Saul-Pooley China: Xue Yan Zhang postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and other additional mailing offices. Neither The Ninety- On The Cover Nines, they review all submissions for com- East Canada: Lisa Bishop Nines, Inc. nor the Publisher can accept any responsibility for the correctness or accuracy pleteness, form, duplication and conflict with Far East: Kyung O. Kim Inspired by Singer Rihanna's photo Finnish: Leena Molari of the matters printed herein. current corporate documents and determine the French: shoot on top of the wing of a Stearman bi- Isabelle Bazin The Ninety-Nines, Inc. does not warrant, guarantee or endorse any specific product or service order of presentation in the Agenda. German: Ursula Hammer plane, Ventura County Chapter member India: Harpreet A. De Singh that is advertised in its printed or online catalogue or magazine. You may contact Reference Committee Israeli: Michelle Carter discovered a new way Annie Gross The Publications Committee and the Publisher reserve the right to reject any material sub- Chairman Linda Mathias with any submissions Nepal: Pema Lama to fly. Her boyfriend's family runs Mason New Zealand: Dee Bond mitted for publication. Copy submitted for publication shall become the property of The or questions at [email protected] or Russian: Inna Vladimirovna Frolova Ninety-Nines and shall not be returned. Wing Walking Academy based in Sequim, West Canada: Roberta Drinkwater 757-268-1022.You may also contact the other Annual Dues: Washington, but they were at Santa Paula Airport (SZP) for Rihanna's United States: Committee members: Kathy Fox at kathleen. Mid-Atlantic: Juliette Lindrooth U.S. – 65 USD photo shoot. Michelle had never contemplated wing walking, but after two New England: Glenna Blackwell Canada and the Caribbean – 57 USD [email protected] or Elizabeth Frankowski at Overseas – 44 USD POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: New York-New Jersey: Rosanne Isom of her friends decided to take the walk, her adrenaline skyrocketed. Before [email protected] Student Member – 35 USD (65 USD after first two years) The Ninety-Nines, Inc.® North Central: Minnetta Gardinier International Organization of Women Pilots she had a chance to reconsider, she was hooked up and soaring on the Northwest: Patty Viall Non-member Subscription Rates: 4300 Amelia Earhart Dr, Suite A wing. "As a pilot, it was by far the most incredible flight I’ve ever had." South Central: Stephenie Roberts U.S. – 20 USD Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140 USA — Pat Prentiss Southeast: Myra Bugbee Canada and other countries – 30 USD Southwest: Alice Talnack

2 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 3 President’s Page 99 News By Jan McKenzie, International President May/June 2017 Is your Section growing? Are you adding new Chapters? In June 2013, the Southeast Section had 471 members. In 2015, they had 546 and in On the Wing March 2017, they grew to over 600. That is a 28 percent increase in membership in less than four years! How did they do it? I asked, and here are a few of their comments. 6 A New Kind of Flying • Being inclusive: Asking people to join and participate and finding ways they can by By Michelle Carter participate. • Sections giving back to the Chapters: Section meetings offering a "take home" that 6 Mommy Pilot Chapters can use to help with fundraising, membership, etc. 10 by Ana Vindas with Janice Pelletti • Communication: Stating the vision and goals in various ways, including through conversation, in emails, newsletters, etc. Most people need to hear a message several times In the fading daylight, Ventura County Chapter member Michelle for it to have an impact. Carter, right, experiences her first wing walk. Her friend Danielle Giving and Receiving: "walks" on the left. • Cheerleading: The Governor should be the greatest cheerleader for the group and help 12 My Experience with The Ninety-Nines everyone develop a positive attitude. Professional Pilot Leadership Initiative • Finding creative solutions to problems: We will find a way to make this work! By Alana Erickson The Southeast Section is inspiring. And speaking of inspiring, why do you go to Sun 'n Fun, a 99 meeting or aviation event? To be inspired! Bobbi Roe Wraps Up 15 Years as I had the pleasure of attending Sun 'n Fun in April in Lakeland, 15 99 News Publisher Florida. My first inspiration started with the opportunity to be the mas- by Bobbi Roe ter of ceremonies at the WASP luncheon sponsored by the Southeast Section. Listening to three WASP and one Tuskegee Airman was truly inspiring. The gender and racial prejudice they pushed through to be- How Do You Know You Don't Know? come the first woman and African American pilot squadrons in World 17 by Nelda Lee War II was compelling. I could have listened to their stories all day. At the end 20 Award Winners Are Ready to Fly Now! of the luncheon, by Shelley Ventura I was introduced 18 WASP Bea Haydu, Florence 'Shutsy' Reynolds and Kay to Julie Wang, Hilbrandt. a Ninety-Nine. 10 2017 Karen Johnson Solo Scholarship She is the first Ana Vindas' daughter Josana, center, inspired her to pursue a 23 Deadline Quickly Approaching Chinese person to pilot an aircraft around-the-world solo and the first Chinese flight career. Josana wasn't expected to live past a year. With by Susan Liebeler woman to circumnavigate the globe in an aircraft. I had read an article about her them are Ana's husband Harodys, center back, and her son José. flight in Pilots Digest earlier this year. What a dynamic, engaging and coura- Air India's First All-Female Crew Fly geous young woman! Stay tuned 24 a 777-200 Around the World for an article about her in a future by Carol Munch 99 News. Despite a serious squall line across Florida, several Canadian 99s flew south across the United IN EACH ISSUE States to learn, meet new pilots and be inspired. Their bold flight East Canada Section 99s at Sun 'n Fun Clubhouse. 2 Calendar itself inspired me. Front row: Lisa Bishop ECS Governor; Sharron 5 President’s Page Being a 99 provides so many Lutman, ECS Treasurer; Maureen Egan; Jocelyn 14 Careers opportunities to be inspired. Lecluse. Back Row: Cathy Boyko; Jan McKenzie, International President; Susan Begg, Immediate Past 14 Milestones Reach out in your life as a 99 and be inspired and inspiring! Governor; Janet Chesterfield. 14 Friends of The 99s 15 16 New Members 25 Grass Roots Going to EAA AirVenture/Oshkosh? Then don’t miss out 30 Touch & Go on the Tuesday, July 25 dinner sponsored by The 99s. See In the early1990s, Bobbi Roe, 99 News Publisher, takes float Jan McKenzie with Julie Wang. the back cover of this issue for details. See you there! plane lessons in Washington, enjoying landing on some of the 30 New Horizons state's beautiful lakes.

4 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 5 f you had the chance to wing walk, a safety belt. They taught her where practiced our steps on the wing, har- would you take it? to properly place her feet when climb- nessed a five-foot safety line to the strut I I started flying when I was 19, ing out of the cockpit and how to pull and prepared for the most thrilling flight inspired by my dad who built a Chal- herself up top. She then slid her feet into yet. lenger II kit plane in our garage when I metal sleeves and buckled in, leaning Soon we were both cozy in the open was growing up. Now, five years later, I against the upright bar. Of course, she cockpit, taking off on runway 22. After On The Wing have completely immersed myself in the looked absolutely stunning throughout climbing to the appropriate altitude, aviation world and have my very own it all. Sammy throttled back and wagged the little Cessna-150F. The magazine cover shot was com- wings of the Stearman, signaling us to Last year, I was awarded the pleted with an air-to-air flight with the begin our walk to the javelin. International Amelia Earhart Memorial wing-walking Stear-man in formation Both Danielle and I crawled out of Scholarship as well as Ventura County with a Cessna 205 as the photo ship. the cockpit, she on the right wing, and Chapter’s Advanced Rating Scholarship The day had already seemed so I on the left. We made our way through to be used towards my instrument rating. surreal, but it was just the beginning. the flying wires, placing our feet along The support from the aviation commu- When the Hollywood crew finished with small squares where the wing is sup- nity has been such a blessing. the Stearman, Sammy was hesitant to ported beneath the fabric. We then I am currently based at Santa Paula put it away. It was too nice a day to tuck swung our legs over the javelin, wrap- Airport in California, flying and work- a beautiful airplane back in its hangar. ping them around as if we were riding a ing at CP Aviation Flight School. This Our good friends Josh, Brandon and broomstick. is where I met my boyfriend Sammy Danielle wandered over to join the fun, When I looked out, all I could see Mason and his amazing airport family. and almost instantly the two boys were was the vast landscape and sunset. There The Masons are a family of flyers, start- plotting an epic wing walking flight. were no obstructions in front of me. ing with Sammy’s grandfather, Sammy Sammy walked them through the With my legs tightly wrapped around A Different Kind of Flying By Michelle Carter, Ventura County Chapter

Mason, airshow pilot and Lockeed test steps and footing, from the cockpit the javelin, I gained the courage to let pilot who taught his six children and through the flying wires to the javelin go and spread my arms. I felt as if I grandson Mike Mason how to fly. stick between the two wings. After prac- were truly flying. I looked over past the Mike struck a passion for wing ticing and perfecting the wing walk, they engine and could see Danielle holding walking at a young age and now runs grabbed a pair of goggles and earplugs, on tight, smiling as big as I was. Mason Wing Walking Academy with his crawled into the cockpit and took off. I looked back at Sammy, who wife Marilyn Mason, teaching in a red As Danielle and I watched the pointed ahead to our good friend Jessica, 1943 Stearman bi-plane. They currently Stearman's radial roar on takeoff, I felt a flying in her Skybolt. Sammy formed hold the title as the only wing walking spark of adrenaline and wanted to be on close-up on her wing, and when she school in the world. They are based out that wing, too. I looked at Danielle and looked back to wave, I don’t think she of Sequim, Washington, but do travel blurted out, “Do you want to wing walk expected to see two girls hanging on the down to Southern California for wing with me?” wings. We all laughed and waved at each walking lessons and Hollywood gigs. I couldn’t believe what I was other. It was absolutely ridiculous, and I Rumor had it that an upcoming saying, and I was hoping she would was having the time of my life. weekend at Santa Paula Airport was instantly call me crazy. Instead, she The feeling I had out on the wing going to be special. Singer Rihanna was paused with a blank stare and then is indescribable. As a pilot, it was by going to be shooting photos on top of nodded yes. We looked at each other in far the most incredible flight I’ve ever the wing of the Stearman for the cover shock, and with big smiles, ran to the had. Since then, a fellow 99 took a wing of Harper's Bazaar. I made sure to hang hangar to rummage for extra sweatshirts walking flight with the Masons and had around that day to catch the whole crew and gloves. We wanted to be prepared in an amazing time both on the javelin and in action and offer any assistance. case we had the chance to catch a flight. on the top of the wing with aerobatic I watched as Rihanna learned to When the boys landed, faces wind- maneuvers. climb up and down the Stearman’s top blown and rosy, we had just enough Take my word, if you have a chance wing, where there is an upright bar with daylight for Sammy to take us up. We to walk the wing, take it! Michelle Carter experiences her most incredible flight — on the wing.

6 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 7 approximate costs for training. Borrow- character. Give the letter writers the can successfully follow directions. Need Financial Help? ing money from friends or family or scholarship description and any infor- I am fairly certain that some of my paying for training on a credit card are mation that they need to include in the scholarship applications got rejected not the best funding plans. letter. If someone writes a three-sentence because I sent in the wrong file types Try These Tips for Success If you plan on working three jobs letter of recommendation, do not use it. for my application. The following year and eating ramen noodles to be able to Ask for more letters than you need and I asked for clarification on what they By Melissa Hanthorn, Greater St. Louis Chapter finish training or college, put it in your use the best ones. This also gives you wanted and earned a scholarship that essay. The trustees are looking to see if backup letters if someone doesn’t have year. If the application is not clear, ask ne of the most difficult challenges the AEMSF and other scholarships you have a plan to pay for training out- time to write a letter or forgets to do it. the organization to clarify. Owith flight training and continuing through two different Chapters of The side of scholarships and how likely you If filling out multiple aviation education is finding a way to Ninety-Nines. will be to finish your training. They are applications, ask the letter pay for it. There are not many of us who Scholarship applications could be the making an investment in you and want writers if you can use their "Finally, have someone look over decide to go to flight school and are able first time the scholarship trustees interact to see it pay off. Talk about how you will letter for more than one the entire application for you." to pay for it outright with funds we have with you. Treat it like you would a job give back to the aviation community— scholarship. available. The Ninety-Nines recognize application. Make it look professional, what does your future involvement look Finally, have someone this need and have set up several ways include all of the requested information, like? look over the entire application for you. Do not get discouraged if you have to receive awards and scholarships for follow all of the directions, proofread it If you have long breaks in your train- Give them the essay and letter of recom- applied for scholarships and are not cho- flight training and continuing education. and have a fellow 99 or friend review the ing, address them. If you have lots of mendation prompts and ask them to con- sen. Keep at it—rework your essay and They provide support to student application for you. hours and little progress, talk about it. firm that you included all of the request- ask for different letters of recommenda- pilots through the Amelia Earhart Fly Review the entire application first Melissa Hanthorn. Talk about handling any adversities you ed information. Scholarship applications tion. Some organizations give prefer- Now Award and continue that support before filling it out; ask for any letters of have faced in your training. I failed the are too time consuming to have them ence to applicants who have been turned through further flight training, technical recommendation or other items that may flying portion of my instrument check passed over because of mistakes. down for scholarships in the past. training and education with the Amelia take time to obtain from others. Make pages vertically on one page. Crop any ride my first attempt. I use it in my es- Follow the directions for turning in Applying for scholarships is so worth Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund, as sure you meet all the requirements of scanned images so they are neat and says now. the scholarship application. If they re- the effort. You never know where your well as scholarships through individual the scholarship. Fill out the application straight. Edit your images so all pages Sticking with training through the quest separate files for your certificates, training will take you or whom you will Chapters. The Ninety-Nines is the only so it flows and creates a picture of who in the application are oriented the same tough times demonstrates perseverance. logbook, essays, letters of recommenda- meet along the way. They open doors to organization that allows applicants you are. way. Do not include extra items not Your letters of recommendation are tion and application, send separate files. networking and possible jobs. to “write their own ticket” with flight Allow yourself enough time to com- requested on the application. another important piece of the appli- Ability to follow instructions is often Maybe you’ll meet someone who will training, technical training and aca- plete the application before the deadline. Perhaps the most important part of cation. The letters give the trustees a part of the selection process. They want inspire you to a new career or training demic scholarships. It’s not restricted to I nearly wasted hours filling out a schol- your application is the essay. This is bigger picture of who you are and your to see that you are paying attention and goal. one specific certificate, rating, aircraft, arship application one time by waiting where you get to share your story and degree or school. until the day it was due to submit it by demonstrate your need for funds. Essays A few years ago, I decided to switch email. The email inbox was full of other can be intimidating, but you are not careers from an executive assistant in scholarship applications, and my email writing a term paper. Include who you wealth management to a commercial was rejected. Thankfully, I was able to are, where you are in your training and contact the organization where you want to go in aviation. Writ- and send it to an alter- ing the essay is not a whole lot different "Scholarship applications could nate email address. than telling a friend your flying story. If be the first time the scholarship Appearances matter. writing is not your strong point, there Your application should are resources available that can help pol- trustees interact with you. Treat be typed whether turn- ish your essay and clearly tell your story. it like you would a job application." ing in a hard copy or Start with a basic essay format—use submitting it electroni- an intro, body and a conclusion. Include cally. Also pay atten- interesting information in the intro that helicopter pilot. I am in flight training as tion to font size and style. If able, pick makes the scholarship trustees want to a commercial student at Midwest Heli- a professional-looking font like Arial or keep reading about you. I like to write copter Academy and working on a BS in Times New Roman. Do not use “fun” a rough draft and review it a day or two Aviation Administration at Utah Valley fonts like Comic Sans; they are distract- later to make sure I included all the University. ing and hard to read. Make sure the font information in the essay prompt. As I progress through my training size is consistent and readable through- For demonstrating financial need, and degree, the support of The Ninety- out the application and that the page be honest about your situation. Even Nines through scholarships and mentors breaks fall in places that make sense. if you earn a good salary, put it in the has helped me immensely. I’m not sure When making copies of logbooks essay and include why you need money I would still be in flight school without and certificates, they should be legible for your training or education. Also, this support. I’ve received a Fly Now and neat. Edit logbook page copies so tell how you plan to fund any financial Melissa, a winner of multiple scholarships sponsored by The 99s, pre-flights at the Midwest Helicopter Academy. Award, an academic scholarship through you can stack both parts of the logbook shortfalls in your training and include Photos by Kelly Witherbee

8 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 9 I decided to go with United because this didn’t hesitate to sign up for a discovery was the best chance I would have to be flight. “My first flight took me over the based on the West Coast.” San Diego harbor. I had discovered my Opposite page, top: Ana In 1997, her world turned upside passion.” with her daughter Josana down. Ana was pregnant with her second Ana took a six-month personal leave and husband Harody. Below: Ana's daughter, child. During the pregnancy, doctors told from United, found financial help with Josana, now 20, is Ana's her the child would be born with severe loans and her family, and enrolled at inspiration. "If she has medical conditions. At 24, she was faced Pacific Western University to begin a beaten all the odds and is with the biggest decision she ever had bachelor’s degree in Business Adminis- making it through life, no to make. She decided to continue the tration. obstacle is big enough to stop me from beating all pregnancy. “I knew this decision put my “My daughter inspired me in a the odds of having a job at risk as well as a sense of ‘normal’ wonderful way. My thought was, and successful pilot career.” life.” still is, if she has beaten all the odds and Josana was born with a rare condi- is making it through life, no obstacle tion, holoprosencephaly, where the is big enough to stop me from beating forebrain of the embryo fails to develop all the odds of having a successful pilot into two hemispheres. “We were told she career.” Right: Ana, after over- had only a 10 percent chance of living The stresses and changes in Ana’s coming many challenges in beyond six months and that most kids life took a toll on her marriage. She end- her life, now sits with pride in the left seat. with this condition do not live past one ed up as a single mother, but with her year.” Today Josana is 20 years old, beat- usual determination, she completed her ing all the odds. private, instrument, commercial, multi- For Ana, “She has taught us the true engine, CFI, CFII, MEI and ground meaning of life. Since the day of her instructor certifications in six months. birth, Josana has been my true motiva- She rounded out her education with a they needed. I was moving forward in because I had much, much more than tion in life.” BA in Business Administration, earning my aviation career and had all my obli- two carry-ons worth of baggage. My Ana went back to her flight atten- a 3.7 GPA. gations met 100 percent of the time.” daughter will never grow up. She will dant career when Josana was just eight Working as a ground and flight One year later she was hired as a first never be independent.” months old. Shortly after returning to instructor at American Flyers, she also officer on the DHC-8 at Mesa Airlines. After eight years of being together, Mommy Pilot work, she found herself on a flight with they married in 2010. “He has been a a female captain. “Becoming a pilot true blessing in my life and a tremendous always intrigued me, so I besieged her “You may not always end up where you help for my children.” By Ana Vindas with questions.” Allegiant Air hired Ana as a first Phoenix Chapter Upon returning to San Diego, she thought you were going, but you will always officer on the MD-80 in 2006. After a With Janice Pelletti year of commuting to Las Vegas, Al- Appalachian Aviatrixes Chapter end up where you are meant to be.” legiant opened a base in Phoenix. She transferred when the base opened and returned to work full time in her flight The new base was Phoenix, Arizona. received an offer for a captain position. llegiant Air Captain Ana Vindas I took a special course in San Diego for attendant position with United. She She was faced with a repeat of the move “I was based at home and worked for an found her journey to the left pregnant teenage girls and graduated found a live-in nanny to help care for just a year earlier. “I had no choice but airline that had me home every day. All Aseat of an Airbus A319/A20 right before my son José was born.” her children. to work part-time waitressing at a night- aspects of my scattered life were finally to be anything but direct. As a single Living in Cabo San Lucas after the After two years of this demanding club again. piecing together.” mom with two children, one with special birth of José, she worked two jobs. The schedule, she was hired as an Air Vegas When she upgraded to captain, she In 2014, Ana went to the Airbus needs, she did what was necessary to first was selling resort timeshares and the first officer for Grand Canyon tours, fly- was lucky to get a slot on the DHC- 319/320. “I take immense pride in my provide for them and still have the career second as a reservation agent for Aero ing the BE-99 turboprop. She moved the 8 based in Phoenix. In 2006, United duties as captain, my unique life, and she wanted, on her terms. California Airlines, a Mexican airline. family, nanny included, to Las Vegas. recalled her as a flight attendant. “I had everything I have endured to reach this “From the start, I was always drawn “This was the start of my aviation The move was not easy. Leaving two to make the heartbreaking decision to point. The challenges in my career and to aviation. Growing up, my lifetime career.” A year later, she transferred to great jobs to start in a new city raised resign as a flight attendant and move my life have made me a better person dream was to become a flight attendant,” Tijuana International Airport, continuing serious financial issues. By day she flew forward with my new career.” and a stronger woman. I hope to one she recalls. This dream was put on hold to work for the same airline as a ticket for Air Vegas, and at night she was a At Mesa Airlines, she met a special day sponsor a scholarship or foundation when she became pregnant with her first and gate agent. waitress at a gentlemen’s club near the person, Harodys. “The last few years that inspires pregnant teens and young child and was married. She was in high “After finding some stability, I decid- Las Vegas Strip. had been a whirlwind of time. I had women in Latin America to get involved school. Her family, of Hispanic heritage, ed it was a time to follow my dream to “Despite the reputation of working forgotten what it was like to have a in aviation. I hope my experience would was living in Ensenanda, Baja Califor- become a flight attendant. I was extended at such an establishment, I was proud of relationship. I didn’t think anyone would motivate them to not give up their studies nia, Mexico, at the time. Ana was born offers to train with Southwest Airlines, myself for managing my time to have be interested in me for a long-term and dreams and to be successful in life. I in San Diego. “To obtain a U.S. diploma, American Airlines and United Airlines. my life and to give my kids everything commitment or meaningful relationship was there and I did it.”

10 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 11 PHASE 1: Captain – In this phase you are literally the captain of your destiny/career, however you are as- signed a “Navigator” or mentor to help sort out your end goals, your strengths and weakness and to share her lessons learned. She and the “Mentoring Coordi- Giving nator” are a wealth of knowledge as well as provide networking/connections for your particular challenges or questions. PHASE 2: Captain’s Circle: In and this phase you’ve got a “flight plan” for your career advancement, have learned skills such as building confidence, overcoming setbacks, life balance and Receiving are ready to share ideas with your peers. You will learn how to mentor someone else. Probably you have achieved some substantial personal growth and confidence by now, and most have obtained a Among Alana's passengers on an amazing Grand Canyon/Monument Valley tour was flying job (or a better flying job). (second from the left) her PPLI mentoring coordinator, Connie Batuhan. PHASE 3: Navigator: This is the fun part – giving back. Now YOU are Student pilot Ana McCabe (left) flew as copilot with charter pilot Alana Erickson (right). helping another budding professional very assertive and confident in my organized, the content is relevant and See the blue box opposite for more information. pilot in the beginnings of her journey. other career, but as each flying setback fresh, and I’m inspired by these women By now you have met many amazing occurred, I grew less and less confident daily. A program like this would cost women, been inspired and challenged and unsure if I should continue trying thousands of dollars in the corporate My Experience with The Ninety-Nines along the way and can give a good to be a professional pilot. This program, business world. deal of knowledge and insight to your and especially my mentoring coordina- As Madeline Albright said, “There’s Captain. And being humble, as all the tor in the Captain’s phase, was always a special place in hell for women who Professional Pilot Leadership Initiative women I’ve met in this program are, you there for me, pointing out my strengths don’t help other women.” That’s a little probably know you can learn something and telling me “you’ve got this!” dramatic but as the FAA’s recent census from her as well. Going forward, my goals are to of female pilots shows a decline, it’s By Alana Erickson Each phase is three months. I’ve obtain my multi-engine rating and my programs like this that will keep us Idaho Chapter just started my Captain’s Circle segment. CFI – more to qualify at some point to shattering the glass ceiling/cockpit and This is a formal structured program, be a company check “airwoman” than showing the boys how it’s done. recently switched careers from your mortgage. So many times, I almost around on my own, I would have quit not a go-at-your-own-pace program. It instructing, but who knows? I very By the way, I was chosen to do my corporate America (healthcare threw in the towel. I am very persistent, and just gone back to my old career and can be challenging, but truthfully it’s much want to pass on with gratitude that most recent 135 check ride with the consulting) to flying for a living. I but at some point the circus just wears hope I could talk someone into reim- I necessary to ensure positive progression which has been given to me through not FAA over three male candidates based don’t have to tell any of you how chal- you down. bursing my flight to their office. At least in your career. One of the main things just this program but from women (and on “my professionalism, confidence lenging the aviation journey can be at Operator #1 asked me to ground that would subsidize my habit a little. I’ve learned, which I wouldn’t have men) in our aviation community who (thanks PPLI!), work ethic and mastery whatever level. I thought my instrument school for five days, THEN decided I But then, this last fall I was accepted otherwise, is awareness of my lack of have helped me. I couldn’t recommend of the aircraft.” Our female check air- rating was the hardest thing mentally didn’t have enough back country experi- into the Professional Pilot Leadership confidence. I’ve been told I come across a program more highly. It’s extremely man was being evaluated that day also. and emotionally that I had accomplished ence. Operator # 2 had so overhired Initiative (PPLI) program. It has been an We crushed it. with my flying. And then, the FAR Part pilots that we were literally sorting mail epiphany. Here’s a link to the program, and 135 check ride. and loading cargo. Many times, there Basically, this 99s program supports feel free to call or email me if you want Does this sound at all familiar? No would be nine or ten pilots in the lounge the advancement of female professional Postscript: After I wrote this article for the NW Section, I had the good to know more. plane, no instructor, no examiner, now with only five available aircraft. Opera- pilots and, additionally, teaches leader- fortune to have a 19-year-old co-pilot on one of my charters. Her name is Ana Alana Erickson, Idaho 99s/NW the weather is junk. Whoops! I guess I tor #3 had such discombobulation and, ship skills so that women can advance McCabe. She's at school in St. Louis and is doing her private pilot cross coun- Section. 208-315-4141, alana@ppli. DON’T have enough night cross country at times, such unsafe practices in their into leadership positions in the industry. tries. Yes, she’s a Ninety-Nine! She wants to be either an airline pilot or work org; ninety-nines.org/professional-pilot- hours for this rating; the performance operations and training that it’s a miracle The founders and coordinators of ATC. Her dad is a retired mechanic for American Airlines. He booked this leadership-initiative-ppli.htm standards/expectations have changed or any of their passengers got to their this program do this out of pure passion charter while they were vacationing in Arizona and asked that she sit up front are unclear; you get deathly ill on the destination. Now, Operator #4 seems to and generosity – there is no compensa- as she’s a pilot. Not sure if it was by design or not, but I was on the line that day of your stage check…the list goes on. be working out just fine, except I am in tion. Applicants must at least hold a day and got to fly with this extraordinary young woman. So far it has been my Now take this context and overlay another state half the time. commercial certificate. The program has favorite flight as a commercial pilot. It just keeps getting better – so everyone, it on top of making this happen to pay If I had been out there floating three phases. just stick with it!

12 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 13 Pilot Careers: Bobbi Roe Wraps Enough Up 15 Years as

By Donna Miller 99 News Publisher International Careers Committee ince 2003, I have had the honor of being your Editor- in-Chief and Publisher, and I am most appreciative of “How do you choose to suffer?” Excuse by the sacrifice we are willing to make to “You’ve got to want it enough.” I the opportunity to work with all of you for the past 15 heard that statement continuously when me? He says that it tells him more about get us there. That great beach body is the years. I remember the day Past President Jody McCar- I first started thinking about an airline people than asking, “What do you want byproduct of hours a day in the gym and career. I didn’t really appreciate what that in life?” Joy is easy. Everyone wants the choosing food carefully. It’s sacrificing rell called and asked me to take on the job. SIt’s been a pleasure to work with many of you who submitted meant until I had spent several years on the great beach body, an amazing relationship, the chocolate cake for an apple and a latte journey to have one. a successful career, and world peace. But for a cup of green tea. It’s feeling hungry articles, Grass Roots, New Horizons, Touch & Go and Milestones. Now that I’m relatively comfortable in your 24 hours each day, what are you and having sore muscles and foregoing I hope more members will share their inspiring stories in 99 News. in my job, I talk to a lot of aspiring pilots willing to do to achieve all of that? happy hour with the gang. Day after day In 2012, the Amelia Earhart Trustees awarded me a research who say they, too, want a career in avia- We have to choose carefully how we after day. Month after month and year scholarship grant to digitize 85 years (1929 to current issues) of spend our time and really examine what after year. The same can be said for flight tion. That’s easy. Everyone wants some- 99 News for the website. Due to the generosity of The 99s, these thing, and it’s a matter of deciding what it we are willing to struggle for. How much training. issues are all available globally for research. We are currently is you want and, more importantly, what pain are we willing to devote to what we I’m amazed by astronauts. None trying to locate a few missing issues to complete the project. you want “enough.” You’ve probably heard say we want? How much energy are we of them got to NASA by accident. If the term “cost/benefit analysis.” willing to commit, at the cost of everything you look at an astronaut bio, it screams Being a member of The Ninety-Nines has changed my life. If you want the benefit of something, else, to achieve it? commitment. I love that Canadian Chris I have been a member of the Iowa, Finger Lakes, Greater Seattle say, an aviation career, you must also want He says the answer to that question Hadfield started training to become an and Houston Chapters. I have enjoyed the camaraderie and sup- the cost. You must want to commit the time will start to get you somewhere. It’s the astronaut before Canadians were even port of members from all over the world. My hope is that the and effort, expense and energy it takes to question that will ultimately change your allowed to apply to NASA. But he knew current and future members will experience the inclusiveness of life. If you don’t ask yourself, it’s easy to that if he waited for NASA’s nod to begin get through the ratings, the first job at low the women pilots in our organization. pay, the commuting, the constant check- settle. And settling turns the “What if…” learning everything he needed to know, it Danielle Clarneaux, who started with me in 2003 as Assistant rides. All of it. All of the grief, the stress, question into “Was that it?” would be too late for him to start. Now Editor, has been selected Editor-in-Chief and is already on short the uncertainty… What we get out of life is not deter- that is wanting it enough. A friend of mine put it like this: mined by the great things we desire but What do you want enough? final for the July/August issue. Photographer Lilian Holt will be at the International Conference in San Antonio to photograph for 99 News. Please support your new editor and send your inspiring TRAINING MILESTONES stories to [email protected]. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity to be a part of our Elise Coleman – Private Allison Irwin – Private membership organization. It has been my honor. Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter — Bobbi Melissa Duff – Multi-Engine Jacqulyn Otero – Solo Commercial Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter New Friends Florida Goldcoast Chapter Victoria Peck – Private of The 99s Micaela Hilderbrand – Solo San Diego Chapter Top photo: Bobbi will continue to enjoy her love of travel. Coyote Country Chapter • Stanley Brassington, Schuylkill Center: Bobbi receives the Amelia Earhart Scholarship grant from Rachel Pityk – Solo Haven, Pennsylvania Melissa Holley – Private Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter Jacque Boyd, Permanent Trustee of the Amelia Earhart Scholarship • Marlene Cox, Dover, Delaware Fund. Trustees and awardees wore tiaras to celebrate AEMSF's 75 NOLA Chapter Sally Sieberts – Tailwheel • Performance Dashboard, Dr. Cappy years of awarding scholarships. Lisa Hotung – Instrument Sedona Red Rockettes Chapter Leland, Edmond, Oklahoma Bottom: One of the early issues of 99 News published shortly after Western New York Chapter • Birche Meese, Pinehurst, North Sarah Stanley – Single-Engine Seaplane Carolina Bobbi became Publisher. Cheri Hutson – Multi-Engine Katahdin Wings Chapter •Joan Moss, Troy, New York Memphis Chapter

14 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 15 NEW MEMBERS

Welcome Back Members Marinas, Karena, Ventura County How do Bartels, Tammy, (F) Northeast Kansas Martin, Justine, (F) Long Beach Bopp, Susan, New Jersey Martinez, Isvet, (F) Fort Worth Caswell, Paulette, Long Beach Martinez, Vicki, Marin County Conatser, Jessica, Phoenix Mateos, Louise, Santa Clara Valley you know Connell, Christina, Santa Clara Valley Matheson, Laura, Eastern Ontario Crase, Nancy, Phoenix McGuinness, Kristin, Chicago Area Dale, Brenda, Alaska McLean, Chelsea, Long Island Davis, Luana, Northwest Section Miller, Elyse, Columbia Cascade you don’t Eastman, Carol, Orange County Monroe, Jennifer, (F) Montana Fey, Jeannette, Santa Clara Valley Munch-Collins, Natascha, German Section Flanigan, Marie, Western New York Kathleen M. Ames Nelson, Laura, (F) Orange County Galus, Evelyn, Treasure Coast Treasure Island Chapter Neustel, Raye Ann, Alaska Newman, Lyzzie Sofia, (F) Aloha know? Harris, Crystal, Antelope Valley Hawkes, Erin, San Luis Obispo County Defeo, Liesel, (F) Eastern New England O'Neil, Meaghan, (F) Eastern New England Hosein, Shantel, Kentucky Bluegrass Dennis, Molly, Georgia Flying Belles Pacheco, Valeria, (F) Delaware By Nelda Lee Kirscher, Maggie, San Diego Diffenderfer, Brenda, Georgia Flying Belles Panchal, Hiral, Waterloo on the Grand Greater St. Louis Chapter Liebeler-Michael, Jennifer, Bay Cities DiSabatino, Arla, (F) Ventura County Parsons, Elizabeth, Long Beach Louis, Rachel, British Columbia Coast England, Kathleen, Phoenix Petitt, Holly, Arabian Section Martinovich, Vera, Greater Seattle Ferguson, Dianna, (F) Big Sky Petitt, Keely, Arabian Section McSheffrey, Anna, Maple Leaf Flanagan, Bernadette, Treasure Coast Pinkowski, Jennifer, Virginia Patterson, Louise, Ventura County Gallman, Lora, Oklahoma Popov, Shea, (F) Austin Hill Country ood question. How do you know about 400 to 500 yards from the house, were going. The unknown of what flying Platts, Tobie, Mid-Columbia Garner, Jordan, Alabama Prins, Jennifer, (F) Reno Area you don’t know? Well, I guess we and the pasture was wide open. Roger was like and the dream of adventure and Garrett, Donna, Ventura County Reaves, Janice, (F) New Jersey G Salley, Emily, Colorado assume we don’t know because we have bounced across the pasture and pulled up learning created in me a desire to enroll Schafer, Julie, Orange County Giessel, Allison, Garden State Reeb, Jenny, (F) Old Dominion Scherffius, Teresa, Kentucky Bluegrass Gorth, Deborah, (F) Eastern Pennsylvania Richards, Frances, Georgia Flying Belles never tried, or we tried and failed, or we in the yard. in aerospace engineering at Auburn Uni- Schu, Mary, Greater Seattle Graham, Kayla, (F) First Canadian Robertson, Katelyn, New Jersey said, “Oh, that is beyond my capabili- I’m not sure how mother reacted versity. That was dad’s alma mater, so Sliffe, Melissa, Palomar Grebenc, Emily, Mississippi Rodio, Candy, Ventura County ties or expectations.” What? That all is to seeing Roger come around the house naturally we would go there, too. He said Gruenitz, Nayereh, Greater Seattle Rogers, Jessica, (F) Alabama Snyder, Nancy, North Central Section subject to change. driving the truck, but she had seen all he would pay for it! Vail, Janna, Utah Gutina, Shaunna, (F) Aloha Rojas, Gladys, (F) Orange County Valasco, Dawn, Scioto Valley Hachana, Zina, (F) Arabian Section Rosendall, Hadley, (F) Florida Goldcoast I have a family story that made of us start driving at young ages, so she Again, the “truck story” came to Van Berg, Sheree, Greater Seattle Hall, Brandy, (F) Connecticut Roshdy Zakaria, Sara, Arabian Section this question a key learning experience knew this was going to happen some- mind. I thought, “I don’t know how to be Hall, Emma, (F) Long Beach Rueter, Jessica, (F) Fort Worth for me and my family. It is our all-time time. Roger made the trip back safely, an aerospace engineer, I don’t know how Harrison, Ashley, (F) Austin Hill Country Runner, Rachel, Kansas Welcome New Members Hart, Serena, (F) San Diego Salazar, Anna, (F) Mid-Columbia favorite story, and we tell it often. and with the tool. to fly an airplane or a helicopter, and I Abraham, Dea, (F) Houston Hatch, Amy, (F) Tucson Sambucci, Olena, Sacramento Valley I have two younger brothers, and After they worked for a while, Rog- don’t know how to be a mentor, and on Alford, Delilian, (F) Delaware Hatton, Heather, Eastern Pennsylvania Sander, Kathleen, San Gabriel Valley when Horace was 11 years old and er said, “Hey dad, send me to the house and on…I don’t know how!” And then I Anderson, Susan, Delaware Hena, Tala, Arabian Section Seals, Maybell, (F) Long Beach Roger was 8, dad took them with him to for something else!” He was hooked; thought, “Of course I don’t know until I Archer, Lindsey, (F) Sugarloaf Hill Diller, Rebecca, Colorado Sexton, Roslyn, Australian Section Ashey, Ineke, Idaho Holliday, Mijin, Indiana Sickman Simms, Cynthia, Santa Clara Valley the pasture to fix a piece of farm equip- driving the truck was no longer on his try.” Attaway, Juanita, (F) Dallas Hopkins, Tina, Long Beach Slater, Kristy, Oklahoma ment. They went in the old ’49 Ford “I don’t know how list!” By the time he Try I did, and what a wonderful Bandel, Lisa, Long Island Horton, Stefanie, Big Sky Snyder, Heather, San Diego manual-shift truck. was 11, he was permitted to drive five world has come my way. I am so blessed. Bascom, Lynnette, Dallas Hotsko, Jennifer, (F) Eastern Pennsylvania Sontheimer, Antoaneta, German Section Shortly after they started repairing Becker, Nicole, Arabian Section Hudgens, Myra, Memphis Spears, Clarissa, Sacramento Valley Benson, Kathryn, Greater Seattle Huntley, Wanda, (F) Carolinas St Julian, Naomi, Scioto Valley the piece of equipment, Dad realized Berke, Emily, (F) Shreveport Hutson, Sierra, (F) Florida Suncoast Sweeney, Kasheba, (F) Delaware he left a tool at the house. He needed I encourage everyone to “get in the Binkley, Camile, Reno High Sierra Ireland, Brooke, (F) Waterloo on the Grand Szewczyk, Megan, Pikes Peak Horace to stay and help him, but he told Blinzler, Brina, (F) Antelope Valley Jarrett, Shelby, (F) Delaware Thickstun, Elizabeth, (F) Mat-Su Valley 8-year-old Roger to go get the tool. Bogart, Ronda, Colorado Jones, Laken, (F) Sarasota Ladybugs Thompson, Tracy, (F) Rio Colorado truck, go to the house and get the tool.” Bolek-Lapinska, Aleksandra, Colorado Jones, Shavana, Delaware Tran, Kim, (F) Orange County Dad said to Roger, “Get in the truck Burnham, Laura, Northeast Kansas Jordan, Heather, Treasure Coast Urquijo, Paola, Arabian Section and go to the house and get us the tool.” Burns, Julie, Texas Dogwood Kah, Gretchen, (F) Marin County Vileisis, Catherine, Monterey Bay Roger replied, “Dad I don’t know how miles to town for things. That’s how it First there are so many wonderful people Burns, Katherine, (F) Texas Dogwood Kalousek, Katelyn, Delaware Vinton, Jacqueline, Georgia Flying Belles to drive the truck.” At that point, dad was for us growing up on our farm in the who have helped and mentored me along Burton, Nancy, (F) Wisconsin Keenan, Wendy, Kentucky Bluegrass Vitale, Serafina, (F) Long Island Bush, Robin, (F) Georgia Flying Belles Kelly, Amber, (F) Sarasota Ladybugs Volkova, Ekaterina, Greater Seattle stopped what he was doing, looked at country. the way, in so many ways. Aviation Cabrera, Victoria, Ventura County Kernan, Katherine, Houston Wang, Zheng, Treasure Coast Roger and said, “How do you know you I’ve lived this lesson from dad all organizations and community bonding, Campbell, Patricia, (F) Long Beach Kilcoyne, Claire, (F) Greater Seattle Weatherman, Jennifer, (F) Greater Seattle don’t know how to drive the truck?” my life. I was about 17 years old at the along with Auburn and Boeing career Carlsen, Carolyn, (F) Long Island Kretzschmar, Hannah, (F) Colorado Webb, Emmary, Old Dominion Then he repeated, “Get in the truck, go time, and it was meaningful when I experiences, have molded my life. Now Cary, Shannon, Florida Goldcoast Kwan, Sandra, Bay Cities Werth, Jill, Finger Lakes Childs, Claudia, Western New York Lang, Maddie, (F) Austin Hill Country Yang, Zizhao, China Section to the house, and get us the tool.” made choices for my college education I am blessed to be able to give back and Cordes, Hannah, (F) Greater Seattle Lessard, Megan, (F) Florida Heartland Youtsey, Taylor, Kansas So Roger got in the truck, and dad and my future career. On the farm, I’d share with others who are jumping on Cozik, Angela, Three Rivers Lestan, Laurane, Montreal Zahn, Felecia, (F) Phoenix likely put the manual shift in second be picking beans and an airplane would their career bandwagon. Danz, Terri, (F) Greater Seattle Liscom, Kendra, Phoenix Zanger, Katrina, (F) Monterey Bay gear and Roger sat so that he could look fly over. I always stopped and looked up, I encourage everyone to “get in the Davidsen, Dana, Bay Cities Livengood Junker, Susan, Carolinas Zeffer, Marie, Michigan Davis, Cynthia, New Jersey Ludlow, Sarah, (F) Mt. Shasta Zhang, Xin-Xia, (F) Florida Goldcoast over the huge steering wheel and see wondered what it would be like to be up truck, go to the house and get the tool.” where he was going. They were only there one day, and wondered where they You can do it! 16 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 17 Jeludy Camacho, Keystone Chapter Fly Now Awards Reach New Heights Mid-Atlantic Section, Mentor: Diana Kelly

By Shelley Ventura, Amelia Earhart Scholarship Fund Trustee I am enrolled at Lehigh Carbon Community College in the Profes- sional Pilot degree program. I'm a single mother working full-time he Ninety-Nines Student Pilot membership Fun Facts at a bank and also a soldier in the Army National Guard aspiring numbers are climbing – and so is the number to become an officer to fly missions overseas. While I hope to The 99s Directory shows that 181 new Student Pilot become an airline pilot, my main goal is to spread the freedom of Tof Fly Now Award winners! The AEMSF members joined during the last round’s eligibility dates aviation to the youth of today. Flying has helped me to escape the Trustees are impressed by the enthusiastic response of 8/16/2016 to 2/15/2017. traumatic experiences and insanity of everything I've faced on the to this program. Of the 66 applicants for the Spring Every Fly Now Award winner has a formal mentor ground. I want to help young women find their path to strength 2017 Fly Now Award, 20 were selected to receive who provides support, encouragement and guidance though aviation. awards worth $84,500. These award winners will have to the student throughout her primary training. The the opportunity to offset up to $6,000 of their flight mentor can be any 99, regardless of location. training costs by completing specific milestones. If Fly Now is available for any initial certificate in any Charlene Campanella, Lake Erie Chapter not completed at the time of application, the following aircraft, including balloons, light sport and gliders. North Central Section, Mentor: Nancy Wood milestones are eligible to be earned. The next Fly Now Award application submission MILESTONE: Passing the FAA or equivalent deadline is September 15, 2017. Applicants must hold My first flight was at six weeks old with my father at the controls. Flying was part of our everyday life, and it wasn’t until I was five knowledge exam: $1,000. a student pilot certificate, demonstrate financial need that I realized not everyone had an airplane. Today I’m a writer and MILESTONE: First Solo: $2,500. and be officially registered as Student Pilot Members student pilot living in Northeast Ohio with my husband Stephen. MILESTONE: Long solo cross-country: $2,000. of The Ninety-Nines, Inc. by August 15, 2017 to be In this empty nest season, we are pursuing our pilot certification MILESTONE: Receiving FAA or equivalent flight eligible to apply for the Fall 2017 Fly Now Award. together. My goal is to become a ground school instructor and com- certificate: $1,000. Visit ninety-nines.org/fly-now.htm for information. plete instrument training. Beyond flying for the pure joy it provides, I'm eager to share this passion with the next generation of young women.

Lauren Bills, Phoenix Chapter Melissa Cooper, Aloha Chapter Southwest Section, Mentor: Courtney Smith Southwest Chapter, Mentor: Samantha Hansen

I am so grateful to be one of the Fly Now Award recipients and Originally from Brooklyn, New York, I joined the U.S. Coast am honored to be a part of this supportive and dynamic group of Guard with the dream of flying helicopters for rescue missions. women. I joined the Phoenix Chapter 99s in February 2017, just two Although I didn’t get to fly for them in my 20 years of service, my months after my discovery flight. I am currently a middle school passion never diminished. I knew that I had to make my own dream teacher and beginning a new journey toward becoming an airline a reality, so I set everything aside and began flight training. Now, pilot. Not only do I love adventure and travel, I also enjoy new chal- I’m thrilled I made that decision, and flying in Hawaii is amazing. lenges and accomplishing set goals. The Fly Now Award will help I look forward to earning additional certificates and ratings and one me obtain my private pilot certification as a step forward to becom- day flying search and rescue. I am truly honored and grateful for ing a commercial pilot. the Fly Now award.

Judith Burleson, Alabama Chapter Lacey Dirck, Long Beach Chapter Southeast Section, Mentor: Nancy Swanner Southwest Section, Mentor: Elizabeth Parsons

My first solo flight was thrilling beyond belief. Later, during a flight I feel truly honored and blessed to have been chosen as a recipient of away from the airport, the realization that the right seat was empty the Fly Now Scholarship. I caught the aviation bug while stationed gave me confidence I could do this! Learning to fly is the best deci- in Hawaii as an Air Force Intelligence Analyst. I quickly realized sion I ever made. I intend to fly it forward by teaching my grand- that being an airline pilot was my calling, and after eight years of daughters and other women to reach for the skies. Receiving the service, I separated from active duty to pursue my dreams. After Fly Now Award is an honor. It will enable me to move forward. I'm achieving my private certificate, I plan to attend ATP Flight School grateful to The 99s, my mentor Nancy, and John, my flight instruc- to complete my CFII certificates and ratings. I would like to thank tor, for guiding me towards becoming a safe, conscientious pilot. The Ninety-Nines AE Scholarship Judges, Trustees, and the members of the Long Beach Chapter for their nomination and support.

18 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 19 Stephanie Frazier, Phoenix Chapter Kelsey Hoogendoorn, Shreveport Chapter Southwest Section, Mentor: Sara Mazzarella South Central Section, Mentor: Terry Palmer As a young security officer protecting prototype cars from spy plane As a senior attending Embry-Riddle for a Bachelor of Science espionage, my passion for aviation sparked. Before long, I was in Aeronautics, I am pursuing my dream of becoming a private introduced to people who volunteered at local fly-ins, and I tasted pilot. Joining the Shreveport 99s was one of the most rewarding my first flight as a co-pilot. With a growing passion, I pursued a ca- opportunities I have had in my life, and my Chapter has been so reer in aviation as a flight attendant with the world’s largest airline. supportive of my journey in aviation. With only 14 hours, the Fly I’m currently working on my private pilot certificate at Falcon Field Now Award will significantly advance my training so I can earn in Arizona. Thanks to my membership with The Ninety-Nines, my my private pilot certificate and support my goal of becoming a daydream of becoming a commercial pilot is molding into reality. professional helicopter pilot. I am dedicated to sharing my pas- I’m truly grateful for this generous gift. sion with others and achieve my goals as a pilot…and a 99!

Annelie Hubinette Alice Fairbank-Furr, New Orleans Chapter San Fernando Valley Chapter Southeast Section, Mentor: Kelli Kuntz Southwest Section, Mentor: Lisa Fusano I’m a 27-year-old artist and student pilot with a B.S. in Business My passion for flying started in junior high school, but life took me Administration. I enjoy windsurfing and serve in the Junior Auxil- on an extended plan to achieve that dream. In my native Sweden, iary. Currently, I’m caretaking my grandmother and helping with the few women became pilots. Divorce allowed me to begin a new life family toy store in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. I plan to be a cor- with my four young daughters. I logged 17 hours during the summer porate pilot, getting into aviation sales. In addition to The Ninety- of 1999. In September 2016, I soloed. While working as a school Nines, I belong to AOPA, Women in Aviation International (WAI), bus driver 30 hours each week and homeschooling my daughters, I the Civil Air Patrol, and volunteer with Pilots N Paws and Sun ’n attend Glendale Community College. I will begin IFR training this Fun. I look forward to investing in future pilots and am so grateful summer after obtaining my private pilot certificate. My long-term for the Fly Now Award. I will pay it forward! goal is becoming an ATP flying for Scandinavian Airlines.

Samantha Gambon, Emerald Angels of the Gulf Coast Chapter Angelica Jusino, Hampton Roads Chapter Southeast Section, Mentor: Caitlin Kuersteiner Mid-Atlantic Section, Mentor: Heron Weidner I am so excited and honored to receive the Fly Now Award! I live I graduated from Christopher Newport University in Virginia with a in Panama City, Florida, with my husband. Once I get my cer- BS in Chemistry and an MS in Environmental Science. I currently tificate, I hope to visit my family as well as volunteer with Pilots am an analytical chemist and am trying to launch a small craft N Paws, a charity that helps connect volunteer pilots with rescue business. I have been passionately striving for my private pilot cer- animals needing transport. I hope to continue my training to earn tificate since July 2016 and am excited to receive the award to aid my instrument rating and commercial certificate so I can start me in this achievement. When I earn my private pilot certificate, I working as a pilot. I hope to experience many different jobs during want to fly for CAP, provide Angel Flights, and continue to work my aviation career, whether it be banner towing, aerial tours and towards advanced ratings so I can begin a career in aviation. I am photography, instructing or even firefighting! grateful for the support The 99s have provided in this journey.

Melisa Grissom, Tennessee Chapter Southeast Section, Mentor: Barbara Lewinski Olivia Loveless, Intermountain Chapter Northwest Section, Mentor: Jonalea Hanson Flying elevates me above all of life's problems, where I am in the present, at peace and I am LIVING! Since flying as a young I am dreamer, go-getter, and I love to share my energy and pas- girl with my grandfather, a Naval WWII pilot, I have dreamed of sion for the sky and the birds with everyone I meet! Growing up, becoming a pilot. For decades, life events kept me from chasing I learned a strong work ethic. This has been crucial in pursuing a that dream. Now, at age 50, my journey begins to obtain my private certificate. I always wanted to be an astronaut; getting my certificate certificate and continue on. Thank you Tennessee Chapter for your brings me closer to the stars. I will use my private to bring others support. I will encourage and inspire women of all ages that girls along for the ride. I want to share the world of aviation with all the can and do fly! I am immensely grateful and honored to be a recipi- children who may be like I was and don’t think they have the means ent of The 99s Fly Now Award! or smarts to get there.

20 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 21 Amber Mackenzie, Phoenix Chapter Stacy Pritts, Alaska Chapter Southwest Section, Mentor: Magdalena Jarda Northwest Section, Mentor: Aimee Moore My passion and love for aviation all started with my father, who was a CFI. He taught me to understand and respect the world of pilots and planes. My I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be selected as a Fly Now favorite childhood times with him were spent at the airfields. I can still Award winner. While the flying world is not new to me (born into hear him calling out “clear prop!” before he turned the key to start up a the Air Force life 44 years ago), my personal experience in flying plane. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to participate, learn is very new. I’m the first in my family to pursue a pilot certificate. and develop my piloting skills within such a knowledgeable, inspiring and I will continue volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol on missions dedicated organization as I work towards following in his footsteps. Thank and build flight experience. My goal is to pay it forward to future you Ninety-Nines for your support! 99s, become a mentor like the inspiring women of the Alaska Chapter (thanks, ladies!), attain my CFI, instruct new aviators, and share the love and excitement of flying.

Aparajita Mehra, First Canadian Chapter East Canada Section, Mentor: Lesley Page Lucinda Raber Sarasota Ladybugs Chapter I am a recent graduate of the Queen’s University Commerce Southeast Section, Mentor: Courtney Reed program and now work at a social enterprise in Toronto. I began my aviation journey as an undergraduate and aim to complete my Flying is my passion, and for as long as I can remember I have been private pilot training this summer. Once certified, I hope to hone fascinated with the sky and the idea of being in the air. I started and perfect my aviation skills through further ratings and certifica- training for my private right after I graduated, and ever since I have tions, as well as engage in community aviation programs across been head over heels in love with flying. This award will support Ontario. I look forward to acting as an ambassador for women in my passion and enable me to focus more on my training instead of the industry by encouraging and supporting the women and girls worrying about funding it all on my own. It has made finishing my in my life to pursue similar certifications and careers in aviation. private a reality and given me a foundation for my instrument and commercial ratings, ultimately flying for a career.

Neryah Niewadomski, Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter 2017 Karen Johnson Solo Scholarship Deadline Quickly Approaching North Central Section, Mentor: Terri Donner By Susan Liebeler, International & Ventura County 99s Fundraising Chairman Twenty-two percent of them joined The ship rules and a downloadable flyer are at Thank you, 99s, for helping make my dreams come true! Fly- 99s before the end of September. www.kjsoloscholarship.com. ing has only recently become my greatest aspiration. I gained the he 99s will award a $3,000 Karen With our encouragement, many ap- With donations from anonymous desire to fly during my first aviation course offered my freshman plied for the AEMSF Fly Now Awards, and donors, in 2013 and 2016 we were able to year in high school. My grandfather and his wife, both pilots and a T Johnson Solo Scholarship to provide CFI, respectively, have literally handed me the “Golden Ticket of a young woman who wants to learn to fly two won the $6,000 awards. The scholar- award two scholarships. Of the seven Solo Opportunity.” The 99s Fly Now Award will send me into the next with financial support for flight training ship is listed on many college websites Scholarship winners to date, six are now phase of my dream coming true. Commercial pilot is the ultimate through first solo and beyond. She must and in the financial aid packages furnished private pilots. goal for me, a girl who comes from a place where dreams seldom be age 16-20 at any time during 2017 to entering students enrolled in aviation Last year’s first place winner, Bretlyn take flight into reality. calendar year. programs. Marr, has soloed and is using her Fly Now The winner will also receive a This year’s application deadline is Award to complete her flight training. Bret- King Schools flight training course. July 1. You can help promote this schol- lyn is a member of the Carolina 99s, and in the fall will meet the Daytona Beachin Klara Olcott, Phoenix Chapter The scholarship will be awarded at the arship by distributing scholarship flyers Eagles when she begins aerospace engi- Southwest Section, Mentor: Emily Johnson Aviation Appreciation Dinner at EAA at your local airports and flight schools. AirVenture in Oshkosh on July 25, 2017, Information about the scholarship, scholar- neering studies at Embry-Riddle. My flight experience began in 2013 when I soloed in 8.2 hours. www.99soshkoshdinner.com. From that day forward, flight gained permanent residence in my fu- This scholarship honors the memory ture goals. I earned my Gold Award in Girl Scouts and was selected of Ventura County 99s Chapter Chairman as a National Young Women of Distinction Nominee. I have been Karen Johnson who perished in 2013 while From left, 2016 Karen a Civil Air Patrol volunteer for five years, achieving Cadet Colonel flying frost control in California. We ad- Johnson Solo and serving as the National Cadet Advisory Council Chairwoman, Scholaship winner vertise the scholarship nationally and pro- and was selected as National Cadet of the Year. I am grateful to The Bretlyn Marr, Jan mote it to college aviation departments in Ninety-Nines for granting me the Fly Now Award and am excited McKenzie, Maria to begin my journey to flying private jets commercially! the USA and Canada. In 2016, we received Morrison and Susan 102 applications for the scholarship from Liebeler. young women with a passion for aviation.

22 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 23 that flying in a single engine aircraft is Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities Air India's First All-Female Crew “real” flying, whereas the computerized GRASS ROOTS — commercial aircraft are so programmed students and thus served as an example of a successful, modern that the feel is completely different for woman for the female students. Fly a 777-200 Around the World the pilot. This prompted several of us to An additional article told of one of Amelia’s wishes. In 1935, offer flights in small aircraft when they're By Carol Munch, Santa Clara Valley Chapter her husband George Putnam, along with David Ross, J.K. Lilly, in San Francisco again. Vincent Bendix and manufacturers Western Electric, Goodrich, On February 28, eleven members tel to meet the Air India pilots on the day Captain Kshamta Bajpai has a son and Goodyear organized and financed The Amelia Earhart Fund of the three Bay Area Chapters met with following their arrival in San Francisco. who became an airline pilot in the U.S. for Aeronautical Research. The research would provide a plane Air India’s (AI) first all-female crew to Lunch, graciously provided by Air India, He now flies in India but prefers flying and necessary monies to study the effect of long-distance flying fly a Boeing 777-200 around the world allowed us time to visit with the pilots, here since there is more variety and flex- on pilots. This was AE’s dream. The Lockheed Electra was built in honor of International Women’s Day. some of the corporate communication ibility. Kshamta started out flying gliders at PU and outfitted for Amelia’s flight around the world in 1937. This flight set a World Record for a com- officers and some cabin crew. before going into corporate aviation. There was also a list of what she took on her flights: chocolate, Another captain, Sunita canned tomato juice, (she didn’t care for coffee or tea), peanut Narula, has two young butter, a compact case (with mirror), smelling salts and an ice pick. children who she brings The smelling salts were to help keep her awake. The ice pick was occasionally to the U.S. for to puncture a hole in the top of the juice can for a straw! holidays. They travel as pas- Following the archive session, Emily rejoined us after class, sengers while she flies the and we enjoyed refreshments at Amelia’s Coffee Shop. plane. Captain Indira Singh For a tour, contact the department at least one day in advance. has been flying for many To view archives online, go to: eArchives lib.purdue.edu/spcol and years, but Gunjan Aggarwal search for Amelia Earhart. is a fairly new captain. All 99s Janice Welch, Geri McClanahan, Emily Schott, Margaret Wint — Diana Austin four are happy in their pro- and Diana Austin at Purdue University. fession despite the strenu- ous schedule and difficulty Indiana Dunes Chapter finding balance between Our Chapter changed its format several years ago to incorpo- work and personal life. rate many more fly-outs and two business meetings a year. Since Harpreet, while starting January 2015 to March 2017, we have added six Future 99s and as an AI pilot, has gone on eight 99s. to champion flight safety. One of our adventures was a visit to Purdue University (PU) This year is the 50th in October to view the Amelia Earhart Archives in West Lafayette, anniversary of the Indian Indiana. After having lunch with our Indian Dunes member, freshman Emily Schott, we joined Tracy Grimm, the Barron Hilton From left, front row: Air India Captains Gunjan Aggarwal and Kshamta Bajpai, India Section Governor Women Pilots' Associa- Harpreet A. De Siingh, Captains Sunita Narula and Indira Singh. Second row: 99s Carol Munch, Jeanne tion, and they are planning Archivist for Flight and Space Exploration, at the Stewart Center. McElhatton, Leslie Ingham, Sue Ballew, Cindy Pickett, Rhonda Nilsson, Emily Stednitz, Grace Mah, Marin, activities to celebrate in We viewed personal and public letters handwritten or typed Kelley O’Dea, Alyssa Abbey and Susan Royce. December. We are invited by Amelia, newsletters and documents, logbooks, photographs to participate, so stay tuned. from childhood and record-setting events, and items from her trips. They are also having small- Amelia lectured, conducted conferences with faculty and Amelia teaching at Purdue University. mercial flight staffed entirely by women, It was interesting to learn that Indian er celebrations throughout the year – one from the dispatcher to ground crew, women pilots are fully accepted by of which was spending the afternoon engineers and ATC crew in Delhi, to their male counterparts and do not feel with us. Kansas Chapter cabin crew, flight crew and safety auditor discrimination on the basis of gender. If Harpreet presented each of the The Kansas Chapter held a Flying Companion Seminar on the aircraft. they have been trained and are certified, American 99s with a certificate and a in February. Presenters included CFIs Robin Laws, Mandi Ninety-Nines India Section Gov- they are accepted. There is still some bias lovely silk scarf. I gave each of the Indi- Hill, and Nancy Cullen, retired air traffic controller. The top- ernor Harpreet DeSingh, also President to overcome, mainly from family and in an women a letter of congratulations and ics included flight instruments, navigation, and emergency of the Indian Women Pilots Association finding training spots, but far less than an application to join The 99s as none but communications. and Chief of Flight Safety for Air India, experienced by American female pilots, Harpreet are members yet. All four of the Attendees included local pilots, companions, and flight emailed me of the planned flight a week which surprised our visitors. Nearly one pilots expressed interest in joining and students. The seminar was a success, and the Chapter antici- ahead of time, so we gathered some 99s third of AI's pilots are women! being involved with other female pilots pates a repeat seminar in November 2017. to celebrate with them. Compared to the U.S., India offers worldwide. — Dawn Wavle Rogers Five members of the Marin Chapter, little opportunity for general aviation. At Those of us who attended the event two Bay Cities members and four mem- least two of the Indian captains expressed are eager to meet our Indian sister pilots From left, Chapter members Bonnie Johnson, Robin Laws, Nancy bers of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter a desire to fly in small planes, something again to give them a more personal view Cullen, Phyllis Blanton, Mandi Hill, and Dawn Wavle Rogers. drove to San Francisco’s Le Méridien ho- they have not done. One said she felt of the Bay Area from the air.

24 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 25 GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities

Florida Suncoast In January, Janice McWilliams arranged a tour of Western New York Chapter the Sky Dive Center, Zephyrhills Airport. Onyx Rivera, After a long period of inactivity, the Western a very informative and enthusiastic skydiving coach at New York Chapter is back in business! On February the center, gave us an hour’s tour of the center. Ellen 26, a sunny but absolutely frigid day, the Chapter O’Hara, who joins us as a snowbird member each year met at Lancaster Airport (KBQR). Thirteen people from Chicago, decided to jump. Ellen joined us at our attended, most of whom did not previously know March meeting and spoke about the entire flight. If any each other. We were pilots, instructors, student 99s visit the Tampa area, they should put this center on pilots, and people who were simply interested in their bucket list. They won’t be disappointed, especially finding out more about aviation in Western New on the weekends. York and The 99s. Our new banner was displayed at the March meet- We enjoyed a delicious English cream tea, ing held in Clearwater, Florida. prepared by our very own Chapter Chairman Willy On May 13, we will meet at Crystal River Airport, Mattocks. We discussed the Fly Now Award for Crystal River, Florida, hosted by Gudi Davis. On June Student Pilot members, as well as some other schol- 10, we will meet at Albert Whitted Airport, for induc- arship opportunities. Everyone found the meeting Florida Suncoast members show off their new banner at the March meeting. tion of new officers. to be quite informative, and we ended up with one — Sophia M. Payton current applicant and one future applicant. Western New York Chapter members enjoy an English cream tea before their We are now planning on monthly or bimonthly Chapter meeting. From left, Alexis Toth, Louise Toth, Lisa Hotung, Tina meetings to keep up the interest. It was a wonderful Hartlaub, Robin DeMarco, Evelyn Amsler and Willy Mattocks. afternoon! Orange County Chapter — Lisa Hotung The Orange County Chapter’s home airport is John Wayne Orange County Airport (KSNA). From private pilots to airline captains, most of the Chapter members rarely visit the parts of the airport not immediately adjacent Big Sky Chapter to their security check areas, departure gates, arrival gates In March, Patty Mitchell, Larae Stotts and Trena and baggage pickup. Boyd met in the King Air hangar of Billings Clinic This deficit was remedied at our March General Meet- Medflight. We discussed the benefits of being a 99, ing with a tour conducted by Becky Valdez, Chapter Vice making plans for projects in the Billings area and then Chairman and retired TSA agent formerly stationed at meeting with the Montana Chapter when we had time. KSNA. We met in front of the bronze John Wayne statue, Due to distance, it became apparent that the Bill- and she reviewed the history of the field from its inception ings group could not travel to Bozeman for meetings, as Eddie Martin Field through its use by the military during especially with the Rocky College aviation and air am- WWII and its later establishment as a regional commercial bulance pilots having a 20-minute call out for a flight. airport. We saw the original commercial terminal, visited We decided to establish a new Chapter in Billings the USO, climbed to the only uncovered parking area, and that could also draw members from Eastern Montana marveled at the fossils found in the specially-acquired and Northern Wyoming for meetings and special projects marble of the columns and floors. and events. Becky explained the functions of the various TSA We scheduled a meeting, and more than seven positions, why the agents rotate positions every 30 minutes women agreed to join the new Chapter. We were excited to prevent complacency, and shared some stories from her to have the number needed to go forward with the new training and active duty. The airport has a vigorous group Chapter. With the help of Patty Viall, Northwest Sec- of volunteers who provide tours each month to thousands tion Governor, and our new member, Ossie Abrams, the of school children and groups such as the Girl Scouts. bylaws were drawn up and Chapter members elected Our Chapter is indeed fortunate to have a member officers. We were launched and approved by the Inter- willing to share her vast knowledge of our home airport. national Board in March. Members of the new Big Sky Chapter approve the minutes. From left, Larae Stotts, Bobbi Powers, Dianna Ferguson, Patty Mitchell, Ossie Abrams and Each of us learned a great deal. The Big Sky Chapter of the Northwest Section was a reality with a membership of 11. Officers are Patty Tammy Kantorowicz. — Shirley McFall Orange County Chapter members gather at the statue of the Viall, Chapter Chairman, Trena Boyd, Vice Chairman, 'Duke' at the John Wayne Orange County Airport (KSNA). Larae Stotts, Secretary/Treasurer. — Patty Mitchell

26 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 27 GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities

Colorado Chapter Coyote Country Chapter The Colorado Chapter Coyote Country 99s went on a field trip to TRACON for the organized and hosted Avia- SoCAL region. It was set up by our friend John Dutto, retired tion Patch Day for about 35 ATC and supervisor. Girl Scouts of Colorado on Six of our members and spouses learned about the years of April 8. The now annual training controllers go through before they communicate with event, held at Aspen Flying pilots who are flying. Flying in the SoCAL region can be very Club and Denver JetCenter overwhelming for a student or new pilot. Even for the more offices at Centennial Air- seasoned pilot, SoCal airspace can be challenging. port (APA), included five The controllers emphasized they want us to use Flight Fol- breakout sessions led by lowing and that they are there to help keep everyone safe in our 99s members. busy region. TRACON manages 6,000 flights a day (well over The girls, ages 9-13, 2,000,000 flights a year), and those don't include VFR flights had the chance to meet that are squawking 1200. There are also 120,000 to 150,000 and talk with 22 volunteer jumpers a year. Girl Scouts participate in Aviation Patch Day hosted by the Colorado Chapter at Centennial Airport (APA). women pilots and aviation Thanks to Kirsten and Nate, our briefers and SoCal con- From left, Micaela Hilderbrand, Bill Cooper, Darlene and John enthusiasts while they par- trollers, who took time to answer our questions and show us Dutto, Joan Cooper, Mary Flake, and Paula and John Wilson at ticipated in the following fun and educational sessions: Aerody- of the sessions, the question of being afraid came up – afraid of the ropes at TRACON. TRACON building, San Diego, California. namics and airplane design; ATC Operations, including listening heights, afraid of flying the airplane safely, afraid of flying in — Joan Cooper to a woman controller; Women in Aviation History; Aviation clouds, etc. The 99s shared their own stories of how much training Weather; and a Static Display. you get, how much practice, and how safe flying really is. We had a Sovereign, B55 Baron, Piper Warrior II and C182 At the end of the day, many of the girls said they really want Paradise Coast Chapter Arabian Section for the girls to check out the view from the pilot and copilot seats. to learn to fly. Without the Colorado 99s, this amazing aviation At the Paradise Coast regular March meeting, our Chapter was The Arabian Section is proud to present One volunteer noted, “Once the girls climbed in and pulled back day could not happen. honored to have Autumn Pepper in attendance. Autumn Pepper its first scholarship to an Egyptian member, on the yoke for the first time and looked back to see parts of the Each girl received a 99s Aviation Patch for completing the is 12 years old and an aviation enthusiast. She is in the Talented Dina Dawood. Alia Twal, Governor of the aircraft actually moving, you saw them light up with an ‘I just did day’s activities, plus a few goodies from the airport and some and Gifted (TAG) pro- Arabian Section, congratulates Dina for that’ look on their faces.” handouts from the session leaders. This program is very popular gram at Paul Laurence winning the scholarship. Most of the girls had never been in, or even near, a general with the Girl Scouts, and gets filled up with a waiting list each year. Dunbar Middle School The Arabian Section will hold its 5th aviation airplane. They asked many great questions. At several — Cindy Miller in Fort Myers, Florida. annual meeting in Egypt October 27-29. Recognizing that During the meeting, they plan to commemo- Dina Dawood. the majority of aviation rate Lotfia Al Nadi, the first Arab female accidents are due to pilot to fly solo. Appalachian Aviatrixes Chapter pilot error, she invented Lotfia Al Nadi was part of the founding team of the Arabian Members of the new Appalachian Aviatrixes a conceptual design for Section in 1989. Chapter met at the Tri-Cities Regional Airport, a module that she be- — Alia Twal Tennessee, for their third meeting. The Chapter, lieves would reduce started by Janice Orr Pelletti, begins almost exactly this risk. The module 68 years after her mother, Rita Ann Bondy Orr, will include a small started the Minnesota Chapter. Rita ran an ad in camera installed on the the Minneapolis Tribune inviting all interested Autum Pepper introduces her Safety headset that records live Shop 99s Style! women pilots to join her for a meeting at the May- Model to Paradise Coast Members. video and can recog- fair Coffee Shop in downtown Minneapolis. The nize safety issues before Visit The 99s Minnesota Chapter Charter is dated July 2, 1949. they happen, such as being too slow on base to final or stalls. The The Appalachian Aviatrixes Chapter is work- module would send a warning to the pilot alerting of the impending Logo Wear Store ing on several new and exciting fundraising pro- issue. This is designed to allow sufficient time to correct. Autumn ninetynines.qbstores.com jects, including specialty apparel and a profes- is also implementing a mobile app for her invention. sional photo opportunity with a B-17. Several Her Aeronautical Safety Module was entered in the 2017 educational programs are in the works as well. Thomas Alva Edison Regional Inventor's Fair this past February. She placed first for the 6th grade division and was the Middle — Janice Orr Pelletti School division winner. Autumn was also awarded the James and Appalachian Aviatrixes meet at KTRI, from left, Emma Perdue, Meagan Harr, Janice Pelletti, Pam Phillips and, not pictured, Adrienne Smith. Eleanor Newton Scholarship. — Lisa Hannon

28 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 29 Touch & Go NEW HORIZONS NEW HORIZONS

E. Jane Gates Capizzi Leah Liersch Etta ‘Sue’ Frantz Trimble Oregon Pines Chapter San Diego Chapter Houston Chapter Jane Capizzi flew to new Leah Liersch flew to New Horizons on February 17, 2017. The Ninety-Nines lost one of its most devoted members with horizons February 25, 2017, in Frequent family trips to watch airplanes at the Kansas City, the passing of Etta ‘Sue’ Frantz Trimble on February 23, 2017, at Corvallis, Oregon, at the age of 88. Missouri, airport and flying in a friend's biplane at age 10 ensured her home in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. She was born in 1930. She grew up in Chelsey, Ver- her love of aviation. World War II gave her an opportunity to work Sue, a Ninety-Nine since 1982, was an enthusiastic pilot and mont. Jane was a teenager during as an aircraft communicator with CAA, now FAA. This resulted member of the Houston Chapter. She and Joe, her first husband of Katie Evans is the new WWII and joined a civilian vol- in a 38-year aviation career. 47 years, were regular attendees at South Central Section meetings manager of the unteer group to help identify air- Leah soloed in the Sacramento area in 1951 in a Luscombe and International Conferences. Amelia Earhart planes that flew over her village. and received her pilot certificate in 1954. She joined The Ninety- Sue was blessed with the gifts of hospitality and grace, quali- Birthplace This started her love of aviation. Nines Sacramento Chapter. After being transferred by the FAA to ties which she generously shared with The Ninety-Nines. Museum. Jane attended the Univer- the San Diego area as air traffic controller, she joined the El Cajon — Cathy Prudhomme sity of Vermont (UVM) and Valley Chapter. She was Chairman when the Chapter sponsored graduated with a degree in the Indian Section. "There were five women pilots who were truly Mary Anna 'Marty' Wyall AEBM Welcomes New Manager Jane Capizzi. Katie Evans has joined the staff of the Amelia Earhart Clothing and Textiles in 1950. pioneers in their own country," she said. Leah later became a Three Rivers Chapter Birthplace Museum as its new manager. Katie, a resident of She moved to Roseburg, Oregon, Charter member in the Mission Bay Chapter established in 1981. With the passing of Marty Atchison, is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, in 1953 to accept a position as 4-H Extension Agent. She and She flew in two Pacific Air Races and was active in many All Wyall in March 2017, another holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and a minor in Public her husband Joe Capizzi eventually settled in Corvallis, Oregon. Woman Transcontinental Air Races national treasure was lost. Of the History. While at the university, she served two internships Jane received her private pilot certificate in 1958 and joined She loved aviation and kept active through The 99s, the San 22 WASP from Indiana, she was there and one at the Nodaway County Historical Society. the Oregon Chapter in 1961. This later became the Willamette Diego Aerospace Museum, the Silver Wings, the Gold Wings and the last to fly to new horizons. During her Historical Society internship, Katie garnered Chapter. She was Chapter Treasurer from 2005-2010. Jane eventu- the Society of Aviation Pioneers. Marty was in the last class of rave reviews for planning, designing, and implementation of ally joined the Oregon Pines Chapter. In 2010, we had the honor — Annelie Brinkman WASP. Marty said, “We didn’t public exhibitions in the Society’s museum. Her university of celebrating her 50 years as a 99. care so much about the pay or internships gave her excellent experience in various archival In 1982, Jane was appointed to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Bonnie Jean Miller recognition. We just wanted to techniques. Game Commission. The commission consumed Jane’s time and Scioto Valley Chapter help our country win the war.” Katie said her career path was always leading her toward attention for eight years. Bonnie Jean Miller, age 93, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away After the war, Marty did not During her life, Jane was very active in many organizations. on March 5, 2017. She was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on December abandon aviation. She got a job museum work and she owes that to her father and grandfather. Marty Wyall. “Education was very important to my father. Part of that educa- She was a fun lady to spend time with, always upbeat, fun-loving 22, 1923, to Hazel and Roy Butler, Sr. ferrying surplus army planes. tion was a keen interest in history.” and passionate about the things she loved. She will be truly missed. Bonnie began taking flying lessons in 1946 and received She become a flight instructor and married one of her students, Katie said this is her dream job. “To come from Atchison, — Bev Clark her private pilot certificate in 1947. She was the first woman in Eugene Wyall, in 1946. love history as much as I do and have an opportunity to manage Zanesville to obtain her certificate. Bonnie flew in several inter- Marty briefly curtailed her aviation experiences to raise a fam- national air races. ily. In 1957, she reentered aviation to fly the Powder Puff Derby. this museum is the thrill of a lifetime for me. I hold Amelia Mary Elizabeth ‘Skipper’ Fernandez She was a lifetime member of The Ninety-Nines. Marty then started her own aviation charter business. From 1965 Earhart in great esteem for all her accomplishments and how Florida Gulf Coast Chapter — Landon J. Adams to 1972, she was the only female pilot in Indiana to hold an Air she encouraged young girls and women.” Longtime member Mary Elizabeth Taxi Certificate. — Jeannine Wyatt Fernandez, known as Skipper, flew to Mary Alice Tidwell Marty was most instrumental in the preservation of WASP New Horizons on March 22, 2017, at Purple Sage Chapter history. For 45 years, she personally maintained their history in the age of 88. Mary Alice Tidwell passed away at the age of 92 on February huge scrapbooks at her home and served as the official WASP She grew up in New Orleans and 4, 2017, in Midland, Texas. She had been a member of The 99s for Historian until all the memorabilia was transferred to the Texas received a degree from Loyola Univer- many years and was a charter member of the Purple Sage Chapter. Woman's University. GET CONNECTED! sity in Medical Technology. She worked She held every Chairman position and office in our Chapter, but most recently she was Chairman and Treasurer. She had a great She sought out the history of the other WASP and helped The Ninety-Nines is expanding on social media. at Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, sense of humor, and she was a mentor to many. select the home for the archival of WASP history. She served as Join the NEW Official 99s Facebook Group. Connect Florida, for over 20 years. president of the WASP from 1994-1996. In June 1964, Marty also with other 99s and aviation enthusiasts, share your When she was learning to fly, she Mary Elizabeth Mary Alice didn’t start learning to fly until she was 50, and Fernandez. revived the WASP reunions, which had been on hiatus for 15 years. aviation experiences and upcoming events, ask for worked nights so she could fly during she never looked back. She loved flying her white and yellow Marty was inducted into both the International Forest of recommendations and advice. the day. In addition to being a member Cessna Skyhawk 172 for some 25 year before selling it due to Friendship and the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of The 99s, she was a member of the Rotary Anna of Ybor City, age and health. • Facebook Group: The Ninety-Nines, Inc., of Fame. volunteered at Give Kids the Work, was an avid collector of coins Mary Alice was also a member of the Confederate Air Force International Organization of Women Pilots Marty was a very gracious lady. She was quiet and unassum- and Disney memorabilia and a world traveler. She will be missed and Civil Air Patrol. She was always volunteering wherever she • Tag us on Facebook: @99sinc ing. She was strong and determined. She will always be remem- by all who knew her. was needed and for whatever she could do. • Twitter: @TheNinetyNines She is sorely missed, but we know she has her own wings bered as a dear friend to many. Godspeed! Instagram: — Sophia M. Payton • theninetyninesinc now and is flying with joy in her new horizons. — Lewie Wiese and Marcia Nellans — Terry L. Carbonell — Priscilla Lane Barbee

30 99 News – MAY/jUNE – 2017 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 31 99 News – mAY/jUNE – 2017 33