INTERNATIONAL
99 NEWS WOMEN PILOTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NINETY-NINES® INC.
VOL. XXIII NO. 4 July/August 1997 GIVE WINGS TO YOUR DREAMS" A Project to Benefit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Home Restoration
S pecialty Item s
" Give Wings to Your Dreams" Neiv! by Diana Augustine-Heckman Notecards A Limited Edition of 999 8 cards with S pecial O ffer envelopes only s10 T h is I ssu e ! Unframed L/E Print Only - $4499 Short Sleeve T-Shirts - *15 Mugs - *10 each Long Sleeve T-Shirts - *20 16"x20" Framed Prints Sizes: A dult - S, M, L, or XL (XXL add s2) (was *129”) - Now $99
Frames — Your choice...Gold or Oak. To order the prints, t-shirts, notecards or mugs call: Mat Colors - Your choice...Navy with Gold (A), 1- 800- 344-0708 Green with Gold (B), or Buff with Green (C). J.Franklin Gallery • 3605 Beck • St. Joseph, MO 64506 *Quality framed with brass plaque, Shipping/handling charges extra. We accept MC/Visa/Discover/AmExp. conservation glass, mats, and backing. 99 NEW S The International Women Pilots 'Magazine (ISSN 0273-608X) INTERNATIONAL Published by THE NINETY-NINES‘INC. International Organization of Women Pilots S A Delaware Nonprofit Corporation _ WOMEN PILOTS' Organized November 2, 1929 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NINETY-NINES® INC. International Headquarters Box 965, 7100 Terminal Drive July/August 1997 Volume 23, No. 4 Oklahoma City, OK 73159, USA 405-685-7969 Fax: 405-685-7985 COVER: Three AE Scholarship winners earn Type Ratings at United Airlines e-mail: 102126,[email protected] www: http://www.ninety-nines.org. President’s Perspective Loretta Gragg, Executive Director by Lois Erickson ...... 5 National Congress on Aviation and Cindy Rusher, Classified Advertising Sales Space Education Reach for the stars Editorial Committee by Sigrid Ram elli...... 13 by Jenny Beatty ...... 6 Lois Erickson, Pat Ward and Carolyn Carpp My first balloon ride Lu Hollander, Editorial Consultant Getting Type-rated by Kay Roam ...... 14 Betty Rowley, Editor by Ann Leininger...... 7 Jim Simpson, Art Director W orld F lig h t ’97 Tom Hutchinson, Coordinator How I became an airline pilot by Pamela O'Brien ...... 15 PATRIC ROWLEY PUBLISHING by Sylvia J. Otvpka ...... 8 807 N. Waco, Suite 22, Wichita, KS 67203 Melanie Rader wins Webster Fax:316-263-7350 Collegiate pilot, by Megan Curry . . . 9 Memorial Trophy DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES How I learned about The 99s by Pat Crocker ...... 16 John Shoemaker by Lesley M iller...... 10 Village Press, Traverse City, Mich. Rosella Bjornson inducted into 1-800-773-7798, Ext. 3317 Long distance 99 friendship Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame by Clarice Bellino ...... 11 by Marie O sw ald...... 16 .*C Memories of Louise Sacchi National Intercollegiate Flying by Marge Gorman ...... 1 1 Association by Sharon Ann Schorsch ...... 17 F o rest o f F rien d sh ip by Norma Vandergriff...... 1 2 Part IV - Staggerwing Beech Commemorative Tour AE Birthplace Museum report by Christine St. Onge ...... 18 by Marilyn Copeland ...... 1 3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS GRASS ROOTS Lois Erickson President Pat Ward Vice President Section and Chapter News/Races and Rallies/Books/Ratings and Wings 19-24 Beverley Sharp Treasurer New Members/New Horizons/Classified Advertising ...... Carolyn Carpp Secretary STATEMENT OF EDITORIAL POLICY Directors: Connie Wilds, Cathie Mayr, The opinions expressed in the articles presented in 99 News/The International Women Pilots Joy Parker-Blackwood, Mary Wunder Magazine are those of the authors and shall not be construed to represent the policies or opinions Past President: Joyce Wells of The Ninety-Nines® Inc. Deadline: 9th of month preceding date of publication: Dec. 9, Feb. 9, Apr. 9, June 9, Aug. 9 and Oct. 9. Spelling of proper names is proofed against informa COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS tion submitted. All photographs submitted are returned to 99s Headquarters. United States: Mid-Atlantic: Gayl Henze 99 News/The International Women Pilots Magazine is published bimonthly by The Ninety-Nines, New England: Martha Dunbar Inc., the International Organization of Women Pilots, at 4300 Amelia Earhart Rd, Oklahoma City, New York/New Jersey: Charlotte Shawcross OK 73159. The price of a yearly subscription of $9 is included in the annual dues of The Ninety- North Central: Linda Neumann Nines' members. Nonprofit second class postage permit at Oklahoma City, OK, and additional Northwest: Nancy Jensen mailing offices. South Central: Dorothy Dickerhoof Southeast: Judy Hall Neither The Ninety-Nines® Inc., nor the Editor nor the Publisher can accept any responsibility for Southwest: Diane Pirman the correctness or accuracy of the matters printed herein or for any opinions expressed. Opinions Canada: of the Editor or contributors do not necessarily represent the position of The Ninety-Nines, Inc. East Canada: Grace Moffit Publisher reserves the right to reject any material submitted for publication. Copy submitted for West Canada: Sonja Wilford publication shall become the property of The Ninety-Nines and shall not be returned. Articles Arabian: Monica Hackett submitted with accompanying pictures will receive publication preference. Pictures will be re Australian: Mary O'Brien turned to Ninety-Nines Headquarters in Oklahoma City for its Archives. British: Aileen Egan / n'uia! Pcut/ : , . . . POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Caribbean: Francesca Davis U.S. - $55 Canada - $47 The international Women Pilots Far East: Rikako Sugiura Carpenter Overseas -$44 (U.S. dollars) Magazine/99 News, The Ninety-Nines® Finnish: Mila Maarit Kempas One-time initiation fee: $10 Inc., Box 965, 7100 Terminal Drive India: Chanda Sawant Budhabhatti Non-member subscription rates: U.S.: $20 Oklahoma City, OK 73159 USA Israeli: Rina Levinson-Adler Canada and other countries: $30 (U.S. dollars) New Zealand: Pamela Marion Adams Copyright 1997 PERPETUAL CALENDAR
3-5 — South Central Section Meeting. DECEMBER 1 9 9 7 Arlington Hilton, Arlington, Texas, Ellen 8-11 — Convention of International Council JULY Hamlett, 817-491-3069 of Air Shows. Las Vegas, Nev., 517-782-2424 24-26 — Amelia Earhart Birthday Centen 3-5 — North Central Section Meeting, nial Celebration, Atchison, Kan., Stan Rochester, Minn., Elaine Morrow, 1 9 9 8 Lawson, 800-234-1854, or Marilyn Copeland, 612-955-2802 816-246-4671 APRIL 4 — San Fernando Valley Air Derby, Van 8-12 — First Asia/Pacific Conference, 26-27 — Torrance Air Fair 1997, Torrance, Nuys, Calif., to Mesquite, Nev. Mary Rawlings, Calif., Nancy Clinton, 310-325-7223 Queenstown, New Zealand, hosted by the 818-888-5360 or fax 818-888-1402 New Zealand Airwomen s Association, 30-8/5 — Oshkosh '97 EAA Convention, 4 — Coyote County Chapter Poker Run, fax 64-3-312-5818 Oshkosh, Wis., Cathie Mayr, 414-648-5092 Kathy Buckman, 760-758-2629 JULY AUGUST 11 — Second Annual Fayette Airshow ’97, 8-12 — The Ninety-Nines International 6 — All Canada Section Meeting, Mary Lee Fayette Regional Air Center, La Grange, Texas. Convention, Guadalajara, Mexico, Pat Ward Burns, 604-736-4340 Margo Johnson, 409-968-5756 or 1-800- LAGRANG 7-9 — Canadian Women in Aviation Conference, University of British Columbia, 8-12 — American Bonanza Society ATTENTION: Mary Lee Burns, 604-736-4340 Convention. Wichita, Kan., Nancy Johnson, GOVERNORS AND CHAPTER CHAIRS 316-945-6913 To list your 99s events on this calendar 8-9 — Okie Derby, Oklahoma Chapter, Wiley page, send information to: Post Airport, Oklahoma City, Okla., Phyllis 8-12 — Staggerwing Museum Foundation Miller, 405-721-2573 Convention, Wichita, Kan., Mattie Schulz, Carolyn Carpp 615-455-1974 International Date Coordinator 8-11 — Palms to Pines Air Race, Santa 18-19 — New York/New Jersey Section 11021 NE 123rd Lane #C116 Monica, Calif., to Prineville, Ore., Claire Kirkland, WA 98034 U.S.A. Walters, 310-397-2731 M eeting, Canandaigua, N.Y., Finger Lakes Chapter, Charlotte Shawcross, 716-229-4165 Fax 425-823-9799 14-17 — Northwest Section Meeting, [email protected] Ridpath Hotel, Spokane, Wash., Barbara 23-25 — AOPA Expo ’97, Orlando, Fla., Please indicate the name and location of the Mayfield, 509-447-2174 Marriott's Orlando World Center event and the name, phone and fax num 15-17 — 2nd International Ladies Cup, 31-11/1 — Third Annual SLO Derby, central bers of the contact. Deadlines for info are: Eindhoven Airport, The Netherlands (entry coast of California, San Luis Obispo Chapter, Dec. 9, Feb. 9, Apr. 9, June 9, Aug. 9 and deadline May 31), Thea Geris-Vogels, 00-31 - Heather Heaps, 805-528-5237 O ct. 9. 77-466-2255, or fax 00-31-77-466-1364 30-11/2 — International Board of Directors 23 — Maple Leaf Poker Run, London, M eeting, Oklahoma City, Okla. Ontario Canada, Betty Ellison, 519-439-3564 31-11/2 — Southeast Section Meeting, FUTURE 99 NEWS 23-24 — Pacific Coast Air Museum Annual Victoria Wiltsie, 305-232-2718, or Bobbi • September/October: Convention highlights, Open House, Celebration of Women in Lichtiger, 305-444-3458 AE Scholarship winners, Second Floor Museum Aviation, Sonoma County Airport, Santa at Ninety-Nines Headquarters and Canadian Rosa, Calif., Sue Canavan 707-575-7900 or NOVEMBER Women in Aviation conference. 707-545-8838 7-8 — Mid-Atlantic Section Meeting, Engleside Hotel, Stauton, Va., Sara Fultz, • November/December: Pilots who fly for the 24 — Mt. Sterling Aviation Annual Fly-in 540-886-2027 airlines and the schools who trained them. and Airshow, Mt. Sterling, Ky., 606-498-1000 7-8 — AWTAR Powder Puff Derby 50-Year If you have stories you can share related to SEPTEMBER Reunion, Palm Springs, Calif., Hilton Hotel, these themes, we would like to hear from you. Barbara Evans, phone/fax 510-736-1795, or 6 — 1997 Chico Airshow, Chico Municipal —The Editor Marian Prophett, 619-272-7914/ Airport, Chico, Calif., Diane Schneeweis Fax 619-272-6155 11-14 — Reno Air Races, Reno, Nev. 19-20 — Sunflower Rally, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kan., Carol Lanning, N O T A M 316-722-4492 19-21 — Southwest Section Meeting, Join us at AOPA Expo Orlando Hi-Desert 99s, Victorville, Calif., Margaret In 1995, after several years of absence. The Ninety-Nines restored their Bolton, 760-247-2756 presence at the AOPA Expo with a very successful booth at Atlantic City, New 23-25 — National Business Aircraft Jersey, staffed by local volunteers. We greeted many members and potential Association, Dallas, Texas members, promoted our programs to the general aviation community, sold a variety of merchandise and gathered for an informal meet-and-greet breakfast. 26-28 — Mile High Air Derby, Denver, Colo., to Aztec (Farmington), N.M., Colorado Last year, we continued the pattern in San Jose, California. The numbers in Chapter, Gretchen Jahn, 303-450-6557 creased in each category. We will continue the trend in Orlando, Florida, in October. The AOPA Expo OCTOBER is being held at the Marriott’s Orlando World Center on Oct. 23-25. 2-4 — National Conference of Silver Wings If you wish to volunteer to help in the booth (day pass to exhibits) or meet Fraternity, for those who soloed more than 25 years ago, Marriott North Central Hotel, for our special brand of fellowship over Saturday breakfast, contact Judie Atlanta, Ga„ 1-800-554-1437 Rancourt, 8777 SE 70th Terrace, Ocala, FL 34472, 352-347-2828. — Bev Sharp, AOPA Coordinator PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE!
Pilots Annual General Meeting will be held in conjunction with Teamwork this air rally. At most of these flying events, many volunteers are there SUMMER WEATHER IS HERE working to make it a success. Without all these dedicated people, and the flying events are on! Here none of our activities, including our Section meetings and our on the North American continent, International Convention, would be as successful. Without vol the Air Race Classic, Buckeye Air unteers, many of the aerospace and education projects would Rally, Palms to Pines, Back to never get off the ground, much less continue and grow, as we Lois Erickson Basics, Michigan Small Race, reach out to the communities in which we live, work and fly. Hayward Air Race, Okie Derby and the Illini Air Derby are just Volunteers often work without being recognized and without a few of the opportunities to sharpen personal skills and profi seeking awards or attention for themselves. These individuals ciency while promoting safe flying. are the organization’s greatest inner strength—and sometimes Across the Atlantic, the British Women Pilots Association is our best kept secret. planning a Young Eagles day in Scotland and a fly-in to the Royal These Ninety-Nines teach children, participate in Flying Com Airforce College Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincs. BWPA members, panion Seminars, staff the sales and information booths at trade many of whom are 99s, will be visible at the Popular Flying fairs, make the phone calls and raise funds for scholarships. In Association’s Air Rally at Cranfield Airfield Bedfordshire, re addition, they serve as student pilot mentors to assist FBOs and ported to be the largest gathering of aircraft outside the United flight instructors as part of the 99s’ commitment to the GATeam States. More than 1,500 aircraft are expected to visit the rally. 2000 industry-wide efforts to increase student pilots starts, work BWPA members will also have a fly-in to Caernarfon Airport to the race stops and do much, much more. We owe our volunteers participate in a painting workshop being held jointly with the a debt of gratitude and immeasurable appreciation. Guild of Aviation Artists. From all of us, to all of you who give so much of yourselves In August, the 2nd International Ladies Cup will be held at to make our aviation events and projects a success: Thank you, Eidhaven, The Netherlands. The Federation of European Woman thank you, thank you!
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision; the ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.
LETTERS
1 CAN’T TELL YOU WHAT a AS A FOLLOW UP to our previ I JUST WANT TO TELL YOU I LOVED the recent cover of the pleasure it is to have met Lois ous discussions, we appreciate the how very pleased I am with the m agazine.— Pamela O'Brien, Erickson and fellow pilots in your strong support of the 99s for GA new Ninety-Nines History Book I Sacramento Valley Chapter organization! I felt right at home Team 2000. As you know, our received recently. It is exquisitely and can’t wait to join our local market research was very encour done, from the binding and beau Letters to the Editor, with the Chapter. aging about the potential of the tiful cover with my name on it to writer’s name and Chapter, The knowledge that there are women’s market and we feel that the content and pictures. should be sent to Betty people out there to support and your organization can be an im I had been looking forward to Rowley, 807 N. Waco. Suite nurture female pilots is very re portant factor in getting women to it with some trepidation as it 22, Wichita. KS 67203 or faxed freshing. At any time when we are take the $35 Introductory Flight seemed so long in coming— but to 316-263-7350. Letters may taking giant leaps towards success, Lesson and mentoring them the wait was well worthwhile. This be edited for space and clarity. you have helped to lay stable through the leaming-to-fly process. book not only is a valuable re bricks on which to step. We would be pleased to have source where women in aviation I guess it was my lucky day The Ninety-Nines as a GA Team are concerned, but also a keepsake NOTICE that you came in to Ruby Tuesday 2000 Affiliate Member. We would to treasure always. Bios and photos of the and 1 am so pleased to finally find list your organization on our pub This book is full of my friends. AE Memorial Scholarship a home! So I hope to hear from lications and information releases Their achievements humble my Fund judges and the 99s Headquarters soon and am and make available to The 99s our soul, their stories and photos warm AEMSF winners will be more than anxious to see what the newsletters and materials. We the heart. I thank you very much published in the next issue. whole organization is about! would expect The 99s to continue for your part in its creation. The judges were Julie — Kale Kurtzman to promote the program in your — Diane M. Cozzi Broderick, vice president magazine and Chapters and run Chicago Area Chapter Editor’s note: Kale met the 99s the “Be a Pilot” ad on a pro bono for AMR Combs; Nadia group in a restaurant during the basis as other industry publica THANK YOU for your great work Roberts, president of Flight Southeast Section meeting and is tions are doing. with our magazine! Its quality Research, Inc.; Joseph now a member of the North Geor We look forward to working seems to get better each time. Bidwell, Retired Executive gia Chapter. with you on this urgent industry Keep up the good work.—Marie Director of General Motors program.— Edward W. Stimpson, Oswald, Alberta Chapter Research Lab; and Mort Chairman, GA Team 2000 Crim, journalist and pilot. Three 99s earn United Airlines Type Kelly Hamilton, a 1996 AE schol Ratings together arship recipient and Pikes Peak Chap ter member, is retired from the US Air ARCH AND APRIL found 99s Jenny Beatty and Kelly Force and is currently executive di Hamilton, both of the South Central Section, in train rector of enrollment for the Dowling M ing at the United Airlines Flight Center in Denver. They College School of Aviation and Trans were delighted to cross paths with 99 portation in New York. Kelly also suc Janet Patton. All three were there to cessfully completed the Type Rating complete their Type Rating Awards program on the Boeing 747. donated to the 99s Amelia Earhart Janet Patton, Michigan Chapter, Janet Patton Scholarship Fund by United Airlines. was awarded an AE Scholarship in Jenny Beatty, a member-at-large 1996. She took leave from her position as DC-9 first officer at of the South Central Section, was Spirit Airlines to take training for a Type Rating on the Boeing awarded this AE scholarship in 1995. 737. During a working vacation from her Many thanks to United Airlines, which has been most gener job as MD-80 captain at Reno Air, ous in providing this invaluable training to the 99s Scholarship Jenny achieved the Boeing 747 Type Kelly Hamilton Program, thus helping women pilots further their aviation Rating. careers.
visual approach is routine for a pilot who bobbed up instinctively as we entered Reach for the stars has been flying light twins for years and ground effect. Despite having a relative BY JENNY BEATTY, South Central Section now flies a twin-jet airliner. But the thrust neophyte at the controls, the 18-wheeler from two engines does not go very far at a placidly dipped its toes onto the asphalt for “If you want to he an airline pilot, think gross landing weight of more than 250 tons. a gentle touchdown, the same as always. BIG!" said the note from my flight instruc As I called for the landing gear to be Seemingly oblivious to my nervous tor upon completion of my commercial- extended, another surge of adrenaline tapdancing on the pedals, the lumbering instrument checkride in 1982. A toy model coursed through my veins. The FAA ex craft came to a smooth stop on the of a 747 drove home the point that it is aminer leaned closer to peer over my right centerline, as if it never intended to do oth never too early to set your sights on a goal. shoulder, for I was committed to landing erwise. “Piece of cake!” as my flight in After all, training to become a professional with no second chances. Because, you see, structor used to say. pilot begins with your First flight lesson. this two-engine approach was not normal. Although I was not sitting in the actual That model 747 accompanied me In a Boeing 747, it is considered an em er three-story-high cockpit of the 747, nei through many moves across country and gency maneuver. ther was this just a dream. The flight simu up the career ladder as a flight instructor, Even with one engine shut down from lator felt realistic enough, and when the freight dog and commuter airline pilot. fire, another engine flamed out, and with FAA examiner shook my hand, the new Recently, I dug the tiny airplane out of a a small village o f people on board, the 747 type rating on my pilot certificate was storage box so that it could sit on my bed still maneuvered like a fancy, power-steer- most certainly real. side table as I studied and reviewed jet ing-equipped Buick. On the final descent, In addition to hard work, the opportu aircraft systems and emergency proce at 100 feet, its long wings seemed to reach nity to pilot a 747 airliner does not come dures. It reminded me to stay focused as out to feel for the runway, and the nose without the vital help and encouragement the classroom instruction and simulator from family, friends, and mentors like my sessions dragged on and on, as the num flight instructor. My dream was also real bers filling my brain struggled during din ized thanks to the support of The 99s, the ner to align themselves in a meaningful dedication of the Amelia Earhart Memo way, and as I woke up suddenly at night rial Scholarship Fund Trustees, and the performing engine shutdown actions from generosity of United Airlines, which has memory. donated training for two type ratings to Then, after five weeks of training, more The 99s each year since 1995. than a decade of thinking big, and a life I challenge each of you to reach for the time of dreaming, it all culminated here stars, and also to do whatever you can to on a simple, two-engine visual approach. help others realize their dreams. Remem With a quick glance at the VASI lights, I ber, you can’t win the race if you don't assessed our glide path but found small enter. So think BIG! comfort in knowing I could command nearly 100,000 pounds of thrust with the Capt. Jenny Beatty is a third-generation female pi nudge of one sweaty palm. A two-engine Capt. Jenny Beatty in a 747 simulator. lot who flies an MD-80 for Reno Air. picture. Getting Type-rated The first night in the six- axis sim, I took off, climbed BY ANN LEININGER. Oklahoma Chapter through a cloud deck and began steep turns. The stars ELCOME TO MY DREAM! Sit back, relax, close almost did me in! But, after your eyes and imagine being in my shoes. Just over a a couple of hours, I began W year ago, I came home from a long work day as chief to overcome the feeling of flight instructor for the University of Oklahoma to find in my mail sickness. These sessions box a letter from Charlene Falkenberg and the AE committee. were intense and I always I’d always heard that fat envelopes were good news, and this left drenched in sweat. It’s one was fat\ My mom told me to open it in a hurry, but I couldn’t. amazing how a little “play” It was better to just carry it around for awhile and think I did flying time can make you have it, than to know that I didn’t. After much prodding, I finally work so hard. Ann Leininger upon completion of her type opened the letter and learned I had received an AE Scholarship My sim checkride was ride in a 8 7.17-500 for a Type Rating. What a way to start a dream! probably my best night of I was overwhelmed by congratulations from friends when 1 flying, but the part that re “...two 12-inch boxes of received my award at the 1996 Convention. I wasn’t really sure ally gave me chills was fly I could do the job—especially when two 12-inch boxes of books ing an actual B737. Three books arrived in August... arrived in August! Along with completing 80 hours of home study, of us took the checkride in For months, I made notes 1 was to pass a test the first day of class. No pressure there! El Paso, accompanied by and prepared flash cards and For months, I made notes and prepared flash cards and memo the copilot, a check airman memorized everything that rized everything that passed before my eyes. I couldn’t study from Continental, the check enough to satisfy my curiosity or my nerves. Everyone was great; airman from Southwest, passed before my eyes. I they kept encouraging me and telling me I was overstudying. and our instructor. It’s a couldn’t study enough to Finally, it was time for the real class. I arrived in Phoenix in pretty incredible feeling to satisfy my curiosity or my time to visit Jet Tech and be invited to observe a simulator les have only six people on a nerves.” son the next day. Afterward, I went back to my room and studied B737. You definitely have all that night and the next day. a choice of seats! Then came the day of reckoning. After reviewing one more Instead of the 737-200 we expected to be in, we climbed aboard time, and looking again at all the cards and letters of encourage a 737-500, glass cockpit and all. Whoa, amazing! Our flight con ment I’d brought with me, I thought, “If everyone believes I can sisted of taking off and circling to fly an ILS to 100 feet, com do this, maybe I can.’’ As I was walking to my “home” for the pleting a missed approach and entering the traffic pattern for a next two weeks, I thought, “Well, I’m about to meet my new touch-and-go. (Yes, even in a 737, you do touch-and-go’s.) best friends.” I remember thinking, “All my life I’ve been told no matter Boy, was that an understatement! My classmates, four guys, how big, they all fly the same.” My flight? It was a lot easier were my shadows and my crutches: one corporate, one airline than the simulator and truly one of the great experiences of my and two military pilots (one heavy and one fighter).The F16 driver life. I cannot tell you the feeling I have every time I see a 737 and I were the only two who would get to fly an actual airplane, pass overhead and I think, “I can do that.” since neither of us were Type Rated. The guys were great about If you are wondering how this dream ends. I’ll let you know accepting a “girl.” when I wake up. Even though I completed my training several Ground school was intense, but all my long hours of advance months ago, I still can’t believe I did it. Just writing about it studying paid off. After five days of ground school and five nights brings tears to my eyes. I mentioned all the congratulations I of completing home tests, we took our orals and our CPT (sim) received when my scholarship award was announced at the 1996 rides. Convention. What I didn’t mention was my feelings of confusion My biggest fear with orals was being able to correlate every at receiving them. Instead of receiving congratulations, I’m the thing I’d learned into something that would make sense. My lucky one who should be thanking all of you 99s. You gave me my examiner, a check airman from Southwest Airlines, said, “I’ve opportunity to fulfill a dream— earning my Type Rating was the gotten the simulator for us to take our oral in.” My first thoughts easy part. You all did the hard part by making this financially were, “I’m doomed." But, completing orals in the sim really possible for me. It was your hard work fundraising to support helped make sense of everything. the AE Scholarship Fund that makes this opportunity possible. Then the real fun began. Continue my dream with me during I hope each of you will take a minute to stop and congratu five four-hour simulator rides, all scheduled late at night—two late yourselves for the dreams you are making possible for your at Jet Tech in a three-axis and three at SabreTech in a six-axis eager fellow pilots. What else can I say but, “Thanks a million simulator. They were a lot of fun; however, they are very pitch- for fulfilling my dream and congratulations to you.” sensitive, and I struggled with motion sickness— something I’d Editor’s note: United Airlines provides funds for two Type Ratings to never experienced before. members o f The 99s. In 1996, Ann Leininger's scholarship was the first Simulator sessions consisted of emergencies, emergencies, awarded from 99s’ funds. Ann became a 99 and Oklahoma Chapter emergencies, steep turns, emergencies, instrument approaches member in 1990, and the Type Rating she received was a result of her and holding patterns and more emergencies. I think you get the second application for an AE Scholarship. How I became an airline pilot BY SYLVIA J. OTYPKA, Colorado Chapter checks in a single-engine airplane (VFR ened to fire the group I was in unless we STARTED FLYING ON A WHIM Part 135). When I went to the FAA to get gave up our seniority and started at the when I was 18 and needed a new chal my 135 check, the examiner was im bottom, which we did. It wasn’t until seven lenge. I signed up for Private Pilot pressed and called me when he heard years later that we got our seniority back. GroundI School—whatever that was. I about a job flying twin-engine airplanes. The first five years was a troublesome soon found out and after I took my intro I had almost 1,200 hours of flight time time, partly from the politics, and partly ductory flight, I was hooked. I was living when 1 acquired a night freight job in light from the difficulties of being a woman in with my parents, working full time and twin-engine aircraft. Guess who did all the a male-dominated job. It took a while for taking flying lessons after work at an air loading and unloading of the freight? me to leam how to deal with bullies and port nearby. It was my big secret until I Fifteen long months later, I obtained a for some good old boys to learn how to soloed and just had to tell someone. My job flying turboprops for a regional com work with people who were different. parents, however, were not as excited as I muter airline, which I stayed with for two My aviation career has had some side was and thought I was wasting my money. years. The transition tracks because there But four months after my initial flight, I from being pilot-in- were no resources or had my license. I sure had a lot to learn, command and always in role models to encour though. I mastered flying tail draggers and charge to becoming a age me. As an air traf took a 10-hour aerobatics course. I first officer was a diffi fic controller, I saw couldn’t look up into a bright blue sky cult one. When I up some people who were without wanting to scribe loops, rolls and graded to captain, I took much older than I who hammerheads. all those hard-earned didn’t make the sacri Then someone mentioned airframe and lessons and made sure fices to achieve the fly powerplant (A&P) school and I jumped that I wouldn’t make the ing career that they re on it. I was hungry to know all about air life of my copilots as ally wanted. They were planes. I just wanted to learn the basics miserable as it had been unhappy, angry and and planned to leave after the first semes for me. And that worked frustrated because they ter. Two years later, I had my A&P licenses well; I had the most won Sylvia Otypka at controls o f B747-400 wem’t doing what they as well as my commercial and instrument derful job of my career. loved to do. ratings. Then I heard about Air Traffic While 1 was doing all this flying, learn There are many more resources avail Control school. Everyone close to me dis ing to fly and sidetracking in other avia able now than there were 20 years ago to couraged this endeavor; they said it was tion careers, I also worked on a four-year help stay on the right track. There were too hard, that 50 percent of the people degree at night school. After a mere nine times when I became really discouraged. washed out of the four-month school, and years, I finally got a business aviation de I was rejected by a commuter airline be more during the job training. They were gree and had built up enough flight time cause they didn’t think I could handle their right. 1 did it anyway and finished fourth (4,500 hours) to get an airline job. big turboprop airplanes and now I drive in my class. Getting into the airlines seemed like a an 18-wheeler—a Boeing 747-400! I was an air traffic control operator for full-time job: requesting applications and Friends and family thought I was chasing two years and absolutely hated it. I ab completing and submitting them every smoke and frequently tried to dissuade me horred watching everyone do what I month accompanied by the latest updated because they didn’t want to see me fail. wanted to do—fly airplanes. However, I resume and appropriate letter. 1 wanted to But how much bigger a defeat it would didn't have confidence that I could make work for Northwest Airlines so bad that 1 have been if I had never tried! a living at it. I bought a little airplane and sent them a letter every week until they puttered with it, I got my multiengine rat responded by asking me to stop writing Sylvia Otypka is a pilot for United Airlines ing and flight instructor ratings—basic, them. (That’s what you call crossing the with more than II ,000 hours of flight time. She has been a pilot for 21 years, working for instrument and multiengine—but that line from persistence to becoming a pest. United since 1985, with type ratings in the w asn’t enough. They never did offer me a job.) Boeing 757, 767 and 747-400. She was a 99 After interviews with three airlines, Building flight time was tough. I flew member in 1979 and 1980 in Minneapolis, parachute jumpers, towed gliders and ban one hired me. Then another called. 1 Minnesota, but lost touch with The 99s when ners, gave airplane rides, flew blood for worked for the first one for just under a her flying career started taking her around the the American Red Cross and daffodils for year and then left. (I was afraid they country. In January, Sylvia spoke at the Colo the American Cancer Society, and begged wouldn’t be around for my whole career, rado Chapter careers presentation. Afterwards pilots to let me fly in the right seat o f their and indeed, they have since gone bankrupt.) she was invited to join The 99s—and she did. twins. Then I quit ATC and started instruct I started at another major, then became Although her routes across the Pacific don't ing, doing pilot service and charter work. involved in a pilot strike and was, fired allow her to attend every meeting, she has en joyed getting to know some wonderful mem I was flying part time as a copilot for a for not crossing the picket line, unem bers. Sylvia can be reached via e-mail at corporation and heard about a full-time job ployed for five long months, and then re [email protected]. To order hired by that same airline. Just over a year opening at a town I visited. 1 got a job Sylvia's book, see page 24. flight instructing and flying canceled later, the airline won a lawsuit and threat SPOTLIGHT ON A N E W P I L O T / N E W M E M B E R
over my house daily: biplanes, float and aerobatic planes, and just about anything Collegiate else. My parents encouraged me to take the next step toward getting my license. So during my junior year of high school, Pilot I took ground school at the University of BY MEGAN M. CURRY, Northwest Section Alaska, Southeast, where I passed the class and was ready to begin flying lessons. ver since I was a small child, I have Toward the end of my junior year, my been interested in anything associ father said I should look into getting my E ated with flying. In the second pilot’s license. My heart went wild. I re grade, I was given an assignment to write searched the possibilities and decided it about what I wanted to be when I grew would be most economical for me to learn up. I was sure I was going to be an astro to fly in Tacoma. naut. 1 wrote my paper and explained this 1 really didn’t have any idea about how ambition to the teacher. long it would take to get a pilot’s license, A few weeks later, all eyes of my class but I expected to be in Tacoma about three were intently focused on the television as weeks. I talked to several companies and we watched the takeoff of the Challenger got their opinions with a general response Megan Curry when the horrible catastrophe occurred. of “No way, kid. It’ll take at least two My teacher called my mother at work be months, most likely three or four.” Ninety-Nines from my ground school cause she knew my dreams were to be an I wasn’t satisfied with that answer, so teacher, but there wasn’t a chapter in Ju astronaut. I kept calling until I found a company who neau at the time. A cousin of mine went to My mom came immediately to school was willing to listen and work out a plan the Reno Air Races in early September and to see how 1 was reacting to the tragedy. with me for four or five weeks if I made a stopped by a Ninety-Nines’ booth and The teacher sat down and talked with the constant effort. asked them to send an application to him class. The general consensus was that fly On June 18,1 left my family and friends for me. ing was a dangerous profession. I raised and hopped on a jet to Tacoma. I lived He mailed me the application and I fig my hand and said, “People can die on the with a family friend while I was in Tacoma ured I was all set. I encountered a minor highway, too!” My mother saw that I was who also loaned me a truck. It was my setback when I read on the application a little sad, but otherwise fine and still first taste of independence. I took and about needing a current member as a spon wanting to fly as soon as possible. passed the written on the 19th and began sor and I didn’t know any members. I My father was a pilot in the Air Force with Davis Aviation that same day. called a number I found on the applica during the Korean War. He always encour I flew almost every day, often twice tion and my application was accepted. At aged my interests and ambitions. The rest daily, for exactly a month. I awaited the 19 years old, I am a proud member of The of elementary school and middle school I day of my private check ride on July 19 Ninety-Nines and a freshman at the Uni dreamed of a plane of my own. with excitement and nervousness. My in versity of Oregon, working toward a ma When I was in the sixth or seventh structors assured me I was prepared and jor in journalism with my eye on law grade, my dad decided that I had held on would do fine. school in the future. to the dream of becoming a pilot for so They obviously had a lot of faith in me With the time and financial constraints long that I wasn’t going to change my because when I returned to the office with of a young college student, my flying mind so my parents gave me seed money my temporary Airman Certificate in hand, hours are minimal, but I fly whenever I of $1,000 to begin a flying fund. I held there was a cake, and on top of the cake, get the chance and readily absorb all avia onto that money until my dreams began amid a country scene, a small airplane tion information I can get my hands on. I to become reality. with Mickey Mouse as the pilot. I still want to combine my interest in aviation Our family moved from Tacoma, have the plane with the date of my first with my interest in law and journalism. Washington, to Juneau, Alaska, after I had solo and check ride written on the under Although I don’t have a plan for that finished seventh grade. They bought a side of one wing. now, I’m keeping my eyes open for any house on the flight path to the only airport I returned to Juneau as a private pilot opportunities that come my way. -6- in Juneau. A number of small planes flew looking for opportunity. I had heard of The
N O T A M Intent to Seek Election AE Memorial Career Scholarships It’s time to start thinking about nominations for next year’s To receive an application form for an AE Memorial Career elections. Your Intent to Seek Election form is available from Scholarship, send a stamped, self-addressed legal-size enve Governors and Chapter Chaimien. You will need to send five lope to Headquarters. Send your request after June 1 and be copies to 99s Headquarters in Oklahoma City and one by air fore Dec. 1. If you have questions, contact Charlene mail to Barbara Collins, Nominating Committee Chairman. Falkenberg, Chairman of AEMSF Trustees, by phone/fax at RO. Box 185, Glen Osmond 5064, South Australia. 219-942-8887 or Prodigy ID-KCXH81 A. Deadline is Nov. 30. How I learned
h e r e w e r e a n y n u m b e r of things about The 99s In the company of flyers for the first time, I could have said, any number of people woman flyers at that, I suddenly looked at my I could have met. Eavesdropping a bit BY LESLEY G. MILLER life from a new perspective. There were people T Westfield, New Jersey here and there got me no closer to introducing to talk with about flying. The airplanes on myself at the airport’s barbecue, however. Among Dodie’s vest buzzed with excitement as if to an the pilots, ground personnel, their spouses and nounce the end of my terrible isolation. The im significant others, I was an interloper with a fond age stayed with me all the way home where I ness for airplanes and seven hours of documented also belonged. flight time. Feeling very much an outsider, I When the conversation turned back to flying, would have left if not for the food. I was hungry. I discovered that the women pilots belonged to Before 1 could find a table for the embarrass an organization called The Ninety-Nines. I was ingly full plate of barbecue in my hands, an older relieved to learn I could be a student member, or woman in a colorful vest of airplane motifs Sixty-Six, and that I would see these women passed my shoulder on her way to the food. She again before long. had a broad, easy smile beneath rosy cheeks. Her “Where did you get the beautiful vest?” I had vest captured my attention. Yellow aerobatic bi to ask Dodie, thinking I could find the store or planes, red wingwalkers and bright warbirds catalog for one of my own. Her friend Candy, it soared vividly in all directions among puffy white turned out, had made it for her. Candy, a very clouds in a quilted blue sky, all piped around in accomplished pilot, sat at the table with us. I matching blue. Over a plain white T-shirt the woman wore the air complimented her on her prodigious talents. A mediocre seamstress plane vest like a banner that proclaimed a love of flying and air myself, I optimistically imagined that sewing my own airplane vest planes and airports and every other thing in the sky. Why else was I might be possible. Hell, if I could fly an airplane, was there anything there? I couldn’t do? My own attire advertised that “Women Fly” above a picture of a When I looked at the vest again, I saw the love that Candy had famous Roaring Twenties barnstormer. I absurdly hoped everyone sewn into it. There was only one in the world, and Dodie wore the knew that I, too, flew an airplane; that 1 genuinely belonged in the singularly precious gift with quiet pride. The bright flying machines company of aviators. The woman in the airplane vest belonged there. reflected the energy in her eyes as if shining in the sun. Her colorful airplanes were a badge of legitimacy. There was something contagious about Dodie’s love of aviation. I “1 love your vest,” I managed to blurt out when she passed me. left the barbecue with renewed enthusiasm for my own flight les She stopped, as I’d hoped, and turned to see me for the first time. The sons. Instead of quitting after my solo as I had originally intended, I lady in the airplane vest lit up with that easy smile. saw new horizons to pursue. I flew more and asked endless ques Tall, with tousled strawberry blond wisps about her head, she tions, some of them pretty stupid. Nobody laughed, especially not seemed comfortable with her lanky limbs and casual demeanor. Her The 99s. Theirs were the loudest cheers when I did solo a few months name, she said, was Dodie. Why I assumed she was someone’s wife later. The goddesses of the sky welcomed me as a sister. or mother, I can’t remember. Perhaps it was her age—55 or so, 1 Dodie was particularly encouraging. Like me, she learned to fly guessed—maybe it was her visible warmth. later in life. It was her son David who turned her on to flying when he “Women Fly,” she read off my shirt. “They certainly do,” she ex became a pilot. Barely six months after the summer barbecue, mother claimed. “Are you a pilot? There’s a bunch of us here, you know, a and son were flying on January 17 in David’s Piper, just the two of number of women pilots.” them. It was a perfect day to fly— lots of clear blue sky, cold and 1 prayed my shock and embarrassment didn’t show. She flew an calm. Maybe they should have known the airplane had a hole in the airplane? “I’m just a student,” I said. exhaust, but they didn’t. Dodie’s efforts to save them after David was “Oh, never say you’re just a student,” she chirped. “We were all overcome by carbon monoxide made the national news. students once.” The airplanes on Dodie’s vest seemed to fly around Not long after the funeral, Candy called me to say she had found like a circling entourage lifting her in stature, tall as she already was. the vest among Dodie’s things. I was surprised but grateful it hadn’t She, a woman closer to my mother’s age than my own, was a pilot, a been lost somewhere on the New Hampshire mountainside. But the real pilot. When she invited me to join her and her pilot friends, I felt words didn’t come. Only tears. as if I’d been asked to sit with royalty. I wore Dodie’s vest for the first time to the Student Pilot Forum, a Dodie introduced me all around in her gracious and gentle man day-long educational event run each spring by The Ninety-Nines. ner. There were four or five other woman pilots at the table. My hun Every so often, someone new would come over to me with a compli ger disappeared as I met them and learned how long they’d been ment on the vest. It wasn’t the place to start explaining, so I smiled flying and what they flew. and said thank you in the friendly way Dodie would have done. I “Does your husband fly?” someone at the table asked. The ques asked about their training and shared my own love of learning how to tion touched a nerve somewhere deep inside. The truth was that my fly. husband had no interest in flying. I felt that at some level he also It was strange, but I could almost feel Dodie’s presence. The oc resented the time and money the hobby, as he saw it, required. He casion itself was a bittersweet reminder of all she did to help pilots was happy I was happy, but he did not understand my desire to fly. fly better and enjoy it more. Then there was the small voice I thought The message at home was clear: You want to fly, fine. Keep it to I heard in my ear. “That’s right,” it said, “welcome them... keep them yourself. flying... the gift is there... up in God’s sky.” Someone from across the table added, “You know, it’s easier to I might have missed hearing the delightful little voice in my ear find a husband who flies than to keep one who doesn’t." The bit of that day. The beautiful airplanes around my heart make a lot of noise cynicism had come from a man. All the women laughed. when I wear Dodie’s vest. Long distance 99 friendship t THE 1979 INTERNATIONAL Finally, after many invitations to her coun Convention in Albany, New York, I try, in January I flew on Air India to Bombay A met a young, vivacious Indian via London then on to Bangalore in South woman pilot named Vijayalakshmi India via India Air. Two days later, a huge Vijayakumar, who became my instant friend. celebration for the 80th birthday of Viji’s fa “Viji,” as she is affectionately called by fam ther was held. The cultural experience was ily and friends, told me she was visiting her diversely rewarding from the religious cer brother, a practicing dentist in Buffalo. emony, food, music and my red sari. Being a Through the years, we maintained our guest in an Indian household allowed me in friendship through many telephone calls, a sight into the life of an Indian family which few letters and visitations while she was in the ordinary tourist would not have. the U.S. I flew myself from New Jersey to Then I returned to Bangalore and spent one Buffalo to visit her at her brother’s home morning flying with Viji from her flying club where I met family members, including her at Jakkur. Flying in India is restrictive and parents and sister-in-law. I enjoyed the complicated with fewer navigational aids than warmth of Viji’s family, and so I became part in the U.S. We flew from an uncontrolled air of an international extended family. port with no radio communication between Viji’s outgoing manner led her to Ninety- aircraft. Fortunately, the weather was clear Nines’ meetings in the Buffalo area, and she Clarice and Viji in India, January 1997 and visibility was good, so “see-and-be-seen” became acquainted with many pilots there, worked very well. Being Ninety-Nines al particularly Dorothy Hake. Viji also performed for us in the 1980s lowed two women living 10,000 miles apart from each other to at a N.Y.-N.J. Section Meeting, for she is a classical dancer. She meet and become friends and extended family. We share the joy organizes dance troupe tours in the U.S. and will be bringing of flying and we have experienced life together. another tour next year. Memories of FIRST MET LOUISE SACCHI during “If the engine didn’t sound an annual meeting of the American Louise Sacchi perfect to her, she would say, Bonanza Society in San Antonio, Texas. ‘Better give that bird another SheI was the featured speaker for the luncheon BY MARGE GORMAN program. Since I was the first woman to be All-Ohio Chapter seed!’ What an ear she had for on the ABS board of directors, I had the honor the Continental. Her attention of sitting next to her. to detail was inspiring.” I had recently finished reading her book, Ocean Flying: A Pilot's Guide, which imme diately became the bible for pilots. It was a the lead plane for the other seven planes. We real opportunity to discuss flying with her. In visited Greenland, Iceland, Scotland and Nor one paragraph, she stated she had been a pi way on a three-week vacation flight—60 lot on Atlantis years and years ago. Thus be wonderful flying hours. gan her interest in navigation. I had to know The trip was the 337th and 338th crossing more about her thinking on this and found for Louise. It was a challenge for me. I flew her information fascinating! left seat for the entire trip. Louise filed the a t The next day, I invited her to fly home to flight plans, was the navigator and radio op Ohio with me. It was a delightful trip— the erator. My Bonanza (N19SL) did not have first of many future ones. While crossing a Loran or GPS as it does today. wide section of the Mississippi River, she She would often stress to hold 072 degrees, asked.,“When are you going to fly your Bo Louise Sacchi not 073 degrees. An angle of one degree is nanza to Europe?” equal to one mile in every 60 minutes. This “Never,” I said, “unless you go with me!” Nothing was men would make quite a difference at our destination. And if the en tioned about a trip and the following day my husband Jim and I gine didn’t sound perfect to her, she would say, “Better give that flew her home to Philadelphia in our Staggerwing. bird another seed!” W hat an ear she had for the Continental. Her Some members of the American Bonanza Society were plan attention to detail was inspiring. ning a flight to Europe the following summer and really wanted The 99s will miss this wonderful lady who has been a true Louise to go with them. They were able to convince her only pioneer throughout her career. Her skill, courage and, most of after she was told that I was interested. Later, I was informed by all, her example have encouraged other women to participate in the same gentleman that she would go if / would make the trip. aviation. When we discovered this maneuver, we laughed at the extent I thank Louise for being an inspiration for me as she has been the men had gone to ensure she would accompany the flight. It for so many women. worked for them! Lucky me! We were the only female crew and FOREST OF FRIENDSHIP The annual sojourn to Atchison BY NORMA WYNN VANDERGRIFF, Oklahoma Chapter
HY IS THERE A MIGRATION of tion. Afterward, people strolled the area W friends of aviation to the Forest of to view the many markers engraved with Friendship in Atchison, Kansas, every all the past and present honorees. The year? Perhaps the answer lies in the need weather had cooled and was perfect for to honor and to say, “Look at what these the occasion. people have done with and for aviation.” Returning to the Mount Conference Judy Benjamin, Northeast Kansas Chapter, adds The greeting of friends and renewal of old Center, everyone had lunch and then dis her signature to those o f the other members of the acquaintances amid this honoring process persed to the AE Birthplace Museum, the Friendship Flight. (Photo: Chris Taylor, Atchison keeps a loyal group returning. Registra Cray House and/or sightseeing. Most all Daily Globe) tion figures showed about 250 people par were in awe of the gorgeous rebirth of the ticipated in the weekend festivities June AE House. What had seemed to be an in 20-22 which began on Friday with a cock surmountable job a few years ago is Friendship Flight tail get-together. A buffet dinner followed emerging as a beautiful jewel. BY BROOKS POWELL at the Benedictine College Conference For the last 20 years, Charter Member Northeast Kansas Chapter Center. Betty Gillies had made the Ball Bros. Phar On June 19 and 20, more than 90 air After dinner, a 10-minute video, “The macy her favorite stop in Atchison to have planes landed in honor of AE ’s 100th birth Sound of Wings,” highlighted the life of a chocolate soda “just like the good olde day at AE Memorial Airport. The excite Amelia. As a project for National History days.” Since Betty was unable to attend ment of the crowds of 99s and towns Day, this outstanding video was made by this year, many 99s stopped by the phar people reached its peak when Doris Catherine Weng, age 13, and Gina macy to sip a soda and sign a card to be Lockness, Mt. Shasta Chapter, made a Giambalvo, age 14, from New York City. sent to Betty. beautiful, fast, low pass over the numbers About 100 Boy and Girl Scouts opened The Saturday evening banquet brought in a Malibu. The tail number was N9909 the ceremonies Saturday morning carry out more than 400 people. After a fine on this gorgeous machine belonging to 99 ing flags from many nations through the meal, the crowd was entertained by former Michelle Stauffer, who offered it to Doris beautiful Forest grounds. astronaut Wally Schirra. for the historic occasion. Doris has many At the gazebo, Charter Member Fay I’m sure the departure of visitors left distinctions but on June 20, she repre Gillis Wells read short biographies of the the town of Atchison breathing a sigh of sented the “Spirit of Amelia” as one of the 52 inductees and presented the 33 who relief. They must have a few days of rest oldest flying females— still current and were there with a Certificate of Recogni before AE’s birthday party in July 24-26. going strong. -$•
WASPs at the 1997 Forest o f Friendship celebration Fay Gillis Wells with Doris Lockness.
99s at Forest <>f Friendship celebration AE BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
library, is stunning with its new burgundy Museum Report and gold paper with a wide border. The BY MARILYN COPELAND butler’s pantry has been painted white to Chairman, AEBM accentuate the professional photographic exhibits. The north parlor has an exquis T IS WONDERFUL to stroll along the ite foil paper of the period. This room ex I personalized side and front walks of the hibits an almost life-size oil painting of AE Birthplace and read the names of AE and her first plane, the Kinner Canary. people from all over the world: 99s, Janet Rine, an interested pilot, commis 49 l/2s, Zontas and other friends. These sioned Robert Wilson of North Carolina bricks will continue to be sold for $100 for this magnificent portrait. Tax deductible contributions for AEBM for the front and $50 for the side. They Nancy’s Upholstery in Overland Park, may be sent to: Marilyn Copeland, 117 may have three lines, 13 characters or less Kansas, gifted the upholstery workman S.W. Winterpark Lane, Lee’s Summit, MO on each line. Funds will be used toward ship for the front parlor settee and match 64081, or to Richard Senecal, treasurer, further interior restoration and furnishings. ing chairs, and I provided the burgundy AEBM, 817 Santa Fe, Atchison, KS Every effort is being made to preserve and gold damask material. 66002. this historical home to the time that Amelia New Oriental runners and small rugs lived in it (1897-1909), and the Trustees guide the traffic flow and protect heavily wore on her last visit to Atchison in 1935 consider carefully the cost factor for each traveled areas in the downstairs. The ad is on a loan display. project. dition of central air conditioning adds Thank you again to all who have do A new alarm system has been installed greatly to the enjoyment of the troops of nated money and gifts. A list of our recent for protection from theft, fire and excess visitors. donors will be included in the next issue. heat: UV protection has been applied to In addition to the photographic exhibit, all of the windows; and termite recertifi current exhibits include a large aluminum cation has required some new treatment model of the Lockheed Electra by Ray NEW GIFT SHOP ITEMS on the exterior. Beming, a craftsman in Wichita. It hangs • AE Cookbooks ($10 + $3 s&h) The interior has an entirely new look in the former sun room, consuming most with its faux grained woodwork, repaired of the ceiling space. • Several new T-shirts walls and ceilings, sanded and stained The Northeast Kansas Quilters gifted • Hand carved wood replica of floors and interior furnishings that either the AEBM with a special story of Amelia AEBM ($99) belonged to AE or are reminiscent of the in the form of a beautiful hand quilting • AE calendars with 15 AE photos period. which is displayed in AE’s bedroom. A ($10+ $2 s&h) The second parlor, now furnished as a replica of the suit which she designed and
National Congress on Aviation Technical Service Command’s Engineering Division at Wright and Space Education (NCASE) Field; Debby Rihn, U.S. aerobatic team member; Vickie BY S1GR1D RAMELLI, Long Beach Chapter Stahlberg, FAA Flight Standards Office inspector; and Jean Tinsley, pilot and international aviation competition judge. w e l v e 99s represented o u r organization at A field trip to NASA took us into the actual command post of the 30th Na-tional Congress on Aviation and Space Educa a Space Shuttle Orbitor, and we had the chance to see parts of Ttion in Houston this year. Presi the International Space Station dent Lois Erickson assigned scheduled to be launched early Chanda Budhabhatti as the 99s’ in 1998. formal representative at the During this Congress, the Awards Banquet. WAEO board members final Jack Barker of the FAA pre ized their next International sented a humorous FAA inter meeting in Perth, Australia, in pretation of the poem H igh mid-July 1998. This will be a Flight as seen through the eyes popular trip for many 99s who of a Washington bureaucrat. plan to head for winter in July One session at the Congress, and meet the koalas. titled Women in Aviation, was For more info, contact presented by four female ex Chanda Budhabhatti at 1051 N. perts in the field. Mary Feik, Columbus Ave., Tucson, AZ known to many of us as the first 84711. Fax 520-326-7243. & woman engineer in the Air Ten of the 12 Ninety-Nines who participated at NCASE in Houston. Sharpie: The Life Story of Evelyn Sharp - Nebraska’s Aviatrix by Diane Ruth Armour Bartels Now Available
Sharpie is the biography of an early Nebraska barnstorming pilot who became one of the first women to ferry U.S. Army Air Force fighters The Life during W orld W ar II. It is the life story of a of Evelyn Sharp woman who simply loved to fly. Evelyn was one Nebraska’s Aviatrix of the five charter members of the Nebraska Chapter of Ninety-Nines, founded in 1937. Sharpie is a trade paper book of 344 pages, 105 photographs and a detailed index. Retail price is $21.95. ISBN 1 -886225-16-8.
1- 800 - 216-8794 Diane R uth Armour B artels Lincoln, NE 68508-3625 Please add $3.00 for shipping & handling. NE residents add 6.5% sales tax (total $26.57). Visa-MasterCharge accepted. http://members.aol.com/bartmanne/sharpie/sharpie.htm
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THE NINETY-NINES
Y e s t e r d a y - T o d a y - T o m o r r o w
If you are a member of the Ninety-Nines, then your name is in this History Book! CONTENTS THE NINETY-NINES • International Headquarters Y esterday - T oday - Tom orrow • Past Presidents • Charter Members • Complete history of The Ninety-Nines • More than 2,000 members biographies and their photographs • Membership roster with approximately 6,000 names • Index QUALITY
•9x12 inch, hardbound, coffee-table size • 264 pages of history and stories • Glossy, acid-free paper for longevity and superior photo reproduction • Smyth-sewn binding for durability • Beautiful sky blue leather grain cover with gold lettering featuring a four color painting by Douglas Ettridge • Professionally written and artistically designed
r ORDERING MADE EASY Please enter my order for copies of The Ninety-Nines history book @ $59.95 each. Price includes shipping and handling. Send your orders to: . Kentucky residents please add 6 percent sales tax Ninety-Nines History Book . Add $3.00 for each protective plastic book cover. Turner Publishing Company P. O. Box 3101 We accept: Paducah. KY 42002-3101 Ship To (Please Print)'.
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N1108 $7-50 ImaginAir Designs 1007 Woodland NW #99 Albuquerque New Mexico 87107 Phone /Fax (505) 345-2308 My first balloon ride BY KAY ROAM, Yavapai Chapter AM NOT FEELING CAREFREE as I drive east on the rious morning. Visibility is so Carefree Highway into the slowly pinkening sky. I am in a good we can see the trees on top state of near panic. The clock on the dashboard shows 6:45 of the mountains miles away. I a.m., the time women of the Phoenix Balloon Club are sched gradually realize I am grinning uled to lift off on their annual Powder Puff Derby. Mary so wide my teeth are becoming Woodhouse, Chairman of our Yavapai Chapter in Prescott, Ari dry, and I can relax the death grip I have on the nearest upright. zona, has invited us fixed-wing types to participate. We join the stream of rainbow-colored fantastic toys as we Frequently consulting the directions she provided, I negoti float towards the target. Mary is intently watching the movement ate one after another of the designated turns. Ah-ha, a gate is of the others as she constantly changes altitude, looking for the being opened by the female passenger of a four-wheel-drive perfect wind. We see one after another dip over the target and vehicle towing a small trailer. This looks promising. drop their marker. At one point, we are only a few feet above the I follow them in and stop to close the gate. We bounce over desert surface with cows placidly gazing at us as our shadow about a half-mile of desert, me in close pursuit, before stopping darkens their water hole. in a clearing. We are the only vehicles. There are no balloons. Alas, the winds have changed. We stay far shy of the target. What? Gradually the clearing begins to fill with cars and trucks. Mary is chagrined. She has won this event in the past. Dorrie and Greetings are exchanged amid lots of hugs and laughter. Mary I don’t care. We are having the time of our lives. finds me and introduces me to Dan, Dani and Katie, her chase Once clear of the target, she begins looking for her crew and a crew. She explains that this will be a hare and hound race. The landing spot. “Stardust to Starchaser—where are you?” crackles contestants, 19 woman pilots, will follow the hare out into the over the CB radio. “Look to your right. We are about a quarter desert, where it will land and set out a target. The goal is to drop mile north of you.” Oh yes, there is the blue truck. your marker closest to the target. Soon she spots a likely landing place and pulls the red cord A big, heavy bag is dragged off away from the trailer and the which we had been warned would cost us a broken arm if we balloon is pulled out like an enormous dark blue ribbon with touched it. The earth rises toward us. Oops! A little wind gust. big silver stars. The basket is slid off the trailer. The uprights How did that tree get in the way so fast? We bump into the tree are locked in place and the burners attached. Mary fires off the and then drop to the ground. burners to make sure everything is working. Dan, Dani, Katie, Joyce, Jan Anderson and Marj Hansen come The cords holding the balloon to the basket are attached. running toward us and help push the balloon away from the tree Dan runs out to hold a long rope attached to the top end of the before we climb out, still grinning. Joyce and Marj get in for balloon, while Dani rolls a big fan up to the mouth of the bal their ride. We jump into the truck to follow them and see them loon. Mary has assigned Joyce Hilchie and Dorrie Benway from drift over a hill and toward a clearing near the road. We hold our Chapter to hold open the mouth of the balloon, while warn down the basket while they climb out. ing them that stepping on the fabric or getting tangled up in the The laborious task of deflating the balloon and stowing all the cords is not acceptable. Another moment of panic—the fan does equipment is less glamorous than setting things up. Eventually, not want to start. After numerous everything is in its place. Out pulls on the starter cord, it finally comes the champagne, the tradi roars to life. Slowly the balloon tional balloonists’ salute to the begins to inflate, to come alive, flight. Mary tells of early balloon to look like a giant blue whale ing Frenchmen carrying cham emerging gently from the sea. pagne to mollify the farmers in Mary aims the burners into the whose fields they have landed. open mouth of the balloon and ig We drive back to the launch site nites them with a roar and a where we are joined by Anja shoosh. The top of the balloon Groos, Anne Badger, Barbara begins to rise, Dan straining to Davis and Lillian Murphy, other hold it straight with the rope. Now Chapter members who rode with it is vertical and the basket is up friends of Mary. We first-timers are After-flight celebration for Yavapai members Jan Anderson, Kay right. Dorrie and 1 awkwardly ordered to kneel on the ground and Roam, Mary Woodhouse, Marj Hansen and Dorrie Benway. climb into the basket with Mary. face the sun god while Mary recites At last we are off, drifting gen the balloonist’s beautiful prayer. tly above the desert floor. The “The laborious task of deflating the While we are distracted, her hus only sound is that of the burners. balloon is less glamorous than setting band Jeffrey walks behind and There is no sensation of move things up. Eventually, everything is in its anoints us with more champagne. ment. It feels as if we are stand Stinky and stiff-haired, we drive ing still and the earth is gently place. Out comes the champagne, the home, hoping not to be stopped by drifting below us and getting fur traditional balloonists’ salute to the flight.” the police.A wonderful morning! ther away as we ascend. It is a glo WORLD FLIGHT '9 7 Linda Finch lands in Oakland!
BY PAMELA O BRIEN Sacramento Valley Chapter
fter completing her around-the-world flight, Linda Finch, Reno Area Chapter, arrived toA cheering crowds at the Oakland Airport on May 28. It was a picture perfect land Linda Finch upon landing in Oakland Linda holding her daughter Katie. ing after an all-night flight from Honolulu covering more than 2,000 miles of ocean. About 1,000 people gathered at the air port to welcome Linda and the Electra home from her 26,000 nm journey. Due to a 40-knot tailwind, she reached the west coast two hours early and took an aerial tour of Northern California in order to arrive at the scheduled ETA of 9:30 a.m. Speeches were given, bands played and flags were raised. It was a per fect welcome home celebration. Four nights later, Linda was the guest of honor at a dinner at Oakland’s Western Susan Larson, San Joaquin Valley, and Gene Lois Erickson presents personalized copy of Aerospace Museum where Lois Erickson FitzPatrick, Monterey Bay. As part of a high The Ninety-Nines History Book to Linda. presented her with a personalized copy of school paper assignment, Gene interviewed The Ninety-Nines History Book. Linda was Amelia at the Oakland Airport in 1937just a gracious guest of honor, signing just before AE's departure. about anything that was put in front o f her and posing for hundreds of pictures. (I can say for all the 99s attending, we had a great time!) During the program, she talked about World Flight and how it began and grew, the commitment and support of Pratt & Whitney, and some of her adventures. Af ter Lois made the presentation, Linda spoke about what a great organization we Linda signs autographs and visits with have and how she was deeply moved at children at Western Aerospace Museum. the AE Scholarship luncheon that she at tended in Oklahoma City last year—es pecially listening to all the past scholar ship winners. The flight to and over Howland Island was one of the highlights. She could not imagine trying to find it without GPS, and even then it wasn’t easy. Listening to the stories made us all think about what it must have been like for Amelia to make the flight; how she had the courage to take off on each leg and what she might have felt as the trip progressed. It didn’t sound easy in 1997—think what it must have been like in 1937!
Museum photos by Eugenio Castro (49 1/2 of Carylon Marie Castro, Tulare Kings Chapter). Oakland photos furnished by Pamela O’Brien Ninety-Nines in Oakland with Linda Finch at celebration banquet May 31. and Pratt & Whitney. Melanie Rader wins 1996 national aerobatic flying Webster Trophy Competition competition. BY PAT CROCKER, Maple Leaf Chapter Reactivated in 1980 after a 25-year hiatus plus WWII inter ANADIAN 99 MELANIE RADER, Maple Leaf Chapter, ruption, today the Webster pro Cbeat out eight other regional finalists to win the 1996 Webster vides rewards including valu Memorial Trophy Competition, sponsored by Air Canada and able prizes, lasting friendships the Canadian Sport Aviation Association. and job opportunities, as well To be eligible, applicants must never have received pilot train as national recognition within ing from the armed forces or have used their pilot license for the aviation community. hire or reward within the previous five years prior to the final The Webster Trophy is competition month and never have been declared a winner of prominently displayed at the _ „ ; , . - . . . . . Top amateur pilot in Canada the Webster Trophy. The competition consists of regional flight National Aviation Museum in 1 ^ testing eliminations and finals of written and flight tests at vari the nation’s capital, Ottawa, Ontario, and is loaned by the mu ous nationwide sites. seum to the competition each year for display at the presentation Her proud family was not surprised by her performance: Her banquet. father, an airplane maintenance engineer, set her on this course Melanie received a beautiful bronze medallion, minted by early. On their farm outside of St. Mary’s, near London, Ontario, the Royal Canadian Mint, an Air Canada pass for two for any Melanie availed herself of the family’s 1951 Piper Super Cub, Air Canada destination and a framed print depicting John was soloed by age 16 and licensed by age 17. The time line Webster’s aircraft painted by one of Canada’s foremost aviation follows through to a BSc (Statistics) degree from the University artists, Robert Bradford, at her Presentation Banquet last fall. of Western Ontario, London Ontario, where the UWO Flying Melanie performs flight instructor and Assistant Flight Op Club was just one of her interests. erations duties at the newly instituted Diamond Flight Centre at This competition dates back to 1932 when the late Dr. J.C. the London Airport, where she flies Diamond’s two-seater trainer, Webster wanted to perpetuate the memory of his son John who the Katana. Her 99s sisters, the Webster Trophy judges and all was tragically killed while practicing to participate in an inter of Canada are very proud of Melanie.
Within months, she helped organize the Alberta Chapter. She Captain Rosella Bjornson inducted devoted time to the first group of Girl Guide Air Rangers in into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame Calgary and started the groundwork that led to the formation of BY MARIE OSWALD, Alberta Chapter an Alberta Flying Farmer Teen Chapter. While attending the University of Calgary, she studied for APTAIN ROSELLA BJORNSON was added to the roster her Commercial License which she obtained in 1967 at the age Cof distinguished members of Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame of 19. She was instrumental in organizing the University of at its Induction Ceremony and Dinner Gala held in Calgary, Calgary Flying Club. In the same year she and her female copi Alberta, on June 6. She was honored along with three other in lot won the Alberta Centennial Air Race. ductees whose contributions to the advancement of aviation have In 1969, Rosella received her Instructor’s Rating and began been of superior benefit to this nation. employment as a flight instructor with the Winnipeg Flying Club. During the dinner at the Calgary Petroleum Club, Rosella Within a year she had earned her Class II Instructor’s Rating was introduced to the audience by a short video clip and then and endorsement to give advanced training. On May 25, 1972, called to the investiture ceremony to receive the Medal of the she was awarded the 89th Gold Seal of Proficiency from the Hall of Fame and Membership Certificate, followed by the Or Royal Canadian Flying Clubs Association. While in Winnipeg, der of Flight Medal presented by the City of she was involved in organizing the Manitoba Edmonton. Other presentations included the 99s Chapter and during her final year of in Government of Alberta and the City of structing, she devoted her spare time to train Wetaskiwin, which is home to the Hall of ing a class of 40 air cadets in the basics of Fame. flying and ground school. This class was the Rosella was born in southern Alberta first to include female air cadets. where she grew up on her parent’s farm. She In 1973, with 3,500 hours flying time, showed enthusiasm for flying at an early age, an Air Transport Rating and a Class I when she would fly around the area with her Multiengine Instrument Rating, Rosella was father in his Aeronca Champ, and later, a hired by Transair, the fourth largest airline Cessna 170. in Canada. She was the first female to be Rosella had her first flying lesson on her hired as First Officer in North America, the seventeenth birthday at the Lethbridge Fly first female to be hired by a commercial air ing Club and completed her Private Pilot’s line in Canada, and the first female mem license in two months. In 1965, she was in ber of the Canadian Air Line Pilots Asso troduced to The Ninety-Nines when she flew Captain Rosella Bjornson ciation (CALPA). with friends to attend a meeting in Montana. In 1977, Rosella married Bill Pratt, acor- porate pilot flying out of Winnipeg. Her pregnancy in 1979 cre to Captain with a major Canadian air carrier. She was recog ated another first in that there had been no precedent set for a nized again in 1991 when she was presented with an Award of pregnant airline pilot. She took a personal leave of absence, re Achievement from both the Manitoba Committee of Transpor turning to work the following year as First Officer on the Boeing tation and the National Transportation Board. 737 for Pacific Western Airlines (PWA) which had purchased Throughout her career, Rosella has made a valuable and on Transair. The family moved to Edmonton and both Rosella and going contribution to the youth of the nation by participating in her husband flew for PWA. After her second pregnancy in 1984, school career days. In 1990 she was featured in a poster cam Rosella again returned to work at a new airline, Canadian Air paign by the Alberta Government, “Dream / Dare / Do,” encour lines International, as First Officer on the Boeing 737. aging young people to set goals and strive towards them. She In 1988, Rosella received a number of prestigious awards. continues to be an active 99, and has held every Chapter and Sec She was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship in tion position, including Governor of the West Canada Section. Atchison, Kansas, and a Certificate of Appreciation in recogni Rosella was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame tion of her interest in aviation and her participation in the orga with the following citation: “As a young child she had a dream nization was presented to her by The Ninety-Nines. Later that to be an airline pilot and by working steadfastly toward that goal, year, she received a Pioneering Award from the Western Canada became the first female in Canada to achieve that level. Along Aviation Museum in Winnipeg. the way she encouraged young people, especially females, to set In 1990, Rosella became the first female Captain with Cana and work toward their goals and continues to be an outstanding dian Airlines International and the first woman to be promoted role model.” -$•
she’ll be Chief Judge! The rest of us included Joan Jones, Trine National Intercollegiate Jorgensen, Carol Leyner, Jimmie Olson, Mary Samuels, Carole Trump, Jean West, Betty Young and I, and 49 l/2s Glen Morrow Flying Association (NIFA) and Bob West. Winners of this year’s SAFECON were: First place, Embry BY SHARON ANN SCHORSCH Riddle, Prescott; second place, University of North Dakota; third NIFA Ways and Means Coordinator place, Western Michigan University. pproxim ately 20 ninety-nines, assisted by two NIFA began in 1911 as the first Intercollegiate Glider Meet. 49 l/2s, served as judges at the NIFA SAFECON compe In 1935, 74 delegates representing 23 colleges and universities tition hosted by Western Michigan University at Battle started the National Intercollegiate Flying Club. The first meet Creek,A Michigan, April 29 to May 3. was held at Purdue University. After a hiatus in college flying Though the weather this year was a bit frustrating to the sched due to World War II, it was reorganized in 1948 and the name uling, the professional, high-achieving attitudes of the competi was changed to National Intercollegiate Flying Association. tors and their teams and coaches prevailed and the rain did not The current system of regional eliminations began in the fall dampen the excitement and enthusiasm. of 1972 and early spring of 1973. There are now 11 designated Most days, the judges were on duty from 0-dark hundred until regions with 69 member schools across the nation. after the ground events at night. As Poochie Rotzinger said, “You Donations and sponsors help defray the expense of compet don’t have to be crazy to do this, ing. The generous donations of but it helps!” (Especially when The 99s through Chapters, Sec it rains during the entire land tions and individuals are truly ing competition!) appreciated. In reviewing NIFA Elaine Morrow was very ef this year, I would be remiss if I ficient in her duties as Dispatch did not mention and thank Polly Officer and Wally Funk was Gilkison, our former NIFA once again the super Safety O f Ways and Means Coordinator, ficer. Pat Roberts, Jody for all her work raising thou McCarrell and Jerry Anne sands of dollars for NIFA. Jurenka lent their support and To this year’s contribu advice to the various Chief tors— Michigan, Lake Tahoe, Judges. Indiana Dunes, Wichita Falls, Lois Erickson and Anne Carolinas, El Paso, Wisconsin, Black judged the Women’s Greater Detroit, Chicago Area, Achievement Award, which is Kansas, Colorado, Three Riv presented annually by The 99s. ers and Lake Erie Chapters and Joan Mace presented the annual Several of the NIFA judges attending the concluding banquet: Kelli the Southeast, North Central Top Woman Pilot Award on be Hughes, Joan Mace, Lois Erickson, Jimmy Olson, Poochie Rotzinger, and Eastern New England Sec half of the All Ohio Chapter. Jerry Ann Jurenka, Mary Samuels, Sharon Schorsch, Wally Funk and tions—THANK YOU VERY Kelli Hughes Lager was Assis Trine Jorgensen. Missing from photo are Jody McCarrell, Pat MUCH! -$• tant Chief Judge. Next year, Roberts, Elaine Morrow and Anne Black. jolted with CAT that took my bird and rocked her wings nearly 90 degrees to the left. I instinctively grabbed the yoke and put her back upright. ABQ FSS said there was severe turbulence north of our course which would begin to infil trate our area after 1230. I asked for 11,500 feet to avoid the TB. It was still rough so I asked for 12,000 feet, the normal MEA for our route. Temperature was 70 degrees! We arrived at FFZ 2.5 hours Terry von Thaden, Chris and Barbara pose with local Ninety-Nines. BY CHRISTINE ST. ONGE later. We had to step down to 8,000 Western Pennsylvania Chapter feet and then circle outside of the As I turned back around a large Paul,without whose support I FFZ airspace to get down below hill, I lost sight of the runway but would not have made this trip; my Last of a four-part series, picking 4,000 feet, the class B Phoenix as I went around the mountain to two children, who think I’m a cool up the tour as it departs Airspace base. I then was cleared turn final, there she was. The mod mom: my friends back in Pitts Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Friday, to land. There was once again a erate TB did not help me at all. I burgh, who were as excited as 1 Aug. 30, on its way to San Diego. 15 knot left crosswind, and on my made a smooth landing and was about this trip; Bud Fuchs final approach, I didn't feel right stopped her before the turnoff. who taught me to fly my blue ma WAS NERVOUS and excited on the setup. I opted for a go- Total flight time: 2.5 hours: 1711 chine; and especially Barbara Cox, about this next leg in which we around, with better setup timing. PDT. We were the first to depart my best friend, who assisted me were to fly from TCC to AEG to We spent little time on the and the last to arrive! in all aspects of the flight. Falcon Field, Mesa, Ariz., FFZ, to ground, just long enough for ne Our total flight time from 4G4 We did it my friend. WE DID SEE, San Diego, Gillespie Field, cessities, and filed the last leg of to SEE was 20.06 hours, just five IT! I love you all. El Cajon, California. our trip. I filed IFR, considering hours more than Louise’s! As Barb We left for the airport at 0810, there were numerous restricted air and I taxied up to where we were filed my 1FR flight plan for 10,000 space areas that I didn’t want to instructed to park, we were greeted The Staggerwing Museum feet to AEG and got the aircraft wander into by accident. The tem by a group of our friends who had The Staggerwing Mu out of the hangar. Weather at TCC perature in the shade was 106 F; enough faith to wait for our arrival. seum in Tullahoma, Tennes was around a 600-foot ceiling and on the tarmac, it was closer to 120. Bud Fuchs, my mentor who taught see, consists of a collection two-mile visibility. We took off at As we taxied for takeoff, I me to fly the Staggerwing, was of several buildings, all lo 0849. knew we were plagued by density there as well. cated a short distance from About 35 nm east of AEG, altitude, but with a field elevation We found ourselves laughing, the Tullahoma Municipal Double Eagle II airport, we broke of only 1,400 feet, it was not as crying and rejoicing that we made Airport in the heart of An bad as AEG. We departed at 1445, it! We were finally in California— out to beautiful VFR conditions. I tique Airplane Country. remained on my IFR flight plan climbed out nicely and were on and to think that 1 had never flown The first building was due to heavy traffic load at ABQ. our way to San Diego at 8,000 my Staggerwing west of Nash dedicated to Louise Thaden We landed in a 15 knot left cross- feet! ville, Tennessee! wind in just shy of two hours. We We encountered four F-16s in That arrival was worth the pre who was instrumental in the filed a VFR flight-following flight formation to our right, and a Har vious days of frustration and an idea of preserving all the plan and departed at 1155. rier stayed at 7,000 feet until he ticipation of the maiden adventure memorabilia of the Stagger The temperature was already passed us. Then he wiggled his we took into a region we had never wing era. The Thaden 85 F and FSS warned us about wings and shot straight up for flown before. We now knew what Library and Office Building density altitude. Field elevation at whatever altitude he was planning Louise Thaden and Blanche is connected to the Walter AEG is 5,834 feet. The effect of to climb— a sight I’ll never forget! Noyes must have experienced! Beech Hangar. the high density altitude was evi We passed over the Sierra Ne After all the picture-taking, we Staggerwing Club mem dent: We were halfway down the vada mountains, and suddenly, proceeded to the San Diego Air & bership is open to all avia 7,000-foot runway before the tail below us was San Diego. I had to Space Museum for an evening of tion enthusiasts. For tours or began flying, and two-thirds of the descend to 6,000, then to 3,000, food and festivities. appointments to see the Mu way before we broke ground. The so I circled until SEE tower told I was brought to tears when seum. call Mattie Schulz at large blue bird sluggishly climbed me to fly upwind for 27R. I de Bill Thaden pulled out a fax from 615-455-3594 or 455-1974 around 200 fpm until I got the gear scended to 2,000 to prepare for the Lois Erickson, our 99s president, or write to her at P.O. Box up, when she responded with a landing. congratulating me on completing 550, Tullahoma, TN 37388. rousing 500 fpm climb (normally The tower turned me on a right my part of the flight duplicating The Staggerwing Club 1,200 feet). downwind for 27R with a left Louise Thaden’s win in the 1936 will hold its convention in We leveled off at 10,500 feet. crosswind of 14-16 knots. The Bendix Race. It is wonderful to Wichita, Kansas, Oct. 8-12, As we flew this leg, I was struck tower wanted to know if I wished note that our president cares about the same time as the Ameri by the thought that this was the to make a sharp turn to land rather our accomplishments and goals. can Bonanza Society Con same route Louise and Blanche than the longer traffic pattern ap 1 am glad I have been a 99 for had flown 60 years earlier over proach. I chose the longer ap 23 years for I have met some of vention. An Open House and some of the most beautiful scen proach, especially since the run the best pilots in the world and tour of the Raytheon factory ery I have ever seen. way was around 3,600 feet—leav made some fond friendships! 1 is planned for both groups. Barb was flying when we were ing no room for mistakes! have to thank my husband NEWS FROM SECTIONS AND CH A P T E R S
Northwest Section Members of Western Washington, Mt. Tahoma and Greater Seattle GRASS Chapters took telephone pledges during the KBTC (PBS) telethon. Toni Reinhard, chairman of Western Washington Chapter, was interviewed during the break. She gave a brief history of The 99s and invited inter ROOTS ested women pilots to contact local chapters for more information. —Marian Hartley
East Canada Section Our Spring Meeting was International Director Joy held May 2-3, in London, Parker Blackwood reported for Ontario. Twenty-four 99s from the International Board. Gover Maple Leaf, First Canadian and nor Grace Morfitt announced Eastern Ontario Chapters at Ema Scriven, Atlantic Chapter, tended. The mayor of the City was the recipient of the of London sent greetings and Governor’s Service Award. Mid-Atlantic Section officially declared Saturday, Montreal Chapter was the win Our Spring Meeting, hosted gator for the National Transpor May 3, as Ninety-Nines Day in ner of the voluntary Annual Pro by the Washington, D.C. Chap tation Safety Board in Washing his city. ficiency Test. —Pat Crocker ter, was held May 2-3. at the ton. Carolyn is the author of Hyatt Regency Hotel, Crystal Women and Flight, Portraits of City, Virginia. Fifty-five mem Contemporary Pilots, and Greg bers and guests attended. conducted the ValuJet DC-9 Speakers were: Carolyn crash investigation in the Russo, staff photographer for Florida Everglades. the National Air & Space Mu The meeting was dedicated seum in Washington; Edward to the memory of Louise Sac- Stimpson, chairman of GA chi, a long-time member of the Team 2000, a national industry Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter, wide program to increase stu who died in April. dent pilot starts; and Gregory — Edith Fischer Feith, senior air safety investi Hampton Roads Chapter Kneeling: Marilyn Dickson, Sherry Wheatley, Debbie Kiekens, Dorothy Bertholet, Pat Crocker and Betty Ellison. Standing: Jean Franklin Hancher, Jan Beattie, Sue Ehrlander, Anne Starret, Jane Atkinson-White (guest), Joy Parker Blackwood, Karin Williamson, Arlene Keener (guest), Andrea Kwasnik and Peggy Smith.
Barbara Rohde, Chairman, Washington DC Chapter; Governor Gayle Henze; Beverly Sharp, International Treasurer; and speakers Gregory Feith and Steve Daniels at the Mid-Atlantic Section Meeting.
Southeast Section International Presi Australian Section dent Lois Erickson and Annual General Meeting at Victoria: (Front) Athley Duncan, Governor Vicki Lynn Barbara Collins, Mary O'Brien, Section Founder Nancy-Bird Sherman presenting Walton, Governor Cathy Salvair, Vice Governor Rosemary Bonnie and Archie Colman, Peggy Kelman, Pam Collins (New Zealand), Anne Gann Memorial Schol Bithel. (Middle) Stephanie Day, Senja Robey, Faye Reeve, arship to Richard Margaret Stanton, Elizabeth Apps, Caroline Hinchcliffe, Ellen Brinkley at Southeast Warren, Heather Innes. (Back) Lyn Butler, Susie White, Noor Section Meeting. Brayhrook. Margaret Travers, Heather Parker, Jenny Gust, Marceline Luck, Ann Winter, Carol Durkin, Helen Walker. Fernando Valley, Santa Paula, Or ange County and San Gabriel par ticipated in the event. Members spoke with the public about the 99s as well as explaining the or ganization to potential members, and even sold a few fundraising items. It was a great experience to have several Chapters working on a project which gave us the oppor tunity to get to know one another Montana Chapter - Kimberly much better. Bess o f Dillon, Montana, is the Our Chapter awarded $5,000 Women With Wings 99s at the Reunion - Weekend o f Heroes parade winner of the Chapter's Esther in scholarships this year. The re Combs VancelVern Vine cipients will use the money for Women With Wings Chapter Memorial Scholarship. further training in both flight and shoelaces as they awaited their Our Chapter represented The turn to take to the sky, in what was Presenting the award is maintenance.— Bertie Duffy Ninety-Nines during the Memorial to be the first flight for many of Chairman Gail Sanchez-Eaton. Day Weekend in the largest parade the girls. This is the best part of Fullerton Chapter in the history of Akron, Ohio. The being a Ninety-Nine—giving to Orange County Chapter The Fullerton 99s and the Ful Reunion-Weekend of Heroes was others in a way that may touch the Our Chapter presented an lerton Airport Pilots Association held throughout Akron Fulton In future!-—Heidi Dietz eight-hour Flying Companion sponsored the Second Annual Sen ternational Airport. Our WASP, Seminar to an enthusiastic group timental Journey Dinner and Han Pat Stark, was especially honored of 22 at Orange Coast College in gar Dance on April 26. Mike Kitty Hawk Chapter for her dedication and service dur Costa Mesa, California. (We have Blackstone, owner of Air Combat Our Chapter raised funds for ing WWII. The Weekend of He conducted numerous FC Sem USA, hosted the event in two air the AE Scholarship Fund through roes was to educate generations inars, and it was the third consecu craft hangars based at Fullerton a raffle held at the Raleigh- about what their grandparents and tive, Nancy Miessel—so we must Municipal Aiiport. Durham International Airport Air parents did to maintain freedom be doing something right.) To add to the ambiance, mem Expo. A quilt made and donated for our country. Members participating in our bers of two antique car clubs came by the mother of member Lori Pride in being a 99 grew with successful fund-raiser were Linda in 1940s attire with their beauti Hoover was the main draw. the progression of our unit, as all Eldridge (Landings), Lori Lubline fully restored automobiles. Other The North Carolina De along the parade route women (You Heard it from the ATC!), brought antique aircraft for dis partment of Transportation cheered loudly and mothers told Brenda Jackson (Basic Instru play, including a 1947 Stinson and awarded the Chapter a plaque at their children, “Look, those girls ments), Shirley McFall (Registra a T-6 Texan. the Wings Weekend banquet in fly. Someday, you can too!” tion and Introduction to Radios), Guests came from all over— April in appreciation of our help The Chapter held their second Diane Myers and Celia Van- pilots, non-pilots, Rotarians, city administering Wings Weekend Annual Girl Scout Day on June 7 derpool (How the Airplane Flies), council members, aviation clubs safety seminars. at Akron Fulton International Air Chris Stulik (What Will 1 Do and the community. Many dressed — Marilyn Darling port. The event was well-attended If...?), Eleanor Todd (Plotting the in period clothing to compete in with 50 guests representing four Course) and Barbara Ward (Un the costume contest. Indiana Dunes Chapter troops from the Summit and North derstanding the Charts). Also as Other prizes were awarded to Our Chapter sponsored an FAA Canton areas of Ohio. Guest sisting was our co-host Bill contestants in the Name the Stars Safety Seminar in May at speaker Marla Gaskill, dressed in Padden, assistant professor of and World War II Aircraft ID con Donnallen Aviation (co-owned by her Ohio State Highway Patrol aviation at Orange Coast College. tests. Raffle tickets were sold for 99 Donna Stevens) at Valparaiso, uniform, gave an inspiring talk on Chris Stulik planned and or rides in the antique aircraft and Indiana. About 95 pilots attended. flying and the role of women pi chestrated this superb seminar. door prizes were given away Don Hales, FAA Accident Preven lots. Marla then gave each girl a The Flying Companions left throughout the evening. tion Program Manager from South Jr. Ohio State Trooper badge and armed with a deeper understand After a wonderful dinner, we Bend, Indiana, was the speaker. ing of why we pilots do what we opened up the area for dancing. —Janice Topp do, and new knowledge of how Everything from jitterbug and they can constructively help their waltz to the chicken. Great fun for Texas Dogwood Chapter pilot. What a rewarding day it all. Our goal was to have fun at a Jody McCarrell, NIFA, was!— Mary Van Velzer reasonable price, yet this has be Air Rallies and Flying come our best fund-raiser of the Events project coordinator San Fernando Valley Chapter year. Plans are underway for next for The 99s and an Okla Marcia Fuller organized 10 pi year’s event.—Denise Jennings lots with airplanes to fly high homa Chapter member, was school students from the Antelope a recent speaker at an AE North Jersey Chapter luncheon for the Longview Valley area at the annual “Salute When extremely strong winds to Youth” hosted by the Air Force. Zonta Club. “Jody wowed threatened our Poker Run, all the them!” said Jerry Anne They flew approximately 350 workers and some stalwart regu young people, many for their first Jurenka, Texas Dogwood lar players drove to the terminus airplane ride. Chapter and AE Chair for airport in Trenton, New Jersey. Jaye Howes organized a booth Zonta. Jerry Anne Jurenka and Jody Eighty-six hands were played. at the West Coast Pilot’s Expo at — Aileen Trotter McCarrell at Zonta luncheon. the Pamona Fairplex. San CHAPTER NEWS continued
ping mall) to LeBourget. France, May 20 -21, 1927. Bill Signs in his single engine C-210L recreated the flight itself taking off from Re public on May 20, 1997. The Long Island Chapter dis play was manned by Mae Smith, Sue Mirabel. Bozena Syska, North Jersey Chapter member Susan Loricchio looks on as Debora Bonnard, Jill Hopfen- Reeve Lindbergh, daughter o f Charles A. Lindbergh, muller and Diane Fisher. Debora autographs her book. Susan attended the lecture by Reeve at the and Bozena told about how they National Air & Space Society of the Smithsonian Institution. started their Hying careers and how others, especially women, Sister Mary Loretta McLaughlin might learn to fly. San Antonio Chapter —Patricia Rockwell was presented by John Reagan We don't have enough praise from the San Antonio Control Long Island Chapter for member Linda Finch and her Tower. —Margaret Coshy Member Sister Mary Loretta Chicago Area Chapter repeat of our founder’s World McLaughlin, CSJ, won the beau Members welcomed a very Flight. Just thinking about her Tucson Chapter tiful Alice Hammond Memorial special guest, 101-year-old Emma accomplishments from refurbish Our Chapter sponsored Nickel- Quilt created by Courtney Barger- Schweer, at their May Chapter ing the Electra to final touchdown A-Pound rides at Ryan Field, as huff of Rolling Prairie, Indiana. meeting. She flew in Amelia’s Fly bursts our hearts and puts a lump part of Tucson Airport Authority’s Proceeds from making the quilt ing Club, was a 99, participated in in our throats. Aviation Day, April 12. More than were donated to the Memorial local government and raised a We had our first Flying Com 41,000 pounds were carried by 14 Career Scholarship Fund which family. Emma shared stories and panion Seminar and with San airplanes piloted by 99s and Alice, a member of the New York pictures regarding history of Chi Antonio’s FSDO FAA Safety Pro friends. Gloria Tombom organized New Jersey Section was instru cago area aviation and the gram Manager Tom Hennessee’s the pilots and ground crew into a mental in creating in 1941. Sister struggles in keeping an airport support, we had a most successful smoothly coordinated team, which Loretta donated the quilt to our open in that era.—Jean Ingle activity. Folios were assembled made the event successful and Chapter. with material supporting the films bolstered our Chapter Scholarship Friendship Flight ’97 was held Florida Spaceport Chapter and presentations by members Fund.—Kave Craig at Republic Airport, Farmington, Chapter members recently met plus a few extras. Door prizes were New York. May 17-18. This was at Leesburg, Florida. The history drawn every hour. a joint effort by many business and of Angel Flight in Florida (origi Ninety-Nines presenting were: British Columbia Coast Chapter aviation organizations to com nally known as Medical Support Cheryl Casillas, (Aerodynamics), Despite “Touch & Go” weather memorate the 70th anniversary of Flight Team) was presented by Lee Margaret Cosby, (Preflight), on May 4, the Chapter’s first Plane Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight Johnson, Sunair Aviation. Gloria Blank, (Basic Instruments), Wash & BBQ fund-raiser at from Roosevelt Field (now a shop — Dot Arnett Sandra Stephens, (Airspace and Boundary Bay Airport, Delta, Airports), Cheryl Casillas, (Flight B.C., raised more than $330 The Planning. Charts and Navigation), proceeds were donated to the Ca Faye Makarsky, (Radio Commun nadian Women in Aviation Confer ication), and Elizabeth Jordan, ence to be held in Vancouver, B.C., (Weather). Handling Emergencies on August 6-9. —Colette Morin
Greater Seattle Chapter Our Chapter held its second auction to raise money for the Chapter Scholarship Fund. Box lunches and miscellaneous aviation items brought more than $750. The Scholarship Committee is Donovan Tocco and Amy Bender, third-grade students at developing guidelines for Lynnwood Elementary School in Guilderland Central School two separate categories: District, Albany, New York. Future Women Pilots and Aviation Careers. The Chapter has a new Trish Bianchi, New York tory month. She titled her resource library. Donna Capital District Chapter, used speech, “The Perils & Pleasures Wilson has developed a Members Eva Parks and Beryl Markham’s book, West of Being a Lady Pilot.” recommended reading list; Georgianne Ray congratulate high with the Night, as an inspiration Those who work with el Georgianne Ray is collect school junior Amy Loomis on for a speech she was asked to ementary children may wish to ing books and 1 am collect receiving $200from the Chapter give to a group of elementary contact Trish for a copy. ing video tapes.—Marian students during Women in His Scholarship Fund to be applied Hartley towards her solo. AIRMARKING
49 l/2s helped to chalk the runway numbers, which will be painted by the Airport Commission and residents of Desert Aire, Washington, as soon as additional paint is obtained. Nita Schumacher and husband Dewane were perfect hosts and rewarded all painters with a barbecue lunch.—Vickie Gassoway
Airmarking by members of Mid-Columbia and Rainier Chapters.
A beautiful day and good company contributed to a perfect day for painting a runway in the desert. Veteran air markers Anne English and Marjy Leggett provided their expertise to volunteer painters Nita Schumacher and husband; Mary Cooke; LaRue and Jim Bell; Margie Fremont; Karyn and Mike Wiemers; Liz Lun- Kitty Hawk Chapter Airmarking Chairman emeritus June Rodd den Jogtich; Miriam Munck; and Cindy Womack and her crew reviews the troops at New Bern. North Carolina. (husband, son and a friend); and Vickie Gassoway.
TOUCH & GO'S FIND A NEW MEMBER Tips for finding new members • Lori Anderson, Indiana Dunes Chapter, has been promoted • Share your old 99 News with a nonmember. to Captain for United Express Airline. She is in Scotland re ceiving advanced simulator training. • Take your old 99 News to your local FBO. • Take copies of membership applications to local FBO. • Beverly Barnett, Tennessee Chapter, is now operating her own flight school. She has bought a Cherokee and is operat • Carry a membership application with you. ing independently. RATI N G S AND WINGS • The Canadian Precision Flying Team received the Cana dian Owners and Pilots Association annual Award of Merit at RATINGS its 1997 convention at Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Wendy Boyes British Colombia Coast Commercial • Ann-Marie Donaca, Columbia Cascade Chapter, received Anette Decker Florida Spaceport Instrument Rebecca Leland Eastern New England Instrument an Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree for Avia Adele McDonald Tennessee Multiengine Flight tion—Professional Pilot, as well as honors for scholarship, Instructor student leadership and achievement, from Mt. Hood Com Colette Morin British Columbia Coast Commercial munity College, Grisham, Oregon. Marilyn Patiemo North Jersey Instrument Alison Salemo Willamette Valley Commercial and • Joanne Moon, British Columbia Coast Chapter, has a tem Instrument porary posting to FSS in Ft. Smith, Northwest Territory. Stephanie Shonk North Jersey CFI Carey Smith British Columbia Coast Multiengine and • Colette Morin, British Columbia Coast Chapter, is flying a Instrument Western New England CFII C-206 for Glacier Air Tours, Squamish, British Columbia. Laura Smith Liz Swain Shreveport Instrument • Mary Norman, First Canadian Chapter, has been appointed Sue Weitz Women With Wings Seaplane Chiyomi Williams Hi-Desert Multiengine and a Director of the Canadian Seaplane Pilots Association. Instrument • Amy Pilkenton, Shreveport Chapter, is now based in Dal WINGS: THE SIGN OF A SAFE PILOT. las with the FAA and is also an inspector for Mesa Airlines. Heidi Dietz Women With Wings Phase I • Margaret Riddle. Kitty Hawk Chapter Chairman, was se Carolyn Carpp Western Washington Phase 11 lected by the FAA as North Carolina’s Flight Instructor of the Bobbi Lichtiger Florida Goldcoast Phase II Year for 1996. This award was presented at the Spring FAA/ Cynthia Madsen Chicago Area Phase IV NCDOT Wings Weekend Safety Seminar in Greensboro, Laura Smith Western New England Phase IV Betty Phillips Western New England Phase V North Carolina Shannon Small Western New England Phase V • Linda Scroggs, Pikes Peak Chapter, completed her Cynthia Welton Western New England Phase V Marilyn Patiemo North Jersey Phase VI recurrency training on her 99s scholarship. Marilyn Horvath Indiana Dunes Phase VII Lou Ann Gibson Dallas Phase X • Sandra Silins, British Columbia Coast Chapter, is 2nd Of Sara Parmenter Virginia Phase X ficer on DC-10 for Canadian International Airlines. Marjy Leggett Mid-Columbia Phase XI Wally Funk Dallas Phase XIV NEW HORIZONS
PEGGY EWERT, Santa Clara An introductory flight from and commercial in 1964. She was Valley Chapter, and her husband Jo h n ’s in stru cto r got Peggy a life member of The Ninety- John, along with their son Tom, hooked immediately and both be Nines, having joined the San An daughter Marcia and a friend of came known and respected as fine tonio Chaper in 1948. In 1950, she Marcia’s, perished on Mother’s pilots and role models for many moved to the Phoenix Chapter, Day in a crash of their Bonanza who came later. and in 1951 founded the Tucson A36 on takeoff from the Truckee/ For Peggy, flying and The 99s Chapter. Maggie and her husband Tahoe airport. We are all stunned became a consuming interest since Ray operated flight schools in and devastated by this tragic loss. 1977. They belonged to the Santa Texas before moving to Arizona. Not only was Peggy a close per Clara County Airmen's As For more than two decades, sonal friend, but a major contribu sociation, Angel Flight, EAA. and Maggie took devoted, loving care tor to The 99s, to the Bay area Peggy was Governor of the South of Ray, who suffered from community, to her church, and to west Section. Peggy joined the Parkinson’s disease until his death general aviation. Their deaths will Santa Clara Valley Chapter as soon last September.—Kaye Craig leave a tremendous void for a long, Peggy Ewert as she got her pilot’s license and long time. Peggy and John are sur careers, homes and hobbies, their held many offices, most notably Herbert C. Sundmacher, vived by their remaining children, lives remained as teachers, travel chairman and treasurer. Peggy 49 1/2 of Marjorie, Chicago Area Ken Ewert and Janet Lalor and ers and givers. In the early ’70s, positively influenced every person Chapter died in April.—Jean Ingle adorable twin babies. John opened a small photography she met. And John was always Peggy and John met at the end store in Sunnyvale, California, and beside her, coaching, assisting, Ray Newhouse. 49 1/2 of of their college days at Bob Jones launched the flourishing Ewert supporting. He espoused The Lorriane Newhouse, Tuscon University. From the start, they Photo stores that came to be syn Ninety-Nines’ ideals as much as Chapter, died April 18, at age 79. knew it was a heavenly match as onymous with excellence in the anyone. Ray was a pilot for American Air they shared so many interests and South Bay Area of San Francisco. Together Peggy and John lines for 38 years with experience loves. John, the enduring optimist Peggy and John always en logged more than 3800 hours in in the DC-2, the 747 and every and dreamer, and Peggy, the prac joyed traveling, even before fly the air, splitting the PIC time thing in between. Ray also flew tical creative leader with patience ing became a part of it. They mar equally between them. There were light planes of every variety, and to fill the Grand Canyon, ventured ried in Florida and soon after made many trips to the East Coast, Mid especially loved antiques, having off together into a wondrous and the trek to California to visit fam west and Florida. Four trips to restored the 1931 Aeronca C-3 in full life. ily. From there, they moved to Alaska in their Bonanza A36 high which he learned to fly in 1934. Peggy wrote, “Until 1 learned Arizona where John taught until lighted their flying activities, with Four of his sons became airline pi to fly in 1977, my whole life re the mid-sixties. the most exciting being to Nome lots. Ray supported The Nine- volved around family, church and Summer vacations consisted of and Kotzebue and points near the Nines enthusiastically. His color work— in that order. 1 like to think traveling to Oregon for Masters Arctic Circle. ful flying stories were entertain that flying changed my destiny, Degrees; and once matriculated, Please join me in wishing John ing, his wisdom was valued and and I cannot now imagine life they spent two years in Germany and Peggy an eternity of blue his love and friendship were trea without airplanes and airports. To teaching for the Department of skies.— Pat Lowers sures for us all.—Kaye Craig soar with the eagles is the ultimate Defense. They continued their fulfillment!" wanderlust by roaming Europe, MARGARET “MAGGIE” James Hammer, 49 1/2 of Jean They started their lives to the Middle East and Russia, then SCHOCK, Tucson Chapter, died Hammer, Tennessee Chapter, died gether as teachers, travelers and settled down in California while Feb. 24 at the age of 76. Maggie in a farm accident in May. givers, and though they changed growing their new photo business. earned her private license in 1948 — Evelyn Bryan Johnson
WELCOME THESE 54 WOMEN PILOTS TO THE NINETY-NINES
Jane Louise Atkinson-White, Maple Leaf Mary Louise Halvorson, Orange County Nancy Ellen Merriman, Alaska Wanda M. Babcock, Las Vegas Valley Jennifer A. Havens, Greater Kansas City Nikki R. Mitchell, Southeast Section Christine Bauer, El Paso Catherine Hill, Dallas Jane E.H. Moser, Australian Section Gail Turner Bauer, San Joaquin Valley Catherine Ann Hosmer, Southeast Section Barbara Alice Neary, Utah Sheila Foley Beck, Brazos River Marie Elizabeth Johnson, Palomar Dawn Marie Peterson, Idaho M. Allaire Bennett, Tucson Mialma Sue Johnson, Brazos River Kristine Lynn Powell, Greater Kansas City Colwyn Rebecca Brant, Oklahoma Beth A. Jones, North Jersey Clarissa M. Quinlan, Alaska Kimberlee Ellen Brown. Monterey Bay Barbara Kay Kajiya, Greater Seattle Daphinne Ann Race, Mission Bay Deborah L. Clifton, West Canada Section Diane K. Kelley, Mid-Columbia Elizabeth Anne Rehm, Chicago Area Christine Marie Cole, Greater Detroit Area Kathleen M. Laprade, W. New England Susan E. Rosenthal, Santa Clara Valley Wanda C. Collins, Monterey Bay Susan Laskos, Delaware Robbin C. Russell, Greater Cincinnati Kelly A. Cook, Brazos River Ruth J. Logan, San Fernando Valley Corinne L. Shalley, East Canada Section Betty Ann Curtis, Arkansas Emily Christine Long, Alabama Linda Christine Smith, San Gabriel Valley Kathy Marie Devine, NY-NJ Section Amy Jean Lovell, Western New England Jeanie E. Stokes, Colorado Sherry Lynn Edwards, First Canadian Jane Suzanne Lutz, Greater Kansas City Amy E. Tobol, Santa Paula Susan R. Field, Florida Goldcoast Mary C. Marshbum, Alaska Linda Ann Wiekhorst, Old Dominion Elizabeth Battan Frost, Houston Erin Kay McCoy, Greater Detroit Area Suzanne J. Wiltshire, East Canada Section Susan Forster. Sacramento Valley Ruth I. Mercer, Western New England Anne K. Zaboglio, Dallas RACES & RALLIES CORRECTIONS
16th Annual Sunflower Rally In the last issue: This cross-country proficiency air race will be held Sept. 19-20, at • Page 18: Susan Harper was incorrectly identified as Susan Yingling Aircraft, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas, and is spon Larson. sored by the Kansas Chapter Ninety-Nines. The secret race course is • Page 23: The Louise Sacchi “New Horizon” obituary should selected by the Sunflower Rally race official and announced at the pilot have been credited to Nancy Kyle of the Pennsylvavnia briefing. Two courses will be selected with the final selection being Chapter. dependent on the most favorable weather at race time. Scoring for the race is based on observations, fuel and time estimation. No one will CLASSIFIEDS know the rally course until it is announced at the briefing. There are cash prizes and door prizes. The rally is open to any pi WOMEN PILOT’S CAREER cludes: Job Monthly newsletter lot—male or female. Teams consist of a pilot and navigator. Aircraft GUIDANCE - KAREN KAHN detailing 200 airlines - Majors/ can be single or multiengine with standard airworthiness certificate. Ninety-Nines helping Ninety-Nines N at’ls/Regionals/Pax & Cargo. Only fixed-wing aircraft are allowed and no homebuilt or experimental Personalized career guidance, Plus Application Handbook, Ca airplanes, due to insurance requirements. Contact Karen Tucker at 316- time-building tips and practice in reer Guide - hiring forecast/job 733-4583, or Bonnie Johnson at 316-978-3404. terviews from experienced airline search planning/interviewing. Air captains. In-person or phone con line Address/Fleet & Sim Direc Pilot’s Poker Party sultations to accelerate your tories, unlimited 800 career coun Members of Suncoast, First Coast, Goldcoast, Gulfstream and Space progress and avoid expensive seling. Optional - Lifetime resume Port Chapters participated in a Pilot’s Poker Party in May. mistakes. 25% discount for 99s. service. National Career Seminars/ Tamra Sheffman, Cheryl Cichocki and Reba Ludlow organized the Job Fairs - DFW Sat. MAR ’97, event which included five airports. Showalter Flying Service provided New pilot career advice book by LAX 9/28, PHL 11/23. Interview a delicious barbecue lunch at Orlando Executive, the terminal airport. Captain Karen Kahn includes Preps for members & non-mem Aileen Watkins, Suncoast Chapter, won the $99 first prize. South more than 200 pages of published bers by phone for - UAL/SWA/ east Section received $500; participating chapters each took home about columns. $19.95 + $2.50 S/H (CA N WA/TWA/FedX/U PS & many $100. Tamra said, “Everything went very smoothly and the day was residents add $1.55 tax). VISA/ more. Satisfaction Guaranteed. great!” She’s already talking about next year. —Laurie Householder MC OK. Aviation Career Counsel Call Kit Darby’s AIR Inc. today: ing, 933 Cheltenham Road, Santa 800 AIR-APPS. 10% discount for 99s. BOOKS Barbara, CA 93105, 805-687- 9493, Fax 805-687-6226. Flying The Big Birds On becoming an Airline Pilot by Sylvia J. Otypka BURT RUTAN BIOGRAPHY Book can be purchased from Leading Edge Publishing, PO Box Burt Rutan Biography by 99 Dr. AVIATION CAREER Vera Rollo. The women he loves 461605, Aurora, CO 80046-1605, by sending $14.95 plus $2 postage COUNSELING and handling (Colorado residents add $ 1.13 for sales tax). qjj. inspire this genius who’s “rein 933 Cheltenham Road venting the airplane.” Hardback: Santa Barbara, CA 93105 $22. MHPress, 9205 Tuckerman GENERAL AVIATION 805-687-9493 St., Lanham, MD 20706. Airline pilot jobs New aviation career FUTURE AIRLINE PILOTS: FLY WITH CONFIDENCE Airline pilot hiring averaged packet available FAPA members and all future IN THE CLOUDS. over 940 per month through May: The Iowa Department of airline pilots — military and ci Get your instrument rating in 10 3,776 new jobs were created for Transportation and the Iowa Avia vilian. Compare before you buy days. Experienced instructor, in the year to date. The majors alone tion Business Association have or renew. AIR, Inc. offers a top strument pilot. Call for details. have hired 1,384 of the total pi jointly developed a video and ca quality complete airline pilot ca lots hired, well ahead of last year’s reer information packet. reer development system deliv 1-800-204-4779 near-record levels. The current This packet. The Sky’s the ered on time by experienced pro MG Enterprises rate of hiring throughout 1997 will Limit!, will aquaint counselors, fessionals for only $ 156/1 st Yr., Marcy Drescher, CFII produce over 4,000 new jobs at the teachers and students with avia $85/renewal. Get all the hiring in Rt 1, Box 55 majors, 3,200 at the nationals and tion-related career opportunities, formation you need to land one of Alden. MN 56009 12,000 new pilot jobs overall. and the education and training fa the 9,000+jobs in '97! Service in Civilian pilot hiring continues cilities available in Iowa. to dominate the hiring throughout Copies of the career informa the industry, with every segment tion packet have been distributed Advertise in The 99 News hiring about 60 percent of their to all high school counselors in pilots with only civil experi Iowa. International Women Pilots magazine ence.—Source: Air, Inc. Reach 6,500 women pilots and their flying friends and families! EDITOR'S DESK Classified Advertising $1 per word. Minimum charge: FOR A DISPLAY Funds for 99 NEWS come from membership dues and advertising, $20. Enclose check with ad. No ADVERTISING so more members and more advertising, pays for more pages. If you charge for name, address, RATE SHEET. CALL: © John Shoemaker have a service or a product to sell to pilots or their families, or if you telephone/fax. Send to: The Ninety-Nines, Inc. Village Press know of someone who does, let us know. Traverse City, Mich. If the survey and predictions of GA2000 are on target, there will Box 965 7100 Terminal Drive 1-800-773-7798, soon be many more women pilots available to join The 99s. Spread the Oklahoma City, OK 73159 ext. 3317 NEWS by leaving your old magazines at an FBO reception area and USA carry an Application for Membership with you. You never know when you’ll meet a woman pilot who needs the support and camaraderie of The 99s. ■&
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