EU/S OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OK THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN PILOTS ASSOCIATION

OLUME 11 J U N E 1984 NUMBER 5 The 99 NEWS past, present, future ......

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f 2.000,000 People The Inherent A look at the past, present and future of kept in touch with each other through a Characteristics o The Ninety-Nines, Inc., would be incom­ weekly bulletin, which was put out by a Flier plete without a word about the organiza­ Curtiss-Wright and edited by Clara. cllmg W aco* Mexico's Airport tion’s publication, The 99 NEWS. The Depression took its toll on this pub­ > . v Begun shortly after women pilots formed lication; however, first President Amelia Carolina Father* their organization in 1929, the first publica­ Earhart considered it so important she paid tion produced by, for and about women Clara’s salary for a year, as did President

pilots was edited by Clara Trenckmann Margaret Cooper Manser. The publication A u g y . l , 1933 Studer, a non-pilot friend of the 99s. became The 99er, and in the fall of 1934 was In fact, Clara was mainly responsible for expanded into Airwoman, with Clara con­ the historic first gathering of women pilots at tinuing as editor until 1936. Valley Stream, New York. Inspired by In the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, contact between Margery Brown, a licensed pilot, who main­ members was maintained with an eight-plus- tained that women fliers ought to band page monthly newsletter, with various 99s together, Clara rounded up four of them — serving as editor. Neva Paris, Frances Harrell, Margery As the organization grew (1,000 members Brown and Fay Gillis — who sent out the in 1946 and over 6,000 in 1984), the role of call letter to every licensed pilot in America this regular publication for members be­ and abroad. Clara handled the responses, came even more meaningful. In the 1970s, arranged for a meeting place, provided the the newsletter became a full-fledged ma­ food and wangled transportation for out-of- gazine. The 99 NEWS currently ranges from towners. 24 to 56 pages, and it is published 10 times For the first years of its existence, the 99s yearly.

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First editor of The 99er and Airwoman was Clara Trenckmann Studer. PUBLISHER The Ninety-Nines, Inc.

EDITOR Lu Hollander

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS OFFICIALH PUBLICATION iB OF THE S INTERNATIONAL S n WOMEN E PILOTS ORGANIZATION iu s Nema Masonhall Nancy Smith VOLUME 11 JUNE 1984 NUMBER 5 ADVERTISING MANAGER Norma Vandergrlff CONTENTS EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Jan Million FEATURES ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Loretta Gragg The 99 NEWS - Aviation Insurance past, present, future Group, Ltd. HEADQUARTERS SECRETARY Pamela Mackey Today’s International 9 Aero Insurance Headquarters 11 Wisconsin 99s Cookout 5 The President’s Message International Officers 13 Aviation Insurance 6 The 99s — yesterday, PRESIDENT Services Marilyn Copeland today, tomorrow 13 The Air Bear 1308 Kevin Rd„ Wichita KS 67208 14 Move Over, Sally Ride! 15 Cessna Aircraft VICE PRESIDENT 16 Amelia Earhart Charlene Falkenberg 19 AAR of Oklahoma, Inc. 618 Washington St., Hobart IN 46342 Recipients Pass On Benefits 21 Powder Puff Derby SECRETARY Barbara Goetz-Sestito 17 Women Pilots in the 23 American Aviation 8041 Ravinia Ct„ Fair Oaks CA 95628 Military Underwriters TREASURER Betty Jane Schermerhorn 20 99s You Should Know 26 Cessna Aircraft RR #1. Dunrobin, Ontario KO A1 TO, Canada 23 Fifty-Three Years a Pilot 29 Classified Ads BOARD OF DIRECTORS 24 Taping an Oral History: Marie Christensen 35 Columbia Cascade Janet Green “Edna's Place” Chapter Gene Nora Jessen Hazel Jones 25 Resource Center Update 39 Plane Stuff Pat Roberts 28 Chapter News 50 Air Rendezvous '84 48 A Potpourri of ON THE COVER: Located on the grounds of Will The 99 NEWS Chapter Activities Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Okla­ homa, is the International Headquarters build­ International Headquarters 50 Becoming a Ninety-Nine ing for The Ninety-Nines, Inc. Photo by Ray Jacoby Terminal Dr. and Amelia Earhart Ln. P.O. Box 59965 Will Rogers World Airport Oklahoma City OK 73159 (405) 682-4425

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Nlnety-Nlnes, Inc., P.O. Box 59965, Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City OK 73159.

CIRCULATION INFORMATION The 99 NEWS is published monthly except bimonthly January/February and July/August Annual subscrip­ tion rate is $17.50 and is included as part of the annual membership of The Ninety-Nines. Inc Subscriptions are available to non-members at the rate of $17 50 per year Postmaster Second class postage paid at Oklaho­ ma City and additional entry offices (ISBN 0273-608S).

Membership Count 6,233 as of May 22, 1984 Areas include displays, art, meeting areas International Headquarters

The International Board of Directors meets in Oklahoma City twice each year. At the spring meeting (below) are Vice President Charlene Falkenberg. Hobart, Indiana; Immediate Past President Janet Green, Ocean Springs. Mississippi; Director Pat Roberts. San Jose, California; Director Marie Christensen, Prairie Village. Kansas; Executive Director Loretta Gragg, Oklahoma City; Director Gene Nora Jessen, Boise, Idaho; President Marilyn Copeland, Wichita. Kansas; Secretary Barbara Sestito, Fair Oaks, California; Director Hazel Jones, Dallas, Texas; General Counsel Sylvia Paoli, Tustin, California; and Treasurer Betty Jane Schermerhorn, Dunrobin, Ontario, Canada At right is another view of the Board of Directors meeting facility.

Above, several display cases contain memorabili; ■ ' belonging to first President Amelia Earhart and othe * early-day women pilots/99s. The bust of Amelia war recently completed by sculptor Don Weigand of St Louis and donated to the 99s by Jack and Debbit Scharr. Farlell, members of the Heart of Texas Chapter located in Austin, donated a flag signed by the astro nauts of the seventh shuttle mission. Near lell, inter locking 9s form door handles for the main entrance t< International Headquarters by International President Marilyn Copeland

Ninety nine women declared their wishes to be included in a Helicopter Association International and Whirly-Girls Hovering, women pilot’s group led by Amelia Earhart, the first President, in Las Vegas; head table guest at Wright Brothers Dinner, Washing­ 1929. ton, D.C.; and two Flight Instructor of the Year award ceremonies These women, many still members today, wanted an organization where 99s have been honored. for women pilots which would provide peer support and promote It was fun serving as a speaker at the Oklahoma Pilots Associa­ aviation. tion, Oklahoma City; St. Louis and Wichita Zontas; Wichita Now, 55 years later, we are striving for the same purposes. We Daedalians; Flying Aggies, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and the Arizona engage in strictly educational, charitable and scientific activities. To Department of Transportation Super Safety Seminar in Phoenix as assist in the achievement of these goals, we provide a peer support a co-host with Hugh Downs of ABC-TV. group, promote the growth of general aviation and continue to be a Attending 99 section meetings in Seattle, Portland, Baltimore, strong, recognized voice in aviation. Casper, Reno, Santa Rosa, Rocking Horse Ranch (New York), New We promote safety and aerospace education, better communi­ York City, Miami, Greenville, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, cation within our organization, preserve our history, promote future Amarillo, Shreveport, DuPage and Springfield was great fun and growth of the 99s, encourage young student pilots in their aviation provided good opportunities to become better acquainted with pursuits, recognize supporters of our group, promote scientific and members while listening to their comments and suggestions. charitable activities and attempt to upgrade the image of the 99s. The joint Canadian Section meeting in Vancouver was high­ As stated in my goals when taking office, “1 will strive to support lighted by a special C-172 aerial tour of the area. activities to enhance the image of the 99s; my energies will be Since 99 Headquarters is only one hour by air from Wichita, it has devoted toward positive and constructive projects to benefit the been easy for me to attend the Amelia Earhart bust unveiling, entire membership; 1 will represent our organization as a pro­ simulator presentation, TV interviews, board meetings, work with fessional woman pilot of the 1980s, as well as to take the time to do a the Headquarters’ staff on business matters, and speak with the job of which you will be proud.” Oklahoma City Airport Trust regarding our 99 Headquarters Thanks to an excellent International Public Relations chairman expansion plans. and a progressive Board of Directors, as well as professional help by It was a treat to attend NIFA Nationals in Colorado Springs and some 49%ers, great strides have been made in increasing the the U SPFT Nationals in Carbondale, Illinois and De Queen, visibility of our organization. Arkansas. We are looking forward to the World Championships of We have obtained a large professional 99 display for use at Precision Flight Teams, sponsored by the 99s, in Kissimmee, association and trade shows, and chapters have had the op­ Florida, in August 1985. Hopefully, several of our overseas chapters portunity to purchase smaller exhibit displays. For the first time, and sections will have teams in these “Flight Olympics.” professional Public Relations Kits, including photos, were provided Another 99 project of world scope is the World Aviation, every chapter. Education and Safety Congress, March 8-12,1985 in Bombay, India. Support of the “AM Weather” program was begun with ap­ I am planning to visit both the India Section and the British Section propriate TV advertising for the 99s. A new modern 99 wings logo this year in preparation for the Congress. I only wish it were possible was designed for window decals for cars and larger decals for to visit our other overseas members in Australia, New Zealand, aircraft. Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Not only has emphasis been placed on public relations, but also Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Pakistan, Jordan, Israel, France, on increased membership and projects. An organizational chart has Sweden, Finland, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Switzerland, the Carib­ been developed for better understanding of our fine network of bean, South Africa, East Africa and other countries. women pilots, and the membership directory was delivered shortly Not only are the 99s interested in our members who fly aircraft, after the Convention. but also those who are a part of the space program. US women The Seek & Keep Committee was established to promote new astronauts who are 99 members include Drs. Sally Ride, Rhea memberships, reinstate former members and maintain our present Seddon and Mary Cleave. I understand from my recent Johnson membership. The student pilot program (66s) was reactivated to Space Center tour that Sally Ride and Rhea Seddon are scheduled encourage women student pilots to complete their flight training for an August 1984 launch together. Mary Cleave, too, has her and become more involved in 99 activities. launch ticket number assigned. The first Canadian woman astro­ International committee chairmen have done an excellent job naut, Dr. Roberta Bondar, is a member of the Maple Leaf Chapter. writing explanatory articles for The 99 NEWS, as well as furnishing My fine family and I have already started packing our bags for directives and materials to sections and chapters. Section Homer and Anchorage, where we hope to see you at the Northwest governors have written newsletters and established good com­ Section meeting and the International Convention. munications with their members. The Ways and Means Committee Without the understanding and support of my husband and has added many new items for sale from Headquarters, including family, I could not have accomplished my goals. I have enjoyed flying duffle bags, decals, Cross pens, Christmas ornaments and luggage the airlines as well as flying my own plane to meetings. This joy of straps. flight and the honor of serving as your President would never have Representing over 6,200 women pilots has been a tremendous been realized had not my 49'/2er encouraged me to learn to fly. responsibility these past two years. Events where I represented the Thanks, John! 99s included NASA VIP guest for the ST S7 launch of Sally Ride, Kennedy Space Center; reception for Sally at the Oklahoma Air and Space Museum; World Aerospace Congress, Washington, D.C.; Emily Howell Warner has made captain National Aerospace Congress, Houston; AOPA Plantation Party, with Frontier Airlines as of Friday, May 4. Albuquerque; FAA Accident Prevention Conference, Las Vegas; yesterday, today, tomorrow

by Lu Hollander

“Nine nine? What’s a nine nine?" is an often-asked question when 1805. By 1834, no fewer than 22 women in Europe had piloted their the double 9 symbol appears, either in pin form, on stationery or in own balloons. conversation. In England, Margaret Graham became almost a fixture of It’s always a thrill when I can answer that question by saying, Victorian life during a 30-year career in which she popularized flying “Well, it’s an international organization of women pilots.” “ Oh, is by taking passengers aloft for a fee. In the US, Mary H. Myers set an that right? Do you fly?” “Sure, I’ve been a pilot for some 12 years astonishing world altitude record in 1886 — soaring four miles above now.” "Well, aren’t you scared? I would be so afraid of crashing!” Franklin, Pennsylvania, without benefit of oxygen equipment. How many times has this, or a similar, conversation occurred in France, the birthplace of ballooning, became host for the first the life of any 99? Often, I’d be willing to bet. Even though the woman to earn her pilot’s license — Raymonde de Laroche. She organization has grown from its original 99 Charter Members to was barely 23 in 1909 when she presented herself at the Chalons Air some 6,200 worldwide, there are still many people who are amazed Field where Charles and Gabriel Voisin built and tested their to learn that a woman actually can pilot an aircraft. airplanes. After a minimal amount of verbal instruction, she taxiied In fact, women have been trend-setting in the world of aviation once around the field, then applied power (although she had been since before Orville and Wilbur Wright. In 1784, with the skill of instructed not to take off) and skimmed through the air some 15 feet ballooning only seven months old, Madame Elisabeth Thible off the ground. She passed qualifying tests in 1910, and obtained, ascended as a balloon passenger in Lyons, France. from the Aero Club of France, the first license issued to a woman Women were piloting aircraft by 1798 — France’s Jeanne anywhere in the world. Labrosse made a solo balloon flight in that year — but the first Bessica Raiche and her French husband built a biplane piecemeal woman to demonstrate she could be something other than a novelty in their living room and assembled it outside. Made of bamboo and in the air was Madeleine Sophie Blanchard, who first flew solo in silk, it was in this machine that Bessica, without any instruction or a

Harriet Quimby was the first woman pilot in the US, and the first woman to fly across the English Channel.First woman to earn her pilot's license was France's Baroness Ftaymonde de Laroche the English Channel.First trial glide, rose a few feet off the ground in a solo flight in 1910, becoming the first American woman pilot. Following her quickly, Harriet Quimby was the first American woman to receive her pilot’s license in 1911 from the Moisant Aviation School at Hempstead, Long Island. Mathilde Moisant became the second, only to retire at the age of 26. “My flying career didn’t last awfully long,” she told an interviewer a few years before her death in 1964, “because in those days that was man’s work, and they didn’t think a nice girl should be in it.” Given that attitude, it is remarkable not only that so many women flew before World War II, but that a few even taught men to fly. Germany’s Melli Beese opened a flying school in Berlin; in the US, Marjorie Stinson became almost legendary as the teacher of Canadian trainees preparing for service with the British Royal Flying Corps. And a black woman, against staggering odds, gained renown in aviation. One of 13 children, she had picked cotton to make money for school. As a black and as a woman, Bessie Coleman found the doors locked at flying schools. So she studied French and sailed for Paris to learn to fly. She returned in 1921, the world’s first licensed black pilot. The early years exacted a horrendous toll of aviation’s pioneers. We can hardly comprehend the machines they called airplanes. Nevertheless, more eager aviators followed, and aviation grew with the women pilots competitive and yet supportive of each other. By 1929, there were over 100 American women, and numerous women in other countries, licensed to fly. In conjunction with the Commemorating the first meeting of the 99s is a bronze plaque placed in the shopping Cleveland Air Races a Women’s Air Derby was launched, which mall which is now on the site of Curtiss Field. began in Santa Monica and finished in Cleveland. After all the racers had arrived in Cleveland, Amelia Earhart, Gladys O’Donnell, Ruth Nichols, Blanche Noyes, Phoebe Omlie and Louise Thaden gathered under the grandstand and, at the cont on p. 8 suggestion of Phoebe, considered forming some kind of organiza­ tion just for women pilots. Others were also thinking along the same lines and Clara Struder, not a pilot herself but in public relations at Curtiss-Wright, galvanized some of the East Coast pilots into action. An organiza­ tional letter went out to all the licensed pilots in the US, signed by Frances Harrell, Neva Paris, Margery Brown and Fay Gillis (Wells). Of the 117 licensed women pilots in the country, 86 responded to the call. On November 2, 1929, 26 women gathered at Curtiss Airport, Valley Stream, New York. Since the weather was bad, most drove in or came by train. Neva Paris was selected as temporary chairman, and club eligibility and purpose were quickly decided. Membership would be open to any woman with a pilot’s license, and the purpose was “good fellowship, jobs and a central office and files on women in aviation.” Several names for the group were suggested, and it was finally decided to use the final number of Charter Members as the name — thus the group became the Ninety-Nines.

AE's pilot's license is one of many personal items of hers on display at International Headquarters.

F c l c h a t io n ACRoNAimguE

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a t i o n a l a e r o n a u t i c ASSOCIATION OF U. S. A

Certificate N o9 V 17 [ K*- above named Awooation. recognized : the 1 ^

«* of ***# Mbfitd ail the condition* required by t F *4 tt* b u n A/ronauUqoe Internationale, an Aviator Pilot » h*Trby brevetted m k hum/ f L /W J„ contest commitrs I r ' In 1946, members numbered 1,000, with the US having over 5,000 women holding airman’s certificates; by 1951, 99s were 1,200 7 ^ 99$ strong. Dues were raised to $5, with $4 going to International, 25C to sections and 754 to chapters. With a $1 initiation fee, dues totaled $6. Today’s member renews for $32, and new memberships are $37. The 99s have always been international. Australian Jessie Keith- Miller competed in the ’29 Women’s Air Derby and attended the first organizational meeting. A German, Charter 99 Thea Rasche, was for several years the only woman in her country with a pilot’s license and a plane of her own. Another German, 99 Hanna Reitsch, is recognized even today as the world’s first and foremost female test pilot. Other outstanding early international members included Nancy Bird Walton, Lady Maie Casey and Nancy Ellis Leebold from Australia; Ada Rogato and Anesia Pinheiro Machado from Brazil; Amy Johnson Mollison, Sheila Scott and Charter 99 Lady Mary Heath from England.

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"Official Headquarters for the Ninety-Nines and for all women pilots in the United States are at the office of the national Secretary-Treasurer, Lauretta M. Schimmoler. at Cleveland Airport, Cleveland, Ohio. On December 11, the national President, Amelia Earhart, presented a flag which says — Women Pilots "99" Headquarters — and this completed the designation." (Excerpted from the January 15. 1933 edition of The Ninety-Niner.J Below the wall ol photographs of past international Presidents is the scrapbook collection belonging to the 99s. Among others is a scrapbook containing many news Since these ladies were of strong will (or they wouldn’t have been clippings of Amelia Earhart's flights. flying in that day and age), leadership problems arose. Opal Kunz became acting president until a formal election could be held. As » BROOKLYN 1)AILT KAGLjgS& Neva Paris, who was in charge of the election, was killed while en route to the air races in Florida, the club remained informally 55 EARHART LANDS SAFELY IN WALJ structured until Amelia Earhart became the first elected President in I lo &°P Ocean 1931. In the early years, officers of the organization handled the business of the club themselves. As the 99s grew, some more permanent arrangement seemed desirable, and in the early ’40s, arrangements were made to have the National Aeronautics Associ­ ation in Washington, D.C. handle the organizational records. Continued growth made it feasible to set up a separate office, attended by Alice Klutas, in New York City in 1951. Headquarters was moved to Oklahoma City in 1955. Office space Executive Director Loretta Gragg and Secretary Pam Mackey look at one of the many was rented in the Will Rogers World Airport terminal building, and books in the 99 library Behind them are just a few of the files for archival material. Dorothy Morgan was hired as the first secretary with the task of setting up the books and records. The concept of our own separate Headquarters building was presented in the early ’70s. A six-acre plot was made available by the Oklahoma City Airport Trust on Will Rogers World Airport, and a 5,000-square-foot facility was built and dedicated in 1975. Currently, a little over one-half of the space is used by the organization, with the remainder being leased to AOPA’s Title Search offices. As well as containing the organizational records and business offices, Headquarters houses treasured memorabilia given to the 99s over the years. On display are many items which once belonged to Amelia Earhart, including the bracelet and scarf which she wore on many record-breaking flights. Plans are now being formulated for a further building expansion, doubling the present size. A Building Expansion Fund has been established, and many donations have already been received for this important project. As the organization continues to receive im­ portant memorabilia and records from women in aviation, and our membership grows, this additional space will be utilized. Back to 1929! The Women’s Air Derby, launched as a part of the In that they “raced against their own advertised air speed, this Cleveland Air Races, established straightforward rules — whoever ‘Amelia Earhart Memorial Race’ could be called a contest,” related got to Cleveland in the least time won! Mardo Crane, pioneer chairman, “and the possibility of an annual The race started in Santa Monica, California, with the racers all-woman transcontinental light plane race was now more than just flying over Yuma, Phoenix, El Paso, Abilene, Ft. Worth, Tulsa, an exciting idea.” Wichita, Kansas City, Cincinnati and then to Cleveland. The most Thirty years later, in its last “commemorative” race, the Powder famous names of the day were in the lineup, with Will Rogers on Puff Derby became history, falling to a combination of problems hand at the takeoff. He prophetically remarked that the start looked including the energy crunch, the difficulty in planning new race like “a powder puff derby.” courses due to escalating Terminal Control Areas and the never- In 1947, when the 30 fantastic years of the Powder Puff Derby ending search for funding. began, the race had but two entries, Dianna Bixby in a military A-26 Today several long-distance races continue in the traddition of and Caroline West in her Ercoupe. They were to start at Santa the PPD — the Air Race Classic, Palms to Pines and the first Monica, as the 1929 racers had, and finish in Tampa as part of the long-distance male or female pilot race, the Grand Prix, to name a Florida Chapter of the 99s’ All-Woman Air Show. The race was few. A number of local 99 chapters also hold 300-sm or less flown by the “honor system” for time, with no authorized stops. Not proficiency or speed races each year. till they reached Tampa did they discover that Dianna had never started due to engine trouble. co n t o-n Y2. /O

Contestants in the first Women's Air Derby in 1929 prepare for takeoff at Santa Monica. California Winners included Louise Thaden in the faster aircraft division, and Phoebe Omlie in the second division.

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INSURANCE n — * ETr PORT WA\Y, BOISE, ID 83705 Heading for the Albany Petticoat Derby are 66 Tammy Armour and Jan Mlnarik in their 1946 Champ. order to field a national team that would compete in bi-annual world competitions was ideal for the 99s organization. Since competitions include navigation and spot landings similar to Another type of competition which has drawn 99s both as those held during NIFA meets, many 99s are already familiar with competitors and workers is the National Intercollegiate Flying judging and operating such events. Association (NIFA). College fliers compete individually and as U SPFT competitions are open to any pilot holding a private teams in spot landing contests and navigation events. license with at least 100 hours of flying time. Past participants have One of the first 99s to become really involved was All-Ohio’s mostly been men from all areas of aviation, from airline captains to Arlene Davis. Her chapter continues that tradition by awarding a local flight instructors, and have included dentists, ranchers, magnificent Arlene Davis trophy at the annual college meet. computer programmers, etc. Only one woman, 99 Carolyn Pilaar, From the rolls of female college fliers have come many 99s, and has been a team member until this year, when 99 Chris Kurianowicz workers for NIFA include many 99s. The International budget earned a position on the 1984 team. contributes money to the trust fund for college fliers; 99s work as In 1985, the 99s and the US will host the international compe­ judges and scorekeepers. The young people who compete at this titions in Kissimmee, Florida. Plans for this major event are well level are the future of aviation, and 99s are proud to be a part of it. under way, with a number of local competitions already scheduled. And what is USPFT? In 1981, the 99s agreed to assume the The air marking program had a very timid birth in 1935. In those responsibility of managing the United States Precision Flight Tearn, days, pilots didn’t have OMNI, ADF or DME, and even their charts previously managed by the National Pilots Association until NPA were doubtful. Where a pilot was could be a major problem. Water was dissolved. tanks, warehouse roofs, drag strips and airports, have all felt the The concept of holding first local, then regional, competitions in furor of 99 paint brushes. But the start came from the pushing of Blanche Noyes, Helen Richey, Louise Thaden, Amelia Earhart, Phoebe Omlie and Nancy Love, many of them Charter Members of the 99s. They began through government channels, and Blanche remained the FAA’s chairman of air marking until the ’70s. Today, nearly every chapter has participated in at least one air marking, and many endorse this activity as one of their most important. A beautiful sloping Kansas hillside in the heartland of America is the site of the International Forest of Friendship, a gift to America on her 200th birthday from the Ninety-Nines and the city of Atchison, birthplace of Amelia Earhart. The Forest is made of trees from the 50 states, territories and 33 foreign countries around the world where there are 99s. Winding through the Forest is Memory Lane, tying American’s flying past to its future by honoring contributors to all facets of the advancement of aviation. Embedded in this ribbon of concrete are granite plaques A collegiate team borrows the ramp for a strategy meeting at the NIFA national meet engraved with the names of many honorees, including Charles Lindbergh, Wiley Post, Amelia Earhart and Moya Lear. Celebrations occur annually near AE’s birthday, July 24. This year festivities are scheduled July 27-29 in Atchison. Ninety-Nines are busy women... flying blood, flying daffodils and patients for the Cancer Society, collecting eyeglasses and medical supplies for Direct Relief International, sponsoring survival and aviation safety seminars, taking children on airport tours, teaching Flight Without Fear clinics, baking cookies for airport tower personnel... the list is endless. Many of these activities are detailed in the numerous chapter reports beginning on page 28 of this issue.

1983's USPFT (earn and their baggage await the train in Skien, Norway, site ot the world precision competitions.

A spot landing over a flag barrier is accomplished by a 1984 competitor in the USPFT Nationals at De Queen, Arkansas In 1954. Air Scouts sponsored by the Phoenix 99s created the world’s largest air marker.

A stroll through Memory Lane at the International Forest of Friendship provides visitors an opportunity to view plaques honoring men and women in aviation.

Anne Black gives the final touch to a newly painted roof at Attica. Indiana. The arrow points to Riley Field. cont. on p . 12 Air marking 99s have special paint-speckled clothes just for this important activity. Arizona Sundance 99s NOTAM are just beginning this paint job. A Ninety-Nines oral history priority list is currently being formed. Do you know a Ninety-Nine who should have her oral history in our archives? If so, send her name and tell us why you think her oral history should be included. Contact The Ninety-Nines, Inc., Att: OH, P.O. Box 59965, Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City OK 73159.

WISCONSIN 99 CHAPTER Sponsors Sixth Annual 99 COOKOUT

During EAA Convention

Tuesday, July 31, 1984

Oshkosh Elks Club Oshkosh, Wisconsin

5 :3 0 p.m.

Native Wisconsin Foods

Bring Swim Suits

Advance Ticket Sale Only

Deadline July 20th

For reservation, send $8.00 (adults), $4.50 (children under 12) to: Lois Truchinski, 1010 E. Griffith, Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494. Limit 150 people. Cancelled check is your receipt. Pick up tickets at Friendship Tent at EAA Convention. ~ T ll2 9 9 5 - Promoting general aviation and aviation safety is a top priority for many 99s. Santa Clara Valley Chapter, for instance, conducts an annual guided Air Tour for county government personnel and other interested groups. The tour is designed to give participants a new and wider perspective of their county, their airports and the impact general aviation has on the local economy. The goal is to create an environment of cooperation and to help officials make informed aviation-related decisions. High on the list for many chapters is working with young people. Greater Seattle Chapter sponsored a one-day Career Fair for Girl Scouts. Barbara Green found herself with a coordinating job which filled her free time for many months as she worked with Scout leaders to set up this event. The group was limited to 60 girls (with 100 on a waiting list), who heard 14 speakers, many of them women, from various aviation-related career fields. The Fair proved so successful, plans were made to make it an annual event. Astronaut/99 Sally Ride floats free as she performs tasks during her history-making A diverse group, the 99s today include notables such as Dr. Sally STS7 flight in 1983. Ride, first American woman in space; Charter 99 Ila Loetscher, the “Turtle Lady” of southern Texas; Charter 99 Fay Gillis Wells, co-chairman of the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas; Dr. Dora Strother, chief of the Human Factors lab at Bell Helicopter; Wally Funk, first woman accident investigator on the National Transportation Safety Board; and Dr. Dorothy Bondar, first Canadian woman astronaut. Others, just as unique or “first” in their own right, are much too numerous to name, but the extensive list would make a Women’s Hall of Fame. All of us... domestic engineers who love the sheer thrill of flying, flight instructors, salespersons, bank tellers, teachers, nurses, grandmothers, airline pilots... strive today for the same goals as those Charter Members established so long ago... “good fellowship, jobs” ... a support group for aviation-minded women. “There are no new worlds to conquer,” said Amelia Earhart, “this side of the moon.” Tomorrow, there is the other side of the moon. Honored tor having flown tor over 50 years are 99s Alice Hammond, Betty Huyler Sources for this article include Women Aloll by Time-Life Books. History ot The Gillies, Connie Wolf. Edna Gardner Whyte, Evelyn Waldren, Melba Beard and Nancy Ninety-Nines, Inc. and the archives of the 99s. Hopkins Tier.

Commercial helicopter pilot llovene Potter answers questions from Girl Scouts | at the Greater Seattle Chapter's recent Aviation Career Fair. 99 MEMBERS & SPOUSES:

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1. THE PRICES ARE VERY COMPETITIVE (LOW)

2. COVERAGE IS BROAD (ALASKA UP TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE & MEXICO, ETC.) Pete Johnson demonstrates the capabilities ot the AST 300 simulator to Hazel Jones and Marilyn Copeland. *3. CLAIM SERVICE: EXPEDIENT!!! (THE BEST ANYONE HAS AST Simulator HEARD ABOUT IN THE Installed at Headquarters INDUSTRY) WRITE: JEANNE LINE, OMAHA AREA 99 A recent gift to the 99s is an Aviation Simulation Technology C/O A VIA TION INSURANCE SERVICES Model 300 multiengine simulator from Charlie Mann and Judy Dill of P.O. BOX 288 Aviation Simulator and Flight Training in Phoenix, Arizona. FREMONT NE 68025 Delivered to Oklahoma City through special arrangements made by Ft. Worth 99 Carole Wheeler, President Marilyn Copeland and OR CALL COLLECT: (402) 721-2125 Director Hazel Jones took official possession March 16. OMAHA OFFICE: (402) 333-9355 With an instructor console, navigation plotter and visual system, the 300 provides real-world navigation with the ability to fly in and out of clouds. Its computer-generated visual display can present any navigation area in the Oklahoma City area, as it contains all of the airports and navaids in Oklahoma. Complete with RNAV, dual VORs and the ability to “freeze the action,” the AST 300 also has the ability to fail any or all of the instruments, simulating a system failure.

Gifts to International Headquarters AE Memorabilia $ Warren L. Felton, II, M.D. Air Age Education Nebraska Chapter Archives Louise Smith. Past International President Carolinas Chapter AAR of Oklahoma, Mr. T.F. Stranczek, President Southwest Section Warren L. Felton, II, M.D. Building Expansion Fund Broneta Davis Evans. Past International President, Oklahoma Chapter Blanche Noyes, Bequest the Air Bear Wichita Falls Chapter, for J. Pickens Coleman, Handcrafted black walnut bear decorated with helmet, father of Carolyn Sanders goggles and white scarf. Ideal gift to commemorate pilot Lois Feigenbaum, Past International President, rating o r aw ard. 4Vi>"H. Cape Girardeau Chapter C vf 50 $1.00 if personalized with name and/or Headquarters certificate number. Ohio residents add 5'/2%. Evelyn Briggs, San Diego Chapter Send check or money order to: Rosalie Burchett Shreveport Chapter BRAMBLE BUSH WOODCRAFTS Space City Chapter 2293 Donald Road, Bethel OH 45106 Move Over, Sally Ride

by Peggy Smith

Maple Leaf Chapter and the East Canada One of the astronauts will be selected for a best now and when she takes off in the Section were both delighted and very proud flight in the fall of 1984. Other scheduled shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center in the to sponsor a lecture in January at the flights include the fall of 1985 and 1986. near future! London Flying Club by Dr. Roberta Bondar, The winds of time and graduate work in one of six astronauts selected for the London, Toronto, Hamilton, Toronto Canadian astronaut program. Proud, es­ (again), London (again), Boston and pecially, because Roberta has been a mem­ Toronto (once again) have dictated to ber of the Maple Leaf Chapter since 1979. Roberta that flying take a back seat for a Roberta has accomplished so much, yet while. However, over the past year, she is remains sincere and down to earth (??) with back in the sky, and with the aid of another a great sense of humour. She has degrees in astronaut, Bjarni Tryggvason, as her flying zoology, experimental pathology, neuro­ instructor, is looking forward to at last biology, medicine and neurology. getting her night endorsement and perhaps Roberta began flying in Sault St. Marie, her float endorsement later this summer. Michigan with her uncle and then obtained Roberta’s closing remarks at the lecture her private pilot’s licence in August 1968 at were worthy to note: “I’d like the oppor­ Milwood Air Services at the Soo Ontario tunity to fly in the shuttle. I’d like this to Airport. happen before I’m 80 and have cataracts or Roberta heard about the astronaut train­ something.” (Really indicative of how things ing on the radio and applied, along with move in Canada!) 4,300 others. That eventually was reduced As well as being a member of the Ninety- to 1,200, then to 68 and to 19. Voila! It was Nines, Roberta is also treasurer of the down to the present six. The project she will Canadian Society for Aviation Medicine and be involved with is in the area of motion a member of the Canadian Society for sickness, considered the key medical prob­ Aeronautics and Space Institute, Canadian lem confronted by astronauts. Owners and Pilots Association and the Training over the next two years for the Flying Physicians. six astronauts will take place in Ottawa, Roberta is off to a wild and hectic two- Toronto, Montreal and Houston, Texas. year period, and we all wish her the very Dr. Robert* Bondar

Ninety-Nines to Receive “Spirit of Flight” Award

During Dayton’s International Air Show week, July 20-21, the National Aviation Hall of Fame will award the Spirit of Flight Award to The Ninety-Nines, Inc. This prestigious award is a beautiful painting of the Wright brothers’ first flight, and recognizes the 99s for their long-term contributions to aviation. Receiving the award for the organization will be Marilyn Copeland, International Presi­ dent. I At the same program, gold enshrinement medals will be awarded to John Leland Atwood; Maj. General Albert Boyd, USAF; Henry Ford; and Brig. General Joseph F. Foss, ANG (retired).

New Decal* Available Beautiful blue and gold 99 decals are now available from International Head­ quarters. The smaller (6"x2M>") decal (specify either inside or outside type) is $1 ppd. The larger decal (12"x4V4") is $2 ppd. Order from International Headquar­ ters, P.O. Box 59965, Oklahoma City OK 73159. Cash rebates up to $25,000and 12.9% APR Fixed bate. GOOD DEALS AND GOOD FINANCING ON SELECTED NEW CESSNAS.

Who says you can’t fly more plane for less money? Cessna offers you a chance at both. Cessna Finance Corporation will provide 1 2.9% APR financing for the total term of your finance contract.Terms of up to 8 years on high performance singles, and up to 10 years on Crusaders, are available. And the good news only begins there. You can finance as much as 80% of your new Cessna. Then, depending on the aircraft you select, you'll receive a factory-direct rebate, ranging from $8,000 on a Skylane all the way up to $25,000 for a Crusader. Contact your participating Cessna Dealer today and make your best deal on a new Cessna. Or call us toll free at 1-800-423-7762 for more details.Youll be doing yourself three favors: getting the airplane you want now, benefiting from the best financing in the business, and

Crusader $25,000 Rebate receiving a plump rebate check from

With Cessna Finance Cor­ Cessna in the bargain. poration's new finance plan, take up to eight years to pay But youll have to move quickly... fora high performance single, or ten years fo r a Crusader. these offers are for a limited time only. Q e sS lia M e m b e r o f G A M A

These offers available only on selected new 1983 and 1984 models through participating Dealers in the U.S. (excluding Hawaii), for sales to U.S. citizens, or U.S. registered businesses. Other restrictions may apply, including qualification by Cessna Finance Corporation. Getting and Giving AE Recipients Pass on Benefits

by Jean Pearson

Not only have Amelia Earhart Memorial Among the international winners of AE woman to make a powered flight, piloting a Scholarships helped many women pilots Scholarships are Nancy Ellis Leebold and dirigible over Paris, France. achieve their career goals, they have ad­ June Perry, Australia; Lorna Vivian de The first license for powered aircraft vanced considerably the status of women in Blicquy and Betty Jane Schermerhorn, issued any woman in the world was present­ aviation. Canada; Yvonee Van den Dool, South ed March 8,1910 to Baroness Raymonde de Established 42 years ago, these scholar­ Africa; Janet Ferguson and Yvonne Pope, Laroche after she passed her qualifying ships have made it possible for their recipi­ England. tests to the satisfaction of the Aero Club of ents to make their dreams become reality. Three past winners are currently serving France. She had been taught to fly in 1909 They are administered by six trustees of on the Ninety-Nines International Board: by Charles Voisin in the double kite-box- the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Barbara Goetz-Sestito, Schermerhorn and appearing plane he and his brother, Gabriel, Fund for The Ninety-Nines, Inc. Four of the Hazel Jones. built at the Chalons air field in France. trustees are elected for three-year terms by The first AE Research Scholar Grant in American women first went aloft in bal­ the membership, and two are appointed by 1978 went to Dorothy Neikamp, who de­ loons in the 1800s, and Mary H. Myers set a the Ninety-Nines to permanent trustee­ veloped an annotated bibliography of world balloon altitude record in 1886 by ships. All serve voluntarily, donating their women in aviation. Shirley Render, Winni­ soaring four miles above Franklin, Pennsyl­ time and expenses to govern the Fund, peg, was awarded a similar grant in 1983 to vania. assist in its growth and develop additional research and write about Canadian women Harriet Quimby, first licensed American opportunities for women in aviation. pilots. She is finishing this project in the near woman pilot, was the first woman to fly solo Award monies each year come from future. across the English Channel in 1911, and interest on invested capital in the AE Trustees of the Fund have administered more than 50 years ago Amelia Earhart Scholarship Fund, plus one-half of dona­ the five American Flyers/ATE certificate/ completed her history-making solo flight tions and individual gifts received from scholarships given annually to deserving across the Atlantic. chapters of the Ninety-Nines each year. The Ninety-Nine members. Each of these scho­ Charter Member and first President of other half is added to the Fund to increase larships provides a $1,000 credit toward the Ninety-Nines, Earhart was enthusias­ the interest on income capital. A memorial ground or flight training at one of the several tically devoted to helping other women or special donation may also be especially training centers operated nationally by succeed in aviation careers. designated for the Fund during the year. American Flyers/ATE. Winners of these Whether the winners have gone on to Not all of the scholarships requested or awards have distinguished themselves in impart their special skills to other pilots as presented are for flight training; they range their professional approach and high stan­ instructors, developed aerospace education from training for an instrument flight rating dards of performance. courses in schools and colleges, risen to to airline transport pilot certificate, women Underscoring the fact that women have responsible positions in aviation administra­ pilots seeking academic degrees in aviation succeeded in pioneering in all phases of tion or become corporate, airline or military fields or obtaining certification in technical aviation is the lengthy list of historical pilots, they have also served as excellent skills, such as aircraft and power plant “firsts.” The first woman pilot was Jeanne representatives of aviation in general and repair and maintenance, are also eligible. Labrosse, who soloed a balloon in France in women in particular. Also, the Fund has a financial assistance 1798. Fourteen years earlier, Elizabeth They have consistently expressed appre­ program for academic research that will Thible, Lyons, France, had become the first ciation for the help they received through increase the world’s knowledge on partici­ woman aloft as a passenger in a hot air AE Scholarships and are actively contri­ pation of women in aviation and aerospace. balloon. buting to passing their benefits along to Research may be in the disciplines of In 1903, Aida de Acosta was the first others. history, medicine, psychology, physiology, economics, sociology, administration or Nancy Ellis Leebold (lell), at the controls of a DeHavilland Twin Otter, wears decorations under her pilot s wings other academic fields related to women’s representing awards from Queen Elizabeth for service to aviation. She gives credit for this to the AE Scholarship of 1954 which permitted her to gain engineering qualifications in Australia, a land where outback engineering facilities aviation activities. were very limited. Ginger Mitchell (center), who used her 1982 AE Scholarship to obtain an ATP, is now a captain with During the past 42 years, 128 scholar­ San Juan Airlines. Gabrielle Anita Thorp (right) also won an AE Scholarship in 1982. obtained her multiengine ATP in October, joined the Arizona Air National Guard, received her Air Force pilot’s wings and went on to KC-135 transition ships have been awarded women pilots who training. have successfully proved their ability and interest in pursuing aviation careers. In 1941, the first Amelia Earhart Scholar­ ship (a modest $150 grant for an instrument flight rating) was awarded Pat Gladney, Los Altos, California. Gladney, who learned to fly at age 16 while in high school, joined the Ninety-Nines in 1935. She became a flight instructor, participated in 26 All-Woman Transcontinental Air Races, and is still in­ structing flight students in California. In 1983, 10 scholarships amounting to nearly $17,000 were awarded. Each stipend depends upon well-documented evidence of the sum needed for the advanced training requested. Flight simulation officers. Second Lieutenants Dale Hawthorne and Julie Tizard, check the controls In a KC-135 simulator at the First Dynamics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB. Ohio. A long, hard climb US Air Force photo Making it in the Military by Liz Burdette

“Fun, frustration and uncountable new Women are prevented from taking com­ challenges and experiences — some good, bat roles in all military branches through the some not so....” US Navy Ensign Colleen US Code, Section 6015, passed by Con­ Nevius’ description of her seven years’ gress in 1948. House hearings in 1980 in­ experience as a Navy pilot has been echoed dicated that Defense Department officials by many other women pilots in the military. and others find 6015 a cumbersome re­ The first woman naval aviator to become straint on the flexibility of assignments to a test pilot, Nevius shares, too, the desire to many military jobs. be trained and treated like any other pilot, Kathleen Carpenter, deputy assistant with no special considerations or restric­ secretary of Defense for equal opportunity, tions. told the Armed Forces Journal magazine “Ability is more than gender,” she said. “It that the Pentagon will seek repeal of 6015 at doesn’t matter which locker room I use.” every budget hearing. Air Force CWO Marcia Bagby, who was Admiral Thomas Hayward, chief of naval the first woman helicopter pilot in Korea, operations, said he is against women in assigned to medical evacuation, maintains a combat, but that repeal of 6015 is an issue sense of humor about the attitude of some for Congress and the American people, not men pilots toward women. the Pentagon, to settle. “I just stay cool and refuse to be ruffled “I have mixed feelings about that,” said when 1 sense male hostility.” Young. “Society and the nation don’t seem Having encountered restrictions in the quite ready for women flying in combat.” nine years she has been in the military, Because of their minority status and the Lieutenant Lucy Young, who flew an A94 relatively short span of time in which they tactical jet aircraft at Barbers Point Naval have been active participants in the military, Air Station in Kauai, Hawaii before becom­ women continue a long list of “firsts.” ing the Navy’s first woman instructor in Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth advanced A-4 training, points to great Dole is the first woman to head a depart­ strides made by women in the military. ment which also contains a branch of the Ensign Colleen Nevius. Navy test pilot, delights In “When I entered the Navy in 1975, we armed forces — the US Coast Guard. showing a non-helicopter pilot (especially Navy tighter pilots) what a challenge and how much fun the helo is. couldn’t go near a jet, hit a boat or make an Women aviators in the US Navy numbered 65 pilots and amphibious ship helicopter landing.” cont. on p. 18 21 naval flight officers as of June 1983 Making it in the Military AFB May 9, 1983, to Rhein-Main Air Base, survive the minus 20-degree nights.” Germany. It was also the first time an all­ Thorp finally made it to the KC-135 cont. from p. 17 woman crew was drawn from the same training program at Castle AFB, California, squadron — the 18th Military Airlift Squad­ a concentrated three-and-a-half-month Many women have become impatient ron at McGuire. Heavy media coverage was academic and flight training school. with the slow progress of women pilots since accepted graciously by the crew. “Although a part-timer, I will fly the same Ensign Gail Ann Gordon became the first Proving that motivation, perseverance missions as the active forces. This set-up is woman to solo in a Navy training plane and self-discipline are the keys to success in what I consider to be the best of two worlds. March 25, 1966. military flying, Gabrielle Thorp has pro­ The opportunity for growth with the Guard “My personal story,” said Nevius, “has gressed steadily into her present position as is an exciting one, and I am both honored been one of leaping at opportunities as they an operational crew member, flying a KC- and proud to be a Guard pilot. presented themselves.” 135 with the Arizona Air National Guard. The personal stories of Nevius and Thorp In her first three years’ tour of duty, she “From the day of my first flying lesson in closely parallel those of thousands of other and Karen Thornton were two women of 90 September of 1977, I have been in awe of women military pilots, and their numbers pilots assigned to their squadron. military flying. Thoughts of becoming a are multiplying daily. “It was terrific flying, and being two military aviator flying a jet-powered aircraft The integration of women into the many women on a ship with 400 or so men was not were the furthest thing from reality as I areas of military life has not been without the problem many would envision. The pace struggled to master flying the Cessna 152.” problems. was such that we rarely had time to ‘sweat But she kept reflecting, regrouping and Commander John M. Quarterman, the small stuff.’ We weren’t ‘dropping revising her plans for the future. First, she commanding officer of HM-12m, Norfolk, bombs on Hanoi’ or anything very radical, made it through officers training and was Virginia, said, “We went from 11 to 44 but we were accomplishing a vital Navy assigned to undergraduate pilot training, women within three months. We had no mission, that of keeping supplies moving, where she was the only woman among 33 place to house them, a shortage of small which is critical in both peacetime and war. flightmates. helmets, and even the smallest ones were That was very satisfying.” After receiving her wings, she spent six too big for some of the women. Five even Lieutenant Judy Neuffer, who was in the days in the USAF survival school. “Six days had to have a size three shoe, and the first group of females to undergo Navy flight in the woods of mountainous northern smallest foul-weather jackets didn’t fit training, and the first woman pilot to fly into Washington state in January was a real some.” the eye of a hurricane, has positive feelings shock for this desert-oriented city girl. We Numerous women have demonstrated about her situation. walked over 10 miles in snowshoes with 60- that they can combine a career in military Recognizing that it is hard for some pound backpacks, and I thought I’d never flying with a family. Lieutenant Jane O ’Dea, people to accept change, she stresses that she has personally received outstanding acceptance as plane commander from her male crew. “Each and every one of them is a special friend and will remain close friends forever. They’ve made the difference be­ tween doing a job and loving a job.” Other “pioneers” in Naval aviation in­ clude Lieutenant Joellen Drag Oslund, first woman officer helicopter pilot in 1974; Lieutenant Lynn Spruill, first woman Navy pilot to carrier qualify in a fixed wing aircraft, and Lt. Commander Barbara Allen Rainey, first Navy woman to receive her wings. All these women remain active. In March 1983 a milestone was reached in carrier aviation when An all-female crew, the “Truckin’ Traders,” conducted an opera­ tional mission in a C-1A Trader that termi­ nated in a carrier arrested landing aboard the USS Ranger, a carrier unit operating off Central America. The Army, which contained 116 women pilots as of January 1982, boasts Sally Murphy, first woman aviator in the Army; Mary Reid, instructor pilot, and Captain Linda Horan, first to check out in an armed Cobra helicopter. Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr announced March 16, 1982 that women would be assigned to air crews in AW ACS. Presently, three women have completed training at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City as mission ready copilots. They are members of operational crews on E-3A aircraft in the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Sys­ tems squadron. A history-making Military Airlift Com­ Making a preflight check on the wheel of her T-38 trainer at Williams AFB. Arizona, is Captain Susan mand (MAC) mission featured an all-woman Rogers, member of the first group of women entering crew of seven which flew from McGuire undergraduate pilot training in the Air Force in 1976. US Air Foret photo the first Navy woman to qualify as a flight the first rate men who will some day become go into combat. The projected young male instructor, has managed to develop suitable generals and admirals, would never settle population in the 1990s alone makes this a family arrangements with her two daughters for flying in protected roles. sad reality.” and civilian husband. “One way this will change is when the But Mariner believes that, despite the A brother and sister, Frank and June ‘women in combat’ issue receives political problems, young women should be encour­ Groffs, are both second lieutenants with the support as a result of public support. The aged to enter military aviation. From a New Jersey Air National Guard’s 170th Air public will not support that concept until pilot’s viewpoint, there is no better place to Refueling Group at McGuire AFB. He flies military women themselves — and our get real world experience, and no other KC-135 Stratotankers, and she will be join- civilian supporters — articulate the prob­ place one can fly airplanes like the F-15. lems and basic injustice of the situation. “But there is a great deal more to it than “The other way it will change is — Heaven simple flying,” she added. “We are military forbid the day — when the country gets officers and sworn to defend our nation — involved in an all-out war. Sooner or later, and that means risking the day when the bad depending on the casualty rate, women will guys are trying to shoot you down.”

*MO

Lieutenant Commander Rosemary Mariner. USN. in front of an A-7E. and currently flying off the USS Lexington, is completing a book about her experiences and feelings about women in the military and female aviators. ing him when she completes the training AAR’S QUALITY TEAM program at Mather AFB, California, and IS BRINGING EXCELLENCE TO OKLAHOMA KC-135 training at Castle AFB, California. More often, women pilots have married BUSINESS AVIATION WITH THE FINEST men who share their profession. Astronauts Dr. Sally Ride and her husband, Steven PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND Hawley, and Dr. Rhea Seddon and Robert SUPPORT IN THE SOUTHWEST T. Gibson are famous examples. Expressing strong feelings about the role of women in the military is Lt. Commander Rosemary Mariner, whose credentials rank her as one of the foremost women in aviation. A long list of her prestigious achieve­ ments includes being the first female aviator to fly a front-line tactical A-7E jet, first to qualify as Officer of the Deck on an aircraft carrier, five years in weapon research and development as A-7 project pilot, probably the only female aviator to have any sig­ AVIATION SPECIALISTS IN nificant experience with weapons and tac­ Aircraft Charter tics, with approximately 3,000 hours of military/civilian flight time. New and Used Aircraft Sales Carrier qualified, LCDR Mariner is as­ Aircraft Maintenance • Propeller Overhaul signed to the USS Lexington. She recently Avionics Repair and Installation • Interior Shop flew off the USS Carl Vinson out of San Diego and spent another two weeks in the 24-Hr. Complete Parts Service Gulf of Mexico. Concerning her experiences, Mariner Call for more information _ ^ said that military aviation is a great pro­ 405/681-2361 fession, but until the combat restrictions are 800/654-4492 removed, women are playing in the minor In Oklahoma OKLAHOMA, INC leagues. 800/522-4735 “While many young women may believe they have equal career opportunities, they Will Rogers World Airport • P.O. Box 59100 • Oklahoma City. Oklahoma 73159 are kidding themselves. The real ‘players,’ Maureen Barnes - Ursula Gilgulin - Rosemary Mariner • Edna Gardner Whyte - first woman pilot for Royal fixed base operator, Leadville Navy pilot; first woman pilot to past International 99 President; Hawaiian Air Service, the oldest Airport, Colorado. become carrier-qualified. 82-year-old flight instructor. commuter airline in Hawaii. Grace Harris - Broneta Evans - Nikki Caplan • Stephanie Wells - author, former secretary of the past International 99 President; record-setting balloonist; third woman instructor pilot in National Aeronautic International Flying Farmers recipient of the Montgolfier the US Air Force. Association. 1983 Woman of the Year. Diplom a. Corporate Angel Network Receives Volunteer Action Award

At a May 7 luncheon at the White House, President Ronald Reagan presented the 1984 Volunteer Action Awards. Among the recipients was our own Pat Blum, co-founder (along with Jay Weinberg) of the Corporate Angel Network (CAN). Pat commented, “I can add that the luncheon and awards presentation ceremonies were- absolutely splendid. President Reagan, a warm and gracious host, gave the recipients the ultimate recognition when he suggested that the Volunteer Action Awards, given for high achievement in civilian life, could be compared to the Congressional Medal of Honor Awards, given for exceptional service in the Armed Forces. “All in all, we’re still flying high on excitement!” Pat and Jay founded the Corporate Angel Network in 1981 to provide free transportation for cancer patients to the 21 compre­ hensive cancer centers and 50 institutions that offer additional specialized cancer care across the United States. Blum and Weinberg, both recovered cancer patients, realized that empty seats on corporate aircraft were an important underutilized resource. It is frequently necessary for cancer patients to spend large amounts of money on transportation to and from treatment centers, costs that generally are not covered by insurance. CAN is a major innovation because corporations can offer an invaluable Co-founders of the Corporate Angel Network are 99 Pat Blum and Jay Weinberg service — the use of empty seats on already scheduled flights for cancer patients traveling for treatment — at no cost to the County Airport in White Plains, New York, and each month corporation. approximately 20 flights are coordinated. Referrals to CAN are made by physicians and staff at the cancer Still growing, the program now includes more than 750 aircraft treatment centers. CAN is coordinated by a group of 15 volunteers belonging to over 250 participating corporations and a number of and one paid staff member headquartered at the Westchester labor unions.

Bronwen Searle - Grace McGuire - Maria Eliana Christen - Laura Jobe - Australian 99. 99 re-creating AE's last flight. Chilean 99. Texas Aeronautics Commission. Simona Yammine - Mary Anglin - Gwen Bellew - Doris Renninger - first female commercial pilot in corporate pilot. balloonist; governor of the Whirly-Girl #49. Lebanon. Inkeri Kurkela - British Section. Jerrie Cobb - governor of the Finnish Section. Mary Jo Voss - Jane Templeton Wilson - first vice chairman of the first woman to complete NASA’s instructor and dispatcher for Fran Bera - Indiana Chapter, recently Mercury astronaut tests. Royale Airlines. FAA pilot examiner; only reinstated; earned license in Janice Brown - woman to win Beech Aircraft Mary “Joan” Reindl - 1936 and attended Purdue at the Harmon Trophy winner for her Million Dollar Sales Award for 1983 Flight Instructor of the same time as AE; now resides in work with solar-powered flight. aircraft sales. Year. Michigan City, Indiana. Mary Feik - Dorothy Ruether - first woman civilian engineer in Long Beach 99 who became a the US Army Air Corps in World pilot in 1934. War II; presently a restoration specialist at the Garber facility Betty Miller - in Silver Hill, Maryland. Los Angeles GADO; Pacific ferry pilot. Sandi Pierce Melvin - Pauline Glasson - El Paso 99; air show pilot. over 30,000 flying hours; avid air Susan Horstman - racer. National Airlines' first woman co p ilot. Carolyn Curies - named 1980 Elementary Dr. Sally Ride - Educator of the Year by the physicist/astronaut with NASA. American Society for Aerospace Education. 22i y

Pilot/Lawyer, Executive Lorna de Blicquy - Ada Mitchell Barrett - Canada's first Ministry of one of the organizers of the Transport woman inspector. Maryland Chapter and its first Sandra Simmons - chairman; the chapter is honoring her in the Forest of Rising to the Top Braniff International’s first Friendship and recently woman pilot. Impressive credentials of Arlene Feldman, director of aeronautics presented her a bonsai tree. for the state of New Jersey, would qualify her for top billing in Deana Robertson - pipeline pilot. anybody’s “Who’s Who” of American women. An active 99 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter, Feldman was Wally Funk - the first honorary member of the Professional Women Controllers. first woman air safety Before assuming her present post, she was the supervising investigator with the National attorney in the Law Department of the United States Railway Transportation and Safety Board. Association (USRA), where she represented the federal govern­ ment in legislation resulting from the reorganization of the Penn- Connie Huffman - Central Railroad and other bankrupt railroads under the Railroad All-Ohio air traffic controller. Reorganization Act of 1973. Jean Pearson - She has also served as an accident prevention counselor for the WASP; retired Navy lieutenant Federal Aviation Administration and a consultant in aviation law to commander; aviation author; AE members of the legal profession and to aviation groups. Scholarship Board member. Major achievements in her fields of expertise include serving as Dr. Carol A. Roberts - regional vice president of the National Association of State Aviation Ph.D.. P.E., chief of Laboratory Officials and chairperson of the Regional Airport Systems Advisory Services Division, National Committee of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. Transportation Safety Board. She is a member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar, Lawyer Pilot Bar Association, Zonta International and the Wings education, aviation law and safety. Club. Other significant responsibilities include memberships in the Although her myriad of official duties leaves her little time for American Association of Airport Executives and the Standing recreation, she has managed to participate in some “fun” activities, Committee on Aviation of the American Association of State such as the All-Women Transcontinental Air Race (Powder Puff Highway and Transportation. Derby), and has been recognized by the FAA, Eastern Region and Also an author and lecturer, she has written numerous technical Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the 99s for her contributions to works for trade journals and spoken to groups on aerospace aviation.

HISTORY OF

All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race, Inc. is publishing a coffee table, hard-back cover book featuring the THIRTY TRANSCONTINENTAL SKY TRAILS of the Powder Puff Derby. This book contains the history of the race, maps showing all the routes, outstanding data and results of each race, listing of all contestants, many photos, highlights, interesting stories and comments from racers, guest editors and friends. Pre-publlcatlon price $15 plus $2 shipping charge. (Price after September 1,1984 will be $20.)

We have a few gold-plated PPD pins for $20 (available ONLY to those who flew the race).

Send orders to: AWTAR, Inc., c/o Barbara Evans, 47 Colonial Parkway, Manhasset NV 11030. Julia Abston - Sharyn Emminger - Bonnie Quintal - Dr. Dora Strother - Alaska Airlines pilot. A loha 99. pi lot/registered nurse from chief of Human Factors Joyce Case James - Norfolk Island. Engineering and Cockpit Beech Aircraft production test Sharon Fall - Arrangement, Bell Textron first officer with Federal Sheryl Jones - pilot. Helicopter. Express. Bell Helicopter's only saleswoman. Nancy Keith - Jeni Arton - Gladys Morrison - Whirly-Girl, 99 from South rode in and piloted the 1982 Flight Instructor of the Pam Collings • Africa. Goodyear blimp, "Enterprise." Year. New Zealand aerobatic pilot. Alice Roberts - Pat Blum - Jayne Shiek - Viola Gentry - founder of the Corporate Angel first place winner of the 1957 chairman of the Women's Charter Member who had her Network (CAN). Powder Puff Derby. Forum at Oshkosh; first woman license temporarily suspended Terri Donner - to serve on the Board of in 1926 for flying under the Diana “Ace” Abramson - airport inspector for the state of Directors of the Experimental Brooklyn and Manhattan first female A&P for Flying Tiger W isconsin. Aircraft Association. Bridges. Airlines. Fifty-Three Years a Pilot by Grace H. Lienemann

As a member of the Ninety-Nines, I’ve met many interesting and you’d better have the right answers. Then he would ask about pilots. We have willingly shared experiences among ourselves. One meteorology, another subject to be very knowledgeable about. I had such pilot is one of the founding members of the Michigan Chapter. to know navigation well, and the inside workings of the engine. He She shared some of her experiences with us. talked to me for a long, long while on those subjects. 1 met Alice Hirschman Hammond at the Amelia Earhart Memorial “Then he had me climb into the plane. He never got in with me. He Brunch, a gathering that also commemorated 50 years of activity for stood on the ground and watched while I did the maneuvers he had the Michigan Chapter. Alice had been invited to be one of our instructed me to do. Mind you, he drove his car onto the field and speakers, and she elected to talk about her early years of flying. instructed me to takeoff beside it. T o lift off, I mean. He ordered me She invited us to ask questions. to fly three shallow lazy eights using a nearby tree as center point. “How old were you when you began flying?” After I completed the shallow lazy eights, he wanted me to do three “Oh, dear,” she replied, “I was just a girl.” steep lazy eights and then to land back beside the car. “How long have you been a pilot?” “Well! I went up and did the things he had asked me to, and then “Fifty-three years,” she answered firmly. landed besiae his car. He walked over to me and asked that I do a '“Would you tell us about your check ride?” ‘180’ takeoff and landing, and then do a ‘360,’ circling the complete “Yes, I’d love to.” field, and then land over his car. Listening to Alice Hammond talk about her early flying experi­ “So, I did the takeoff and ‘180,’ and then the takeoff with the ‘360’ ences was hypnotic. You could imagine how this silver-haired lady in and the landing over his car. He motioned for me to meet him in the her lavender and lace dress must have looked as a young girl. She airport building. Ju st a wave of his arm. Not a word about how I had stood tall today, and yesterday did not seem so far away. This done. slender lady was a tall, slim girl with honey blond hair and vivid blue “I taxiied the plane back, tied it down, and ran to catch up with the eyes. She described the tailored shirt and jodhpurs that were the examiner. We walked into the building together. He turned and uniform of the day for aviators. The leather helmet, the goggles and, handed me the certificate I had just earned. What a thrill! He of course, leather boots to keep the feet warm. One could begin to congratulated me and shook my hand. And that, dear people, was see her climbing into the cockpit of her airplane. my check ride!” She was saying, “Every story has a beginning. I’ll start mine by More questions came from the audience. telling you what airports were like in the days when I learned to fly. “How many hours did you have when you did your check ride?” “First off, you must know that airports were round. Yes, “Actual flying hours? About 13 and a half. Plus many hours’ study complete circles! There were no paved runways or taxi strips. One about the plane, engine, weather and navigation," she replied. took off into the wind, regardless of its direction. This caught everyone’s attention, and another question flew her “I did my flying from the Gratiot Airport (Roseville, Michigan). A way. shopping center stands there now. Nonetheless, many of us old- “What did it cost to fly a plane in those days?” timers flew from the old Hartung Airport, more commonly referred “Well, sir! It was $3 an hour for the plane, and the instructor was to as the Gratiot Airport. $5.” “The plane I took my check ride in was a Curtiss Wright Jr. The “Who was your first passenger?” someone called from the back of fuselage looked like a canoe. The wings were high, and the engine the room. was a pusher. It was a rather odd airplane. The engine was a “Oh, my dad, of course. I was so proud to show him what I had three-cylinder OX-5 with 38.5 horsepower. It was easy to see the accomplished.” mains; they were directly beneath me. The tail had a skid, not a “What time of the year did you take your check ride?” wheel. There were no brakes on the planes of those days, so we “It was November. November of 1930 around Thanksgiving Day. stopped with the skid scraping and digging into the ground. There It was a cold day, a very cold day. And no heater in the plane!” was a real trick to that kind of landing. It was nice to share the memories of this gracious and very active “Now let me tell you, sometimes the instructors I worked with 99. She learned to fly at a time when women were supposed to be would have me take off and do a ‘180’ and land back on the spot I content darning socks. Women who flew were considered to be took off from. Other times we would take off and do a ‘360’ and land wealthy eccentrics. Some of them were. But, two years later, in on the takeoff spot. It was a maneuver I was expected to perform 1932, Amelia Earhart flew the Atlantic, and the role of women in well. But, that is getting ahead of the story a bit. aviation began to evolve in earnest. Fifty-one years later, Sally Ride “Also, I must tell you that there were no written tests in those became America’s first woman in space. days. The examiner would ask questions concerning the airframe, 994. you Sltould Know

Dorothy Niekamp - Gene Nora Jessen - Carole Hallett - first Amelia Earhart Research International 99 Director; 99s California assemblywoman. Scholar recipient; the Research history advocate. Scholar grant monies were used Betty Rogers - to prepare an annotated Gabrielle Anita Thorp - first female airworthiness bibliography of articles on spray pilot; Air National Guard inspector for the FAA. pilot. women in aviation. Yae Nozoki - Taghrid Akasheh • Marilyn Copeland - founder of the Japanese Women Jordanian 99; airline pilot for 27th President of the 99s. Pilots Association. ALI. Nancy Hopkins Tier • Mary Gaffaney - Charter Member. 1972 winner of the Women's Fay Gillis Wells - Dr. Anne Spoerry - Championship, World Aerobatic Charter Member; co-chairman Championships. Ruth Deerman - of the International Forest of flying doctor in Africa. founder of the 66 program in the Friendship. Nelwyn Choy - Rosella Bjornson - Canada's first woman airline early '60s. Hawaiian 99. pilot. Jill Richardson - Ruth Reinhold - Alaska Airlines pilot. pilot for Senator Barry Lyn Clark - G oldw ater. back country pilot. Charlene Davis - Kathy Fox - grade school teacher; avid air served six years as president of racer. the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association. Ellen Corder - helicopter pilot. Ida Van Smith - retired New York public school Fiorenza de Bernardi - teacher, founder of 11 flight Italian 99; president of clubs for children. European Women Pilots. Arlene Feldman - Patrice Clark - director of aeronautics for the first female pilot for Trans- state of New Jersey. Island Airlines.

FOR 99's ONLY! Excellent coverage at a special price A Group Insurance Program for 99's Aviation Insurers for over 35 years Alaskan Coverage Extension

Judith A. Congreve - commercial pilot at age 18. Senja Robey - helped to found the Australian Women Pilots Association; invested with the livery of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators. Bette Davis - avid air racer. Connie Wolf - record-setting balloonist. Underwriters Mildred Beamish - See your Independent Agent or Broker. Saskatchewan Chapter's flying P.O. Box 1660/Houston, TX 77251 (713) 525-6100 grandmother. A DIVISION OF CRAVENS, DARGAN & COMPANY Michelle Stauffer - successful aircraft salesperson. About the contributors: Judy Logue is a teacher, artist and past chairman of the Wyoming 99s. Jan Kelleher is a nurse, artist and chairman of the North Dakota 99s They are best known to the Northwest Section as the "Punch and Judy Show"

with a paved strip, over 100 hangars and an have seen her featured on Charles Kuralt’s assortment of aircraft unsurpassed any­ show or on “That’s Incredible,” someone by Judy Logue where. World War I collections, World wanting to lease a hangar, someone to sign The four-board fence and the winter-bare War II collections, Pitts, classic restora­ up for lessons. Edna was on the go until oaks edging the road are silhouetted against tions, plus the usual gathering of general dark. Even then there would be times a a brilliant Texas sunset that could be rivaled aviation aircraft. Edna’s house is on the student would need night hours, and off only by the slow motion displays seen in airport (99 Monocoupe Lane), and one can she’d go again. Alaska. As we putt-putt along at 45 mph into sit on a lawn chair in the doorway of her Edna’s interest in preserving the history the oncoming headlights, she tells me that garage/hangar to watch the aerobatic prac­ of women in aviation is outstanding. She has this is the most dangerous highway in tice airspace just across the street and up. a large collection of clippings and historical Texas, and takes off her glasses. In the back We hopped into Edna’s Cherokee and material from the early days of aviation that of this 30-year-old pickup are a dozen brim- flew over to a grass strip nearby where other she opens to anyone who expresses inter­ full cans of gasoline. I’m riding a bomb with antiques were cherished. Leaning against a est, even though the openness is accelerat­ an 82-year-old woman at the wheel and GeeBee, Staggerwing and Culver Cadet, we ing the natural deterioration and loss of having the time of my life! “This is the only talked with other aviation devotees about those materials. Being personally escorted way to go!” she says with a grin that she races, records, design, crashes, speed. And to Ninety-Nine Headquai tors in Oklahoma usually saves for that once cocky student Edna, quietly, was the center of the conver­ City by this former International President who just lost his breakfast after “thunder­ sational flow. She knew of all those things. to view the historical files there was a very storms” under the hood. I’m hoping “go” Edna spent the evening taking the high- special treat for me. doesn’t mean “blow.” The 82-year-old wo­ tech kinks out of her bench-mounted Loran There were other special moments with man is Edna Gardner Whyte, a pioneer 99 C. She expressed aggravation at her diffi­ Edna: watching her race horse excitement who started flying in 1926. She’s on her culty in grasping the computer concepts. when she got on cross-country with her twice weekly “gas run,” and I’m taking Knowing that most folks would never hear racing plane; seeing her knowing smile when pictures. of a Loran C, let alone operate one, didn’t I said that after spending time with her I Because of the generous grant to the seem to matter. You can be sure that it will knew I had to get my CFI, and watching her Ninety-Nines’ oral history program by be an integral part of her next race. quietly hug and kiss on the cheek that often former International President Gerry The next morning Edna was rattling unsung volunteer proofreading yet another Mickelsen, I was able to haul my television breakfast pans before dawn. She was bright­ 99 NEWS. equipment down to Texas and spend a eyed and ready to talk. That meant my Did I get the history I went after? Well, short week with Edna. I’d planned to get a equipment, and I, had to be ready, too. By certainly not the sedate recollections I’d few shots of “a day in the life of” and then sit 0700 the phone started ringing,, students anticipated. Of course, Edna would sit down around and sedately record Edna’s recol­ started dropping in and that was the end of whenever she could spare a few minutes lections of early aviation events and people. that interview. That’s how every day went. and share her thoughts about early aviation. Wrong! The minute I arrived, Edna All day long there was a constant flow of Having pictures of Edna in action is living whisked me off to a local cafe where the people through Edna’s house. Students to history, and we now have a significant sound of “ya’ll” was in the air, and grits, fly with Edna, students to work on the addition to the Ninety-Nines’ file on this gravy and okra gumbo were on the menu. simulator, tourists from North Carolina incredible pioneer 99. Then we toured her $4 million airport, Aero wanting Edna to autograph her 12-page Edna Gardner Whyte — it’s been a Valley, where she’d replaced pastureland article in Sports Illustrated, tourists who pleasure! Resource Center of The ^inety-^Nines^nc.

International Organization of Women Pilots

May 19 8 4

HONORARY BOARD RESOURCE CENTER UPDATE Olive Ann Beech Chairman Emeritus Beech Aircraft Corp Ernest K. Gann The Ninety-Nines' Resource Center is located in the Author organization's headquarters building in Oklahoma City. The Honorable Barry Goldwater Senator from Arizona Copious archives consisting of photos, oral histories, film The Honorable Nancy Kassebaum and memorabilia include women of achievement in aviation Senator from Kansas and aerospace. The collection is confined neither to pilots Manlyn C. Link Secretary Treasurer nor to women who have been members of The Ninety-Nines. Link Foundation Included is any woman who has been involved with aviation in any way dating back to aviation's birth. AOVISORY BOARD

John Baker Some Ninety-Nines particularly involved with the President Resource Center include Judy Logue who oversees the ongoing Aircraft Owners 4 Pilots Association H. Glenn Buffington oral history project. Due to Past President Gerry Mickelsen's Wfiter/Historian generous funding of the oral history program, Judy plays Betty H. Gilbes catchup recording the voice and image of the pioneer pilots Pioneer Pilot James R. Greenwood while also documenting the accomplishments of modern women Senior Vice President aviators. Ruth Dobrescu helped make oral history guidelines Gates Learnt a reality. Luanne King is locating and documenting early Lawrence F. Karr Director. Preservation aviation film so that it can be preserved. Pat Robefts The American Film Institute oversees accessions of the Resource Center and coordinates Margaret Kenttey Wnter/Histunan volunteers who locate and acquire archival material and Australia memorabilia. Dorothy Niekamp builds and organizes the Luanne Paul King library. Executive Director Loretta Gragg is on the spot to W nterlProducer Patti Mancini assist the users of the Center. Gene Nora Jessen coordinates Vice President the efforts of the various components of the Resource Center Rockwell international Wuhan T Murphy and pursues funding for the Center. Acting Chiel Motion Picture Branch National Archives 4 Records The immediate need of the Resource Center is a clerk to James Pyle work full time with the treasured acquisitions of the Center Deputy Administrator and supplies and equipment. Ninety-Nine-member gifts enable Federal Aviation Administration Under President Eisenhower the Center to fulfill the needs of researchers, authors, G. Edward Rice historians and the media who come to us as the authority on Aviation Curator University ol Texas at Dallas women in aviation and aerospace. Additional funding is being Or. Dora 0. Strolher sought to enlarge the Ninety-Nines' support of the history Chief Human Factors Engineering of women in aviation. Bell Helicopter Textron Shannon W Lucid NASA Astionaul The Ninety-Nines Board of Directors is moving toward the expansion of the headquarters building. A generous part of the expanded building will be devoted to archives, library and the display of memorabilia. Financial support of the Resource Center is being sought from friends and members, and gifts of time and talent are gratefully accepted from those who have a special interest in our aviation heritage. Once again we remind Ninety-Nines to make positive plans for the future disposition of their own aviation treasure through a will or pledge document. This aviation Resource Center is a reality now . . to care for your memorabilia safely, professionally and with great love.

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS • WILL ROGERS AIRPORT • PO BOX 59965 • OKLAHOMA CITY (O KI. Ah rA 73159 Gene Nora Jessen • Chairman Resource Center Committee • 2814 Cassia St • Boise, ID 83705 When the Cessna Skylane was intro­ duced it was an immediate success. No Creating other four-place aircraft offered its balance of performance, comfort and economy. Twenty-eight years later, that's still true. performance The Skylane was, and still is, the roomiest four-seat single in the business. It can carry four people and their baggage in comfort. And it can take these loads a long way—up to 1,025 nm (1,179 statute miles) with reserves. But the Skylane didn't become the first choice of over 20,000 pilots just because it can carry a big load a long way. It created its following through performance. The Cessna Turbo Skylane KG. The ultimate Sky lane. Capable of speeds approaching 200 mph. The Skylane cruises at a steady 142 knots (163 mph), and its handling is everything you would expect in a high- performance aircraft. Quick. Nimble. Responsive. Yet this performance did not come at the expense of economy. The Skylane uses a mere 12.8 gallons of fuel per hour at maximum cruise power. The Skylane RG But Cessna was not content to rest on the success of the Skylane. We were eager to achieve even greater performance, so the Skylane was equipped with retractable gear. The Skylane RG climbs at an impres­ sive 1,140 fpm. Once aloft, it cruises at speeds up to 156 knots (180 mph). Fuel economy improved too—the Skylane RG can fly 1,135 nm on only 88 gallons of fuel.

TheTurbo Skylane and theTurbo Skylane RG For pilots who needed to maintain charged 235 hp engine that boosts the the Skylane’s performance at higher alti­ Skylane’s cruise speed to 158 knots tudes, Cessna introduced 2 new Skylanes— (182 mph). And the ultimate member of the the Turbo Skylane and the Turbo group, the Turbo Skylane RG, can cruise at Skylane RG. 173 knots (199 mph). With turbocharging, these remark­ Of course, turbocharging offers you able aircraft can maintain their legendary advantages other than taking off from high- performance all the way to 20,000 feet— altitude runways on hot days. You can also even on the hottest days. And they save make longer trips at altitudes where you’ll fuel in the bargain. bum less fuel and where there’s a good The Turbo Skylane offers a turbo­ chance you'll encounter less traffic, less he worlds most popular high- ingle wasn't enough for Cessna.

The Cessna Turbo Skplane. Gives the reliable, responsive Skulane a big boost in performance that is maintained all the wap to 20,000 feet.

turbulence, and better weather. plete information on financing, standard All these improvements and refine­ and optional equipment, dealer locations, ments were not lost on aviators. They’ve or anything else you need to know about made Skylanes the most popular high-per­ putting yourself in the left seat of a new formance singles in the world. In fact, own­ Cessna this year. ers consistently trade in their old Skylanes Or, if you prefer, write for new ones. Only a classic aircraft com­ Cessna Aircraft Company, mands that kind of loyalty. Dept.WM400, Wichita, KS 67201. 800-4-Cessna I (*800-423-7762) Call us today. We'll give you com­ Member of GAMA Cessna News, Activities and Projects

AFRICA SOUTH SECTION The constantly sunny days, deep blue skies yond basics for those with more experience and the proximity of emerald islands separ­ and knowledge. While the flying companions Lindsay Glaum shared a recent letter from ated by small stretches of aqua blue-green are busy working on their navigation, a a new 99 with NEWS readers. Marianne seas make flying for this group a memorable course for pilots will also be underway. Leblanc recently obtained her license in event experienced almost year-round. "IFR Charts for VFR Pilots" and "Stepping Swaziland and set out on travels through East by Fran Davis Up to a High Performance Airplane" are the Africa before returning to her home in subjects the pilots will study. Connecticut. She wrote Lindsay a letter from by Isabelle Peppier Nairobi, which says it all... Marianne arrived EAST AFRICA SECTION in Kenya knowing no one, but armed with her First Canadian Chapter 99 International Roster. Here is what she had Nancy Hopkins Tier visited Kenya last to say. November, and we all enjoyed having her On a sunny spring day five years ago at Dear Lindsay, with us. Unfortunately, Aggie Robinson was Toronto's Buttonville Airport, Operation Ninety-Nines are great! When I got back then in Ethiopia as an instructor, training Skywatch took flight. The chapter formed a from the Ivory Coast I contacted them. I've student pilots. As this appears in The 99 team with the Ministry of the Environment been flying — no solo, as they say I have to NEWS, Nancy Tier will have celebrated her (MOE) and together we began a program of have a flight exam to get a validation. I 75th birthday May 16. airborne environmental patrol. couldn't fly on the Ivory Coast because of the We met another illustrious pilot in Nairobi The idea of Operation Skywatch began harmattan, a dust-laden wind from the — Beryl Markham, author of Wesf W ith The with Ron Johnson, chief photographer of the Sahara that cuts visibility to a kilometre or Night. She is now over 80 and still training Communications Branch of MOE. Ron re­ less, and is constant during January and horses. alized the potential of combining aerial photography with ground monitoring in con­ February. by Madeleine Schneeberger As I said, when I got to Nairobi, I contacted trolling environmental quality. Denise Morchand-Hotz. She’s an American By “sky-watching," details normally ob­ who has lived in Kenya for 20 years, formerly scured at ground level are revealed and then a journalist and now owner of a Cessna 152 recorded through photography. Abnormal and 172, a CFI and occasional charter pilot. changes in colouration and figuration of our She’s introduced me to a lot of people, even atmosphere, landscape and waterways are though some of the more prominent Kenya easily recognized and defined. 99s are not in the country right now. It's Skywatch missions are always different bumpy and windy here — haven't been out and challenging. They include surveying yet without a gusty cross wind. With a bit sewage disposal lagoons, nuclear stations, more practice, maybe I can take the flight oil spills in the Great Lakes, potentially con­ exam here. Though it might be cheaper in the taminated land fill sites, aquatic vegetation States, flying seems more expensive when growth... the list goes on. you're unemployed! Accompanying all patrols is a photograph­ er, scientist or observer from the M inistry. It is their responsibility to identify and analyze the Madeleine Schneeberger, Nancy Hopkins Tier and CARIBBEAN SECTION Denise Morchand-Holz visit on Nancy's recent trip to environmental problem. We Skywatch pilots Africa. volunteer our time and skills, while the cost of A small band of women pilots with a the aircraft and other expenses incurred are mission — to join together for a common EAST CANADA SECTION covered by MOE. The potential of an aircraft, interest, and to promote aviation to others — and a 99 to fly it, has been recognized as an was chartered in July 1973 as the invaluable tool in environmental protection. Caribbean Section. The group included a Eastern Ontario Chapter Operation Skywatch functions year-round bank official, doctor, airline stewardesses, an Our Poker Run has been an annual event and currently involves 25 pilots in southern artist, a missionary, business manager and for most of the years of the chapter's ex­ Ontario. Summer months are mainly occu­ domestic engineers. They represented the istence. Usually scheduled early in the pied by assisting the Water Resources US from coast to coast, international coun­ autumn, it has become a popular event with Branch in studying the water quality of the tries and the Bahamas. local and district pilots. Participating pilots Great Lakes and assessing the impact of The uniqueness of island living and a tran­ (and their on-board friends) are required to sient population affects membership, which fly to five different airports where they choose may vary from year to year and currently a playing card to complete a poker hand. includes 10 pilots on Grand Bahama Island Hands are turned in at the terminus where and one in Nassau who has the distinction of prizes are awarded for the best hands. Prizes being the first Bahamian woman airline are donated by local businesses and by chap­ captain. Other members are scattered from ter members, often in such quantity that the Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico. These poker hands with as little as a pair of aces or women form the Beachcomber Chapter of less have been known to win a prize. the section. Flying Companion Seminars are a more Project Emphasis has been established to recent activity. Last year, in response to a promote aviation in the community with 99s need in the Ottawa area, the chapter pre­ conducting weekend White Knuckle semi­ sented its first seminar. The response was so nars. Safety is accented with air marking at overwhelming that the organizing committee both Grand Bahama Island airports. The had to schedule a second session to ac­ section planned a 99s Week which included commodate people who wished to partici­ proficiency exercises, spot landings, aircraft pate. This year's course is concentrating on maintenance, a CPR course, ground school navigation, presenting two sessions for two John Sweet from the Wafer Resources Branch instructs and weather refresher courses, films and a levels of knowledge — an introduction to the the MOE boat captain and 99s Sara Wochenmarkt and US Coast Guard survival course. basics of navigation for beginners, and be­ Carol Papas prior to the Humber Bay mission. American and Canadian industrial discharg­ know n to the local fly in g com m u n ity. Already ceived her pilot's license before World War II. es into the Niagara River. Winter flights are loyal followers look forward to our two major Their reports of experiences and the diffi­ successful, too. For example, aerial photo­ annual events — an Aviation Safety Seminar culties they encountered in what was then a graphs of tire tracks ending in the middle of a held in February and a Poker Run'in July. “man's world" inspired those of us who follow snowy field arouse suspicion and set off a Fund-raising is a major concern for the the trail they helped to blaze. series of ground checks which broaden the chapter, both for sponsoring conventions by Ann Butler scope of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU). and for donating to charitable organizations. A permanent record of the conditions at the Aside from the usual articles fo r sale, th is year Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter time of observation means that photographs the Second Annual Manure Sale in March taken during a S kyw atch m ission can be used was a resounding success, bringing the The project with which we are most pleased by SIU as evidence in court. chapter over $350. because we believe that we were the first Realizing just how valuable aerial photo­ The Vancouver Sea Festival, an annual chapter to do it is now called Pennies-a- graphs are in preventing and correcting enr event in July, provides the chapter with its Pound, and it is used by many 99s all over the vironmental problems, MOE has expanded its “fun flying" for the year. After one practice, country as a fund raiser. sen/ices by installing a vertical camera sys­ we take to the skies in "formation," usually a In 1957 we were searching for a way to tem in the floor of a Cessna 172. For Sky­ straggly line of eight or nine Cessnas, Pipers make the public aware that there were women watch pilots, this represents something we and other exotic craft, to fly an otherwise pilots — also, the treasury was in dire straits. are always interested in — logging more forbidden circuit around downtown Van­ We decided to have a "Ladies Day" and hours and gaining flying experience. couver at 500 feet AGL. Brief biographies of advertise in the local news media that on a certain Saturday in June any woman could by Alysia Pascaris each pilot are broadcast through the city's streets while the air show goes on above. come to Wings Field, and for a penny per pound of her weight, fly with a woman pilot! b y Ju d ith B. Hess WESTERN CANADA SECTION Her husband and children would be carried Saskatchewan Chapter for a fixed fee — $1 for children and $3 for Alberta Chapter husbands. We persuaded the local FBOs to In 1972, just a year after the chapter was lend airplanes, and we used several member- On a bright Saturday morning in March in formed, our first Poker Run was held, and the classroom of the Edmonton Flying Club, July eventually became the best month for 15 people are busily at work. They are as­ everyone concerned. sembling balsa wood airplanes and attaching After a number of successful poker runs, in tinfoil ailerons, elevators and rudders to 1982 we decided to take a break from this those tiny structures. effort because of economic hard times and When construction is completed, they the slowdown in aviation related enterprises. move into the long hall outside the classroom Since that time we have been searching for and begin to test fly the little craft, using another project in which we could be both instructions given on a sheet of paper — e.g., useful and still enjoy the camaraderie which “right aileron up, left aileron down, right had been the best part of poker run activity. rudder and neutral elevators." Using these by Nadine Cooper controls, they learn how an aircraft flies. This exercise has many advantages, not the least of which is the questioning looks and MIDDLE EAST SECTION curiosity of passersby who stop and stare at Central Pennsylvania Chapter Ready for customers at the Eastern Pennsylvania this conglomerate group of adults of all ages Pennies-a-Pound event are Marie d'Alterio and Helen and from all walks of life, engaging in this Pet project for this chapter was the Powder Zubrow. playful activity with much enthusiasm, con­ Puff Derby. We served in many capacities in centration and discussion. support of this noted air race. The year we Upon completion of the flight tests, they received our charter, we were called on to reassemble in the classroom and a quiet- man the stop at the Martinsburg, West Classified___ spoken lady in her mid-forties begins to talk Virginia airport from Friday to Wednesday. We had 29 planes remain for two days due to about her experiences in learning to fly and “I’m a Proud 99 Pilot" T-Shirts the fears that she had. bad weather. We were to impound the planes After Mary speaks for a few minutes, there and see that pilots were housed, entertained Royal blue, 50% cotton - 50% polyester, are a few tentative questions and soon the and transported to and from the airport. sizes S, M, L, XL. Send $7.50 check (all confessions start to roll in. “ I’ve always been In 1967 we had more entries in the Powder inclusive) to Oklahoma Chapter 99s, terrified when we com e in to land because my Puff Derby than any other chapter, with many Charlene Davis, P.O. Box 408, Erick OK husband pulls the throttle all the way back ' having flo w n such a race m ore than once. O ur 73645, (405) 526-3386. and the airplane starts to sink — and so does racers included Dr. Marjorie Pool, Mary Gal­ my stom ach. I close my eyes and pray we w ill braith, Helen Sheffer, Florence Shirey, survive!" ...or, "I get really scared on takeoff Shirley Weinhardt, Ester Michaud, Hazel because, just after we leave the ground, Bartolet, Joyce Williamson, Mary Hull, Ann there's a loud clunk and I always think the Turley, Roni Johnson and Betty Parthemer. engine just fell out!" In 1983 we were the first chapter to have the Conversations continue throughout the USPFT local meet in our section. We also sent day between 99s and flying companions, and two people to the national competition. AVIATION ART PRINTS - BEAUTIFUL 48-PAGE COLOR among flying companions themselves, dur­ CATALOG SEND 52 TO AEROPRINT, 405 MONROE ST. ing coffee, lunch and while working together Delaware Chapter BOONTON NJ 07005. on projects. This sharing prompts partici­ The chapter is preparing for two special pants to say at the end of the day... “Well, if activities — a Pennies-a-Pound May 5 at she can enjoy flying after all the obstacles she HON FOLDING BICYCLE Summit Airport near Middletown and our had to face, I guess maybe I could, too!" June 16 Flying Companion Seminar. Fifteen Tha Ultimate Folding Bicycle by Jo Harris to 20-minute plane rides over the Chesa­ Stainless steel, full-performance, three- peake and Delaware Canal and the nearby speed folds to 9” x18"x28", 28 lbs. Will fit British Columbia Chapter countryside will be provided during the in all planes (Pipers, Cessnas, etc.). Will fit Vancouver is the home base for this chap­ Pennies-a-Pound event, while the day-long persons from 4V2' to 61/?' tall. $330. Add 6% ter, whose members span hundreds of square seminar will be the second given by the tax in California. JANE McNEIL, 2728 miles from the west coast of Vancouver Island chapter. Indiana Ave., South Gate CA 90280, (213) far into the interior of the province. Two particularly enjoyable programs dur­ 648-5170. As a relatively new chapter (six years), ing the past year were presented by Louise many of its activities focus on becoming Sacchi and Elise Owen, each of whom re­ owned planes. Toledo Scale was happy to Hampton Roada Chapter We love to fly-in somewhere, but our at­ lend us a scale, and the fuel was donated. Being a 99 has special meaning to each of tempts seem to be characterized as much by The all-important Saturday dawned clear us. As individuals, we enjoy and share a the fly-ins that are perennially canceled be­ and pleasantly warm. Airplanes and women mutual love — to fly. Through our local cause of weather (like Tangier Island) as by stood in readiness. TV cameras took pictures chapters, we find comradeship and a sense of those that are faithfully accomplished of women and planes. Print reporters asked belonging to an even greater structure. As (Williamsburg in December)! The most questions, as we waited with bated breath for women, we have taken some giant steps; but, popular fly-in is the one in mid-October to our first customer. Would anybody come? Or as women in aviation, we have made quantum Manteo, North Carolina for a fun weekend of would they be afraid to fly with women? leaps in a still very male-dominated field. camping, fishing and swimming. The answer was not long in coming. We In our search for an opportunity to become Very few of our members own or have were soon swamped with customers. The involved, we met Bill Cuthriell, a retired Air access to planes, and many are "retired" women were delighted with a cheap ride if Force chaplain. Although Bill is not a pilot, he pilots. For this reason, we often enjoy the they were thin, and tried to avoid the scale if shares our love of flying. He flew often during great p a rticip a tio n at special dinners, such as they were fat. Even though we had six planes his 20 years as chaplain, hitching rides with the installation banquet, our annual joint going as fast as they could be unloaded and fliers who let him take the controls. Bill is now dinner with the Washington OX-5 Club and reloaded, the line grew longer. Fortunately, the volunteer coordinator for the Chesapeake our 50th Anniversary Celebration. everyone was in a holiday mood, and there Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. His We are fortunate to be so conveniently was plenty of action to watch. Anne Shields’ kids (if you will) range from 13 to 18 years of close to the special FAA programs at the Wing Scout Troop helped the ground crew age and are first-time offenders on probation, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, to the load and unload the planes. The women on living at home. Paul E. Garber restoration facility and to the ground crew duty alternated with the ones on The idea was to create an aviation program nation's capital itself, which attracts 99s from flying duty. We all answered hundreds of where six kids would be chosen each month all over the country and the world. It is our questions. It was a dead heat between the last on an incentive basis. We begin with a pre­ special pleasure to escort our 99 sisters passenger and twilight. flight inspection, followed by a 30-minute whenever they come to town! As a fund-raiser it was a success; as a plane ride and a question and answer period by Lin Clayberg means of introducing the public to women after landing. The kids have vivid imagina­ pilots, it was also a success. In future years tions, and are often awed by the experience. we had many repeat customers, both male To quote the Court newsletter, "Some are West Virginia Mountaineer Chapter and female, who assured us that they only glad to get back on good old terra firma, some flew on “Ladies Day" because they liked more terra than firma." Twenty enthusiastic female pilots scat­ tered over a range of beautiful mountainous flying with women pilots. Other local airports Throughout this endeavor we have been country constitute the West Virginia Moun­ asked us to hold the "Ladies Day" at their greatly rewarded. Not only have we given joy taineer Chapter. We have taken what could facilities, so over the years most of the area to these kids, perhaps but a smile on their have been a disadvantage and turned it into airports have played host to this event. faces, or made them feel special, but as a an opportunity to fly to monthly meetings at group we have succeeded. airports throughout the state. Greater Plttaburgh Chapter With Bill's help, our second trip made local Communication plays an important part in The chapter's favorite activity is the TV news. Participating members receive ap­ Allegheny Air Derby, which marks its ninth preciation awards at the annual Volunteer our chapter’s success, and we rely heavily consecutive year in 1984. It has been suc­ Banquet, and the chapter contributes $12 to upon newsletters and telephone calling lists cessful due to su p port from m em bers, 49V4ers each member per flight. to keep everyone informed. We also have a and the Westmoreland County Airport. April 1984 celebrated our second year in very active 66 program within our chapter, It all started after we hosted the 1972 stop of the program which has been a great way to and we believe that the student pilots are a the AWTAR (Powder Puff Derby) at Latrobe. share, a good way to stay current and a fantastic addition to the group! Enthusiasm for a race event was high. In unique experience. We sponsor numerous events for the pro­ addition, Latrobe Airport decided to have an motion of aviation safety and fellowship, by Sandra C. Villanova air show and invited the chapter to do a high­ including air marking projects, aerospace speed f ly-b y as part of the show. We opted fo r education for both children and adults, fly-in a short all-woman speed race ending with the pancake breakfasts and poker runs. requested fly-by. Our favorite project is our annual Pinch From this, the chapter tried a handicap Hitter Course. This one-day course is de­ speed/proficiency event and opened it to all signed for non-pilots, and we teach parti­ pilots at Butler County Airport. Only 10 air­ cipants the "basics" of flying. We cover fa­ planes competed. However, there were many miliarization with the aircraft cockpit and curious spectators who have since become instruments, flight maneuvers, navigation regular participants. Most area pilots had and charts, radio communications, emergen­ never even heard of a proficiency air derby cy landings and medical facts. At the end of before. By the third Allegheny Air Derby, it the course, each pinch hitter is entitled to was a true proficiency event — fuel and all. one-half hour with a certified flight instructor The format established is basically the same Hampton Roads Chapter members introduce several for a hands-on flight. as today. teenagers to their first aircraft. Instructors for the course are all chapter Because we have a TCA on one side and members. It's been our experience that the mountains on the other, route planning, everyone benefits — the participants feel more confident about what to do “just in though different each race, is difficult. Also, Washington, D.C. Chapter the race is scheduled after daylight savings case" something happened to the pilot in time returns so that low-time pilots can return We will sponsor the Third Annual Capitol command, and many believe that part of the home with a minimum of night flying. Proficiency Race the weekend following mystery of the unknown has been removed. Labor Day. Last year 12 competitors entered We feel good about sharing our love of flying the 245 sm race beginning and ending at with someone else and doing our part to Dulles International. Scoring, using a formula make aviation a bit more safe. devised by 49'/4er Lothar Ruhnke, was pub­ Amelia Earhart believed that it was im­ lished for the convenience of others in the portant for female pilots to help one another January/February issue of The 99 NFWS. and to promote women in aviation. In 1984 we The friendly, cooperative and enthusiastic established the Natalie Stafford Memorial personnel at Dulles make this event a warm, Scholarship Fund in memory of one of our enjoyable and memorable experience for all deceased members. This scholarship will be the contestants, many of whom are 99s. All awarded every two years to a chapter mem­ three trophies in 1982 went to 99s, and in 1983 ber in order to further her aviation-related Race planes line up at Latrobe during the 1981 first and second places went to 99 pilot and goals. Allegheny Air Derby copilot teams. by Sharon Watson ter, covering Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, gets all the leftovers! Therefore, our special project is really try­ ing to have our monthly meetings! Our re­ gular meeting date is the second Saturday of every month, and a check of the weather on those days during the last two years would show that approximately two-thirds of those dates were IFR. After having dealt with this problem for some time, and looking for a creative so­ Fly-In Pancake Breakfast workers include Jean Pickering. Sharon Watson. Lois Fida. Dottie Thompson. Pat Hines, lution, it was finally decided by the chapter Wanda Gabritsch. Estelle Peters. Mary Lou Lewis. Sharon Peters. Sonja Mobberly and Margaret Skeen. that, if the scheduled meeting day was VFR, NEW ENGLAND SECTION CHAPTER NEWS, ETC. Connecticut Chapter With the inauguration of the Nutmeg Air we would meet at whatever place we had Rally in 1983. this chapter has embarked on a planned to be. (Our meetings rotate among special long-term campagin to promote air the three states, providing lots of cross­ safety and education. NAR is a biennial country flying time for members.) However, if cross-country proficiency flying event de­ the day dawned IFR at the point of meeting, signed to test normal piloting skills. Con­ then those o f us w ho co u ld w ou ld drive to ou r testants compete for awards based on time permanent IFR alternate (imagine, IFR alter­ and fuel consumption performance over a nates for cars!) where the meeting would take 200-plus-nm course. place. In addition to the victorious on rally day. So far, this place-plus-an-alternate idea there is another very important winner and has saved us from months of canceled meet­ beneficiary of the NAR. Funds not expended ings. especially during winter and spring from the 1983 rally have been set aside to when our weather is at its worst. Others establish an educational scholarship. The having similar geographical problems with chapter’s goal is to build up the scholarship to far-flung members and bad weather are en­ a size that will permit regular awards to be couraged to send their suggestions to us. In made to candidates desiring to further their this part of the country, one learns to be aviation education. creative! How has the NAR been structured to ac­ We thought about sending pictures to ac­ commodate pilots when flying expenses have company this article, but decided that a been in an uptrend? Looking ahead to the photograph of fog to the ground, snowdrifts future when the 1983 rally was established, Jumping over wet paint during an air marking is Eastern or members on the telephone calling FSS for we decided to simplify the rules to reduce New Englander Jean Doherty destination weather would be a little boring! costs for both the chapter and contestants. A by Bea von Tobel relatively short course (approximately ever airport has dibs. We realize that we are 200 nm) was selected, and the rally was performing a much needed service as evi­ designed to be completed in one day. A denced by letters received from lost pilots NY-NJ SECTION Treasure Hunt was devised by creative mem­ thanking us for the marking. bers to add more challenge for participating The air marking of which we are most Central New York Chapter copilots. The next Nutmeg, which embodies proud is the downtown Boston heliport. This It's our 10th birthday in May and we are these parameters, is scheduled for June 1985. heliport, in addition to taxi service for area going to celebrate! by Leila Baroody corporations, is the main location for life All past, present and even future members flights as it is located near all the famous have been invited to a gala weekend at Joyce Boston hospitals. Kidneys, hearts, livers, etc., Revelle's lakeside camp at Pennellville, up­ plus physicians and patients, are flown in state New York. here. We believe that we have a small part in We’ll talk over the "old days," including the saving lives. growing pains after our charter was granted Other projects include the popular safety May 29, 1974, to 13 enthusiastic women seminars and flying companion clinics, and pilots. members are currently working with the Girl Of course, we'll also be talking about the S couts to help them o btain an aviation badge. future, since women pilots are forward- We also speak to high school students on looking and optimistic despite the gloom and aviation careers. doom routinely forecast for general aviation. Our pet chapter project is the sale of We'll also be planning our annual Pancake sweaters, hats and scarves. One of our own 99s owns a knitting machine and personally designed these sweaters that identifies each of us as a 99. by Jean Doherty Connecticut 99s Sue Benva and Laurie Reeves start engines at the 1983 Nutmeg Air Rally. Northern New England Chapter W hen yo u r ch a pte r covers three states and Eaatem New England Chapter is at the very easternmost corner of the Air marking is the most repeated and country, it has some special problems. If you necessary safety activity that we 99s perform. know about the weather patterns of the US, The capricious and harsh weather elements then you know that every piece of weather cause rapid fading and eroding of paint and you experience exits the country through runway surfaces. New England. Whatever everyone else ex­ Modeling their 99 vests are Central New York 99s Nancy Morgan, Joyce Revelle. Mary "Muff" English. When the friendly sun warms our bones periences on a local scale affects us in New Marolyn Wilson, Lorna Kaier, Elaine Roehrig, Virginia and airports, we are off and running to which- England. And Northern New England Chap- Breed, Millie Murray and Marcia Buller. Breakfast at Kamp Airport, Durhamville, in assault! traffic patterns mentioned earlier. Many years July. This, our main annual project, gets Weather has been a noted factor. Usually later, at age 57, Sister Loretta began to realize b ig g er and better each year. W e’re hoping our impound takes place in IFR conditions, but her dream of someday flying as she began newest idea, a big model plane, will be ready we are blessed by skies parting at the 11th lessons at Flushing Airport. She became a for our publicity display at the breakfast and hour in time for the race to go on. There are pilot and chapter member in 1982. at future events. five place trophies with a perpetual trophy for Today's members hold, in addition to chap­ first place; a professional and non-profess­ ter offices, section and International posi­ by Virginia Breed tions in the 99s. They encompass many career fields, with an abiding interest in avia­ tion underlying each one's day-to-day world. CHAPTER NEWS. ETC. Now we count on our young talent to someday sit in the left seat of a 747 or float Greater New York Chapter ional category for pilots has been used. The chapter has its own unique head­ weightless on their way to the moon and The chapter has 47 members and most of quarters building at Kingston-Ulster Airport, stars. They are our “Tomorrow." them live and/or work in New York City. and restoration and upkeep have developed by Pat Rockwell Most have very busy full-tim e jobs, some of talents in roofing, paneling, painting and them in aviation. Bonnie Tiburzi flies for carpentry skills. American Airlines; Pat Blum directs the by June Simpson Corporate Angel Network, flying cancer pa­ tients; Lisa Hebo works for Pan Am and is a lieutenant colonel and Manhattan Group Long Island Chapter commander for CAP; and Eleanor Friede co- If I were young. I'd learn to fly publishes aviation books with Macmillan. For there is something in the sky Most city dwellers don't own cars, because That lures the soul of young and old; everyone here uses public transportation. The timid, cautious and the bold. One of our newest members, Lisa LaPrelle, Perhaps it comes from Him we love, Some of today's Long Island members include Sue who has some 70 flying hours and is about to This constant call to rise above Mirabel. Barbara Evans. Pat Bizzoso. Joyce Malkmes. buy her firs t airplane, had to spend five hours The w o rld and a ll its hopes and fear Roberta Pistorius, Doris Abbate. Jill Hopfenmuller and on a bus to fly one hour while she was getting Into a more peaceful atmosphere. Carol Richard her license at Caldwell, New Jersey. — Nick Kenny, 1953 Maybe one-sixth of our chapter members New York Capital District own their own airplanes. It’s not easy when This poem was presented to a 17-year-old your local airport is JFK with LGA as an girl by a fellow employee one gloomy day 30 Long active in supporting and sponsoring alternate. W e're not big on a ir m arking, but we years ago while she was at her desk typing, events for the aviation community, chapter do treasure our air time and the opportunity instead of spending the day and her earnings members participate in two special activities to stay in touch with other women pilots. We at the airport learning to fly. These first — co-sponsorship of an annual seaplane try to plan fly-ins and tower visits in good paragraphs have stayed w ith her m any years. seminar and a yearly chapter air race. seasons, and take part in the flying activities Long Island, known as the "Cradle of The air race took shape and form over the of our sister chapters in New Jersey and New Aviation," has contained airports where winter of '83, and by early fall chapter mem­ York and on Long Island where the airports young girls might sit and watch airplanes bers had clipboards and stop watches in hand are more accessible. land. A ll th e ir th o u g h ts seem to have been the to greet the first participants. Betty Elliot, a The one thing we can do rather well in the same: “One day I'm going to fly an.airplane veteran air racer herself, took the lead to help heart of New York City is give aviation related like that!" Not all of us have been able to fly formulate and organize the flying event. Ruth Green, Peg Weiss and Harriet Bregman de­ parties. In the '70s we teamed up with The the “big ones," but this chapter of 99s cer­ Wings Club, where our member, Doris Ren- tainly has its share of "Yesterday's Heritage," signed the a ir race logo, and countless others ninger Brell, was the general manager, and “Today’s Achievers" and "Tomorrow’s supplied mind and muscle to get this project we co -sponsored a series o f annual "A u th o rs' Dream ers." off the ground. The stage was set at Albany Night" dinners. Our guest speakers included Member Marjorie Gray soloed in a 40-hp County Airport, and with approaching MVFR Richard Bach of Jonathan L iving sto n Seagull Taylorcraft from a 700-foot strip, and was in weather, the curtain rose September 10 for fame; 99 Gay Dalby Maher, who wrote The the first class of women to receive AAF flight the first Capital Classic Air Race. With one Joy of Learning to Fly, Captain Bob Buck of training during World War II. She became a successful production under our belt, the the classic, Weather Flying: and Sally Keil WASP, and later returned to the Air Force chapter is looking forward to a repeat per­ with her book, Those Wonderful Women in Reserve, retiring in 1972 as a lieutenant formance this fall. Their Flying Machines. A few years ago infla­ colonel. She was a recipient of the Lady Hay The seaplane seminar, held each year at tion made the price of a good dinner in New Drummond Hay Memorial Trophy for out­ Speculator, New York, has become a tradi­ York too high to manage, so we switched to a standing achievem ent in aviation. Today, as a tion with local 99s. The chapter assists the cocktail reception honoring several authors Life Member of the 99s and a chapter charter Seaplane Association and the FAA during the with recent books in the field of aviation. This member, Marj is very active and ready to fly three-day event. In addition. 99s set up an w orks o u t even better than a dinner because it anywhere, anytime. information booth where people can learn gives everyone a chance to meet and talk with As a child, like many others, Sister Mary about the varied experiences of women in the authors. At our 1984 event this April we Loretta McLaughlin sat beneath one of those aviation. While none of our current member­ were especially proud to honor our own ship is seaplane rated, we feel strongly that Bonnie Tiburzi, whose life story TAKEOFF! Marjorie Gray was a member of Class 43-W-1 of the part of the good will of the 99s encompasses has just been published. WASPs. Sister Mary Loretta, right, completes preflight safety events and programs that involve all inspection. aspects of the flying experience. by Eleanor Friede by Trish Bianchi Hudson Valley Chapter Since 1974, this chapter’s pet project has been the Empire State 300 Air Race. His­ torically, it began with a member saying, “Let's do something like an air race.” Others naively, but enthusiastically, said, "Okay, let's go." It sounded like a great idea whose time had come. The two-day proficiency race, handicap­ ping both speed and fuel, has been entered by as many as 35 aircraft, and with as few as New York Capital District 99s enjoy the 10th anni­ nine chapter members carrying on the versary party at section meeting. NORTH CENTRAL SECTION sented one of our chapter's largest air mark­ ing projects with 60-foot high letters — WOWI All-Ohio Chapter Not only was it our largest air marking, but it occurred on one of the hottest days of the The Buckeye Air Rally originated In 1975 year; we ended up painting almost as much for the purpose of providing pilots with the suntan lotion on fellow workers as paint on opportunity to test their flying and naviga­ the airport. Fortunately, it was one of our tional skills. In 1979 it was incorporated, largest work crews. forming a non-profit organization whose To prove that hard work does indeed pay specific purposes are to conduct cross­ off, our chapter was rewarded with the sec­ country air rallies and promote air safety and tion Air Marking trophy for 1982-83. education. In the past eight years, over $9,400 b y M ary Wafers Attending the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Area has been awarded in cash prizes and Chapter are former chairmen Diane Cozzi. Ellen O'Hara, trophies, and $5,200 has been donated to Marge Anderson, Qail Wenk. Joan Kerwin, Nita charities, includng $1,850 specifically given Chicago Area Chapter Fineman and Mary Panczyszyn. to the AE Memorial Scholarship Fund. Our chapter was formed 50 years ago with The chapter has many dedicated people just five members. Much has happened since who spend countless hours contacting in­ then, and it was only fitting that our 160 ultimate aviation education and safety pro­ dividuals, manufacturers and companies for members do something very special for such gram — a Pinch Hitter Clinic. monetary and/or material donations. an occasion. It would include not only four hours of the BAR has co-hosted safety seminars, held January 15 was the special day, the Weston usual ground school, but also four hours of spot landing contests, sold numerous articles Hotel the special place. Each table was actual in-flight instruction, four hours of per­ and raffled just about everything. beautifully decorated with gold centerpieces, sonal 99 debriefing and special, separate, The Ninth Buckeye Air Rally will be held topped with a birthday cake. Everyone re­ updating seminars for the owners/pilots. June 15-17 at the Wood County Airport in ceived a pocket ftashflight with the 99s logo Adequate funding for such a major en­ Bowling Green. It is open to male and female over the number "50” and "Chicago Area deavor was the first problem to be overcome. pilots (copilots need not be licensed), and w ill C hapter" im printed on the side as a memento. Several chapter fund-raisers were under­ cover 250 sm or less. There will be $2,000 Greetings came from all over the country taken. the most memorable being the sale of awarded in cash prizes and trophies. from those unable to attend. Former chapter hundreds of beautifully decorated Easter by Sandra Gordley chairmen who were able to be with us in­ eggs created by Nancy Hecksel and Anita cluded Diane Cozzi, Ellen O’Hara, Marge Mack. Anderson, Gail Wenk, Joan Kerwin, Nita Our first Pinch Hitter Weekend was held at Fineman and, our present chairman, Mary Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, May 6-7,1978, Panczyszyn. after sufficient money had been raised, AOPA After lunch topped with birthday cake, approval granted and months of intensive International President Marilyn Copeland preparation spent. presented the chapter with a plaque com­ Each year a maximum of 24 students have memorating our 50 years. She also surprised been trained in everything from a Cub to Norma Freier and Mary Panczyszyn with several different twins to handle an in-flight plaques for each, in appreciation for their pilot incapacitation emergency. outstanding efforts and devotion to the As can be imagined, such a monumental success of the 99s Friendship Tent at the EAA undertaking has required continuity of leader­ convention in Oshkosh. ship, professionalism, sincere belief in and A slide program, compiled by the Anniver­ dedication to the value of this program and a sary Committee and narrated by Diane Cozzi, large number of hard-working volunteers. presented our 50 years of flying, friendship Chapter Chairman Joyce Odem and Pinch and fantastic progress. The photos used for Hitter Co-Chairman Joan Woodruff trained the slides, taken from chapter scrapbooks, Co-Chairman Bev Mitchell. When Joyce and brought back many fond memories. Bev moved away, Joan trained Bernice M illar, All-Ohioan Jeane Wolcott says. "Did I really volunteer The results of the members’ survey pro­ current clinic chairman. Joan also authored tor this job?" vided many interesting facts, some predict- our “Bible," a step-by-step Pinch Hitter pro­ cedures manual. Hal Harrison has been our chief flight instructor since 1979. We do feel that careful determination of adequate special insurance coverage is es­ sential for the actual in-flight portion of our program, and we are careful that our flight instructors' experience and qualifications are matched with the incoming planes. We also match our 99 debriefers' experience and backgrounds with each incoming airplane. We had one student who was bribed with the promise of new drapes for her home in exchange for attending our course. Another Central Illinois 99s work on the air marking at Mt. Vernon Viewed from the air. Logan County's paint job will help was so e n thu sia stic tha t we alm ost had to put Airport. pilots identify their location. her on a leash to keep her away from her plane when someone else was using it. There Central Illinois Chapter able and some surprising. It’s hard to believe was an ex-airline stewardess who had mar­ "Women pilots paint the town red! (Oops — that a short 50 years ago we started with five ried the pilot of a single engine plane and make that yellow.)" A similar caption was in members and have grown to 160, represent­ refused to even ride in it; by the end of the the local paper when 99s air marked Paxton ing 73 suburbs as well as the city of Chicago. weekend, she was so enthusiastic she was determined to continue with private lessons. this past year. A ir m arking has becom e one of by Mary Story our major projects — one which not only A male pilot enrolled his wife, son and promotes general aviation, but generates a Greater Detroit Area daughter. Upon arriving at Ann Arbor, the fellowship among chapter members and The chapter was chartered June 14, 1975 children told everyone that the flight to the friends. with 34 original members and no treasury. Pinch Hitter Weekend was the first time their Recent air markings include Pontiac, From the beginning there was a great deal of mother had ever been in any plane — even Lincoln, Beardstown, Paris, Paxton, Mt. chapter interest, research, discussion and th e ir ow n. O ne P inch H itte r later, she became Vernon and Springfield. Springfield repre­ enthusiasm to provide what would be the a 66 within our own chapter. We are now receiving such an overwhelm­ at meetings, new ratings, holding office, on an air marking project somewhere in the ing response to this successful program that speaking to other groups, working on pro­ state. Since the end of World War 11, when air we are seriously considering expanding the jects and many other categories. The win­ marking was strongly advocated by Blanche weekend to accommodate more than 24 ner’s name is inscribed on the traveling Noyes and FAA administrators, these “Sen­ students, or perhaps holding this special trophy, which she keeps for one year; there is tinels of Air Safety" have been painted by 99s. event tw ice a year. also an individual trophy that is hers to keep. In the '40s, '50s and '60s, there were prob­ ably more than 200 markers painted on the by Dorothy Price Gillis by Ginny Pacey roofs of factories, local business buildings, barns and even sheds, in small and medium­ Greater St. Louis Chapter sized communities. Most in our larger cities Members are involved in a variety of chap­ were completed with assistance from FAA ter and individual activities, which include personnel working alongside members. flying seminars, Girl Scout programs, Old In the latter part of the 1960s, all air marking Newsboy Day, Holly Corsage Day with Ozark activities reverted back to the 99s, and con­ Airlines and aviation education and career centrated efforts were made to recheck the programs. There are also two new activities locations and co n d itio n o f all m arkers done in which we enjoy and plan to continue. the previous 10 years, with the intention of One of these was flying daffodils for the re-painting those which had been "lost” due American Cancer Society. Each spring, to roof repairs and/or weather deterioration. boxes of flowers are delivered to Societies The project was carried on into the next nationwide and sold to the public as a means decade of the '70s when the chapter air Participating in graduation Sunday afternoon are Flight of increasing funds for cancer research. marking chairman each year tried to give the Instructor Gary Soloway, Pinch Hitter Chairman Bernice Millar, and students Judy Gaines and Phillip Hecksel. Chapters offer flying services and deliver the program more impetus by scheduling addi­ boxes as an aid to the Society. In 1983, tional new sites to be painted. Along the way, deliveries were made throughout Missouri by we also contracted to paint several runway Greater Kansas City Chapter 17 chapter members. In 1984, "Ole Man center lines and displaced thresholds — fora This chapter’s "yesterdays” hold happy Winter” did not cooperate with nice weather, fee! Enthusiasm for these projects has always memories of achievements and activities. b ut boxes o f d a ffo d ils were delivered by cars. run high, and new members are given ample Members set records that have never been As is always stated when resultsare less than opportunity to enlist in a paint crew. broken, won Powder Puff Derbies and had an satisfactory, “Wait until next year; we'll be Raising money for air marking in Indiana AE Scholarship winner. flying daffodils again.” was not easy at first, but it was finally ac­ New ratings were applauded, we held The second new activity was an air marking complished by means of Pennies-a-Pound Pennies-a-Pound airlifts, flew DRF medicines at Spirit of St. Louis Airport last fall. The 60- airlifts conducted by members using their to the next pick-up point, air marked runways foot blue and white 99 compass rcse was own aircraft. As a result, a fund was estab­ and rooftops and helped plant the Forest of painted on the ramp just outside the terminal lished and is now available to pay air marking Friendship at Atchison, Kansas. The five- and FAA Flight Service Station building. This expenses as incurred. The fund has accumu­ handled shovel was put to work many times. was a three-day project; however, under ex­ lated a large amount of interest over the past The Air Race Classic stop at Olathe, Kansas, cellent weather conditions, it could be ac­ 20 years. Last year we voted to share it with and the Angel Derby stop at Fairfax Muni­ complished in less time. other state chapters to be used for authorized cipal, Kansas City, Kansas, put us to work as by Nelda Lee air marking expenses of all three groups. . timers and hostesses for the race teams. At its inception, air marking meant rooftop Chapter members worked as judges for the painting — using chrome yellow paint and NIFA meet at Warrensburg, Missouri. Using showing the community name, an airport this experience, we hosted a local USPFT symbol, a directional arrow and the number meet at Johnson County Airport. of statute miles to the nearest public airport Our annual Wright Day Dinner, held in — in 10-foot letters and numerals visible to a December, has become a tradition. Planning transient or disoriented pilot from an altitude starts early with reservations for a banquet of 3,000 feet. This was clearly stated in the room large enough to seat up to 300 people. original FAA manual on air marking, which This event, held for the entire flying com­ we have used since the beginning. In the past munity of this area, has been well received. few years, however, it would seem that airport Speakers have included Maxie Anderson, taxi ways, hangars and even runways are now balloonist; Richard Collins, editor of F lying sanctioned by the FAA as proper air marking magazine; Paul Poberezny of Oshkosh fame; sites. We feel that rooftop markers are by far and Robert Serling, author. Greater St. Louis 99s load daffodils for the American the most effective and safety-oriented, and Cancer Society flights. we plan to continue this type of work as one means of doing our best to promote air Indiana Chapter navigation safety in our area. "Lift that box... hoist that paint can... by Anne Black careful, now!” These remarks might be heard any time a group of Indiana 99s are working

Indiana 99s tackle any kind of roof — even corrugated metal.

Greater Kansas City Chapter members put finishing touches on the compass rose at the Atchison, Kansas airport.

The Blue Maxine Achievement Award is given to a member who has done the most for the chapter and the flying community each year. This award is based on a point system. Points are earned for hours flown, attendance Indiana Dunes Chapter Michigan Chapter copters from Jeep Adamson, the only li­ Although our chapter is not quite eight Remember the Paul Bunyan Air Derby date censed civilian woman helicopter pilot in years old, it has conducted eight annual of September 22. The speed race covers Minnesota, as well as visiting an FSS, learn­ Aviation Safety Clinics as its special project. some 300 miles from Sugar Loaf Resort near ing how to use the airport Kavouras Weather These clinics are co-sponsored by General Traverse City, Michigan. A family fun week­ Computer, attending a CAP meeting, and Aviation District Office #18. FAA pesonnel end is planned, which includes a golf tour­ hearing about flying for the airlines from participate in the clinic planning and volun­ nament. Entry kits may be ordered for $3.50 Masaba Airlines Captain Sylvia Otypko. The teer their time and talents conducting tours, from Nancy E. Hecksel, 3611 Greenway, Post celebrated its first Christmas with a giving lectures and supplying flyers and pilot Royal Oak Ml 48073, (313) 576-0463. swimming party at Terry Ludtke's home. names and addresses. Their presence is vital to the clinic’s success. The sessions run from 0900 to 1630. Non­ pilots attend "Snoopy Courses," and pilots go CHAPTER NEWS. ETC. to the “Red Baron Classes." The Snoopy Mlnneaota Chapter Courses have proved so popular that they are While attendance varies greatly, interest always assigned the largest area, usually a Twelve members met with a representative and enthusiasm continues high among a core plane hangar. of the Indianhead Council of Boy Scouts in group of young women who began with the Sessions are taught by experts from vari­ January 1983 to discuss formation of an Post. As a result of their exploration of avia­ ous disciplines of aviation. Some of the sub­ Explorer Post. Five members agreed to serve tion, several have adjusted their educational jects have been “ Medical Aspects of Flying," as advisors. The decision to lim it m em bership plans to include college and are considering “IFR Charts for the VFR Pilot," "Landing the to young wom en was based upon the need fo r aviation as a career. Plane," "Bombing Mission D-Day WWII" and women to become acquainted with aviation by Hope Isaacson "Plotter, Charts, Computer." Each year topics in an environment where they would feel free are reviewed and updated with ballooning to ask questions without fear of ridicule. and ultralights being very popular currently. Twenty-two young women, plus parents, Scioto Valley Chapter The chapter features a "flying personality" attended an organizational meeting held in Our program, Project AWARE (A Wife’s each year, and Vern Jobst honored us twice March at the Terminal Building, St. Paul Awareness Reassures Everyone), is held in as our main speaker. The clinics are attended Downtown Airport. Fifteen signed up and c o n ju n c tio n w ith the p ilo t safety sem inars we by more than 200 people. Post 552 was born. co-sponsor with FAA GADO. by Christine Murdock During the next six months, the girls met The flyer sent out by FAA indicates this is twice a month. Trips were made to the for the pilot and non-pilot. The announce­ Minnesota Air National Guard to fly C-130 ment has two segments, the top showing simulators, the 3M Aviation Facility to see the what the seminar will cover, and the bottom fleet of G-2s and Fairchilds, Farmington explaining Project AWARE. These have been ARTCC, St. Paul Downtown Airport Tower very well attended, averaging in excess of 30 and the Mississippi River floatplane dock for persons. a summer picnic. Guest speakers (all 99s) The program is opened with an introduc­ presented programs on navigation, the Na­ tion of the attending 99 members and fea­ tional Air and Space Museum and careers in tures a brief explanation of our organization. aviation. Subjects covered include “How an Airplane Membership was re-opened in September Flies," "Basic Flight Instruments," "Radioand 1983 with 23 young women joining. Meetings Transponder” and “Chart Reading.” We also this year have included learning about heli­ have a short scenario that takes a non-pilot

Clinic Co-Chairmen Christine Murdock and Ellen Herring go over a few items with guest speaker Vern lobst

Iowa Chapter In July, we host our own proficiency air ace, a round robin 250-mile competition to ncrease safety awareness, encourage updat- ng of planes and pilots and share the cele- jration of the beginning of summer. During the rest of the remaining summer nonths, we are involved in many hands-on activities. Recent activities have included jtid er in stru ctio n , a survival clin ic, an a ir Minnesota 99s and Explorer Scout members Rachael Westermeyer, Joan Scherber, Sue Brown. Debby Kaeder, »how and an e le q a n ttre e p la ntinq cerem ony Sandi Kotke, Juli Ericksen, Kathy O Reilly, Terry Ludtke, Jeep Adamson and Clara Johansen examine a helicopter or the Forest of F riendship. Iowa's first lady during one ° ' ,heir mee,i" 9S Christine Branstad, planted the tree at the :eremony chaired by Marcene Grant and 3arbara Brotherton. Brightly polished automobile Cold Iowa winters feature meetings focus- grille badge, paperweight or ng on aviation topics that are slated fo r future ictivities, such as aviation medicine, air recognition award, 21/2"x41/2". narking, a tour of National Guard helicop- Aluminum, $9.50 ppd.; bronze, ers, a parachuting program from a lady ikydiver, flying A-7 jet simulators of the Air $12.50 ppd. Universal fasteners Suard and pilot proficiency safety meetings. supplied. Pegge Blinco, Chapter members are involved in such service projects as an aviation E xplorer S cout Columbia Cascade Chapter, jroup, the regional USPFT competition and 7246 S.E. 34th Ave., Portland OR in FAA takeoff and landing clinic. We have llso applied for a non-profit mailing status in 97202. irder to send newsletters to all active and nany prospective members. Look for us in the Anchorage “Cache.” by Karen Hanus passenger (portrayed by a 99) in an emer­ south, 160 miles east and 250 miles north over gency situation to a safe landing. Another 99 rugged terrain, including our infamous (we have used a real controller) portrays the Columbia Gorge (beautiful scenery but controller. treacherous), each mission a time challenge We plan to expand this into a full Pinch because of the four-hour time restriction for Hitter course. We find that chapter enthu­ the delivery of blood for processing. Al­ siasm has kept most of our members active. though the Portland Center has a mobile lab Different 99s take turns teaching the sub­ that often accompanies bloodmobiles to dis­ jects; if a particular member is not available tant areas, there are times when there is an when the program is scheduled, we have an urgent need for this blood in Portland. Blood E • i — experienced teacher to fill her place. is processed into platelets for leukemia pa­ tients and cryoprecipitates for hemophilia Three Rivers Chapter patients. Portland is the only supplier of 1 blood and blood products in this 55,000- "Yesterday” — we were scattered and few. square-mile region. Lyn Clark prepares her C-172 for a dual backcountry Several were members of other chapters, We are currently involved in setting up our flight. while some were new to flying and the 99s. program with Red Cross Administrator Ann days. The 16 charter members were quickly joined Zoll, who originally contacted us in 1977 by two, and all banded together to establish What's so special about backcountry fly­ when she became aware of the 99s who were ing? As our flying pilots found out, Idaho an active group in northeast Indiana. assisting the St. Paul Regional Red Cross In its infancy, the chapter promoted doesn’t ju st have m ountains; it has airstrip s in Blood Services program (Minnesota's "Life­ canyons and valleys, warm afternoon moun­ general aviation through participation in guard Pilots") in transporting blood. several local events. Lines and numbers were tain temperatures and lots of sunny skies, painted at the Auburn Airport. Displays pro­ by Pegge Biinco ingredients that add up to some of the most moted the 99s at two air shows. An air rally was conducted, and a Flying Companion Seminar taught by Charlene Falkenberg was CHAPTER NEWS. ETC. organized. Part of a day was spent w ith the Air National Guard, many of whom were un­ Eastern Oregon Chapter challenging flying in the world. familiar with the 99s and fascinated to see so Chartered in 1981 with 10 members, we After inspiring everyone to try this type of many female pilots. And a beautiful October decided to promote aviation in the Eastern flying, we also presented a pilot survival day was spent entertaining members of the Oregon area by sponsoring an air show at the session in case our pilots couldn't make it other Indiana chapters at Pokagon State Park Baker Airport. back via the air. Area pilots really appreciate with a "Flying to Alaska" program. Our main objective was to bring in our this type of course as it is pretty impossible to “Today" — being just one year old, we have political and state representatives to focus on fly anywhere in the state without going over 24 members who can proudly point to four the importance of our local FSS. Baker had very remote, isolated terrain. section awards achieved at ju st six m onths of been earmarked for closing, and we wanted Last year’s participants in the seminar age. to bring to light the importance of our FSS to came from so many states and from so far "Tomorrow” — we plan for growth while all pilots traveling through our area. away that we decided to go "national" and promoting the organization. Members will be We were successful in show ing the need fo r advertise the seminar as widely as possible in teaching a fall Flying Companion Seminar. the continuation of the Baker FSS. and we future years. Our next, more comprehensive, Three local air shows have requested that our have been assured that it will not be closed seminar will be in the fall of 1985. chapter set up an exhibit, in addition to an air until "as good or better” weather reporting rally being planned at Huntington’s Heritage by Barbara L. Sail could be continued. Days Air Show in June. Our community enjoyed the air show so Intermountain Chapter by Paula Hook and Linda Rice much, we were urged to continue with the event. So in 1982, our chapter sponsored This chapter was originally Eastern Wash­ NORTHWEST SECTION another air show. We had an enormous turn­ ington Chapter, with a charter date of out and felt that everyone attending, whether October 1,1955. pilots or not, enjoyed the show tremendously. Charter members included Minnie Boyd, Columbia Cascade Chapter We are a family-oriented chapter and make Mary Drinkwater, Lydiellen Hagan, Gini Have you ever seen blood flying? Well, we it a point to include our husbands in every Richardson and Betty Seavey — Minnie, have — for seven years! We will begin the activity, whether it be air shows, air marking Lydiellen and Gini are still members. eighth year of "Rare Birds," assisting Pacific or fly-out camping. Our 49Viers are our In 1959, members hosted both the AWTAR Northwest Regional Blood Services in col­ biggest supporters. terminus and the International Convention in lecting from the bloodmobiles around the Spokane, Washington, with only eight or 10 by Linda Nave states of Oregon and southwest Washington. members and only three of the members in From the greater Portland area, our Spokane. The 49V4ers supported th e ir wives missions have taken us over 300 air miles Idaho Chapter and the ch a p te r 100 percent. They hosted the For the past two years, we have conducted International Convention again in 1975 at Mountain Flying Seminars at McCall, eleva­ Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. tion 5,050 feet. These very comprehensive Present m em bership is around 50 since the sessions include general mountain flying lec­ formation of the Mid-Columbia Chapter in tures by Sparky Imerson, the fellow who April 1982. "wrote the book on mountain flying," from We hope to be more active with our air Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Spectacular video marking project, after being informed that the films of actual approach to landings, landings paint and equipment is again available from and departures from progressively more dif­ the state. ficult Idaho backcountry strips are presented Our SOS (Share Old Spectacles) project by Lyn Clark. for Direct Relief International resulted in our Rather than be satisfied just watching delivering over 4,000 pairs of eyeglasses to videos of beautiful mountain peaks and the headquarters in Santa Barbara, Califor­ heart-stopping canyon landings, most con­ nia. Our original goal of 1,000 pairs seemed ference participants also sign up for dual huge, but a request was made for all 99 instruction with CFI backcountry pilots for a chapters to help. Many sent glasses — taste of the real thing. Phoenix Chapter was very generous. We are Ernie Gayman, assistant director, Blood Product Pilots could fly with instructors in their own proud to say th a t the 99s have helped to bring Management, and 99s Pegge Biinco and Mary plane or rent available planes at McCall the gift of sight to thousands of needy per­ Wohlgemuth load blood into an aircraft for transport. Airport. Four instructors were kept busy two sons around the world. A newsletter, Proppings from Mt. Tahoma, is sent out each month with the previous minutes, new business and coming events. Our contribution for the AE Scholarship program comes from maintaining a con­ cession stand for an annual Lion's Air Show. by Josephine Hadfield

North Dakota Chapter This chapter received its charter Decem­ bers, 1970 from then International President Author Skip Stoffel presents survival information to Betty McNabb. Four charter members — Southern Cascade 99s. Audrey Baird, Beth Lucy, Lorraine Smith and Kay Vogel — are still very active. come to our area so more of our members and We hosted the Northwest Sectional in Sep­ their families could hear him. Gloria Tornbom presents History of the Ninety-Nines, Inc. to a representative from North Idaho College in tember 1972 and a survival course in March The next step was an all-day CPR, multi- Coeur d’Alene. 1973. Air markings of roofs in Stanley and media airway obstruction class. During this Mohall were completed in '75 and '76. Other class, we were able to practice on special The chapter also bought several of the 50th activities over the years have been helping dummies. Refresher courses will be offered, anniversary books, History ol the Ninety- with air shows, safety seminars and a space periodically, to reinforce what we have Nines, Inc., for different local area libraries. exposition. learned and to update methods. In the later years, we have painted runways by Beryl Fitzpatrick by Barbara Grace at Carrington and Ellendale; helped with the Foster County Centennial and NIFA competi­ Willamette Valley Chapter Mount St. Helen* Chapter tion at Grand Forks; hosted the Air Race Our chapter's main project this year is our Classic stop in Bismarck in 1979; and co­ In July 1980, the chapter, in conjunction annual Lakefair Airshow '84, which has been hosted the 1983 Northwest Sectional last w ith the A lbany Area C ham ber of Com m erce, a traditional celebration in Olympia, Wash­ September in Casper, Wyoming. sponsored their first Petticoat Derby. ington for the past 52 years. Our July 15 show Projects for the future include setting up a The derby is a timed proficiency event of is the final event of a week-long celebration. scholarship for a North Dakota woman pilot approximately 150 nm. Clues to the location Our first air show in 1982 was mainly static to help her obtain advanced ratings at UND; of secret checkpoints are given to a pilot just displays and scenic rides, but it went over so “Operation Heartbeat," flying children for prior to her departure. They include ques­ well we decided to work toward a full-scale air medical attention in cooperation with "Heal tions about each checkpoint, and scores are show for the following year. the Children;" poker runs and air markings. based on the number of correct answers. In 1983 we had a two-hour event with 11 An on-going project is to help South Dakota Prior to takeoff, each pilot must estimate her performers to make the day a success, along women pilots organize a 99 chapter. fuel consumption and time en route. A spot landing contest is judged separately. with $5 scenic rides by 99 commercial pilots by Lorraine Boehler and $15 helicopter rides before and after the Names of first-place winners are engraved show. We opened our show with an ultralight on a large traveling trophy, and first, second demonstration, followed by a parachute and third place teams receive engraved team. Joanne Osterud Nottke was one of six plaques. Prizes are also awarded for best aerobatic acts. Bud Kimball performed with a costume, best spot landing and whatever else sailplane, and a 21-year-old female wing- seems fun and appropriate at the time. walker parachuted off the sailplane at the end Gil Sperry, Corvallis, and his QBs have of the act. alw ays done an e xcelle n t jo b o f laying out the Our show is made possible by several fund­ secret course, briefing pilots and providing a raising events during the year, mainly our ground crew. Creative Conventions, Inc., auction, which is held several months prior to Eugene, has handled the organizing of every­ the air show. Local merchants, 99s and their thing from pilot packets to picnic lunches. supporters donate merchandise and gifts to The chapter voted to suspend the annual be auctioned or given away as door prizes. event for 1984 and encourage all would-be participants to fly to Alaska for the Northwest by Marilyn J. Britt Sectional and the International Convention. North Dakota 99s "chalk and paint" at Carrington. by Velma Lemco Southern Cascade Chapter SOUTH CENTRAL SECTION The chapter is located amidst some of the most beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Since mountain flying can be Dallas Chapter hazardous, this chapter has become involved Air marking has always been fun and in safety and Red Cross courses. The worthwhile, and many airports in our metro- o f lost o r dow ned planes is not a pleasant part plex and surrounding area have benefitted of flying, but, realistically, it is something from our expertise. Our members also plant­ every person who flies should keep in mind. ed bushes and plants to help "beautify" Every student pilot is required to know several airports during the Johnson Admini­ 99s Jeannine Squyres, Carolyn Savage, Nanette Allen emergency procedures. How many are stration era. and Barbara Smith visit with air show performer Joanne taught the techniques of survival? To include The chapter has participated in a variety of Osterud Nottke (second from right) in front of her these courses with pilot training would be functions, such as helping in the grand open­ Stephens Akro aircraft. costly. That is why our chapter has devoted ing of D/FW Regional Airport, special FAA time and effort to allow each of our members seminars, Confederate Air Force air shows, Mt. Tahoma Chapter to learn these life-saving lessons. local and national air races, 99 Conventions, The chapter has made great strides during An Oregon Pilots Association (OPA) meet­ All-Texas Air Tours, and CAP meetings and the 1983-84 year. Programs have been on ing in 1983 sparked our interest in safety searches. safety and proficiency, skydiving, getting when a few of the 99s attended a survival Our members are as varied as our activities. along with ultralights and a travelog given by seminar at Sunriver, Oregon. Skip Stoffel, co­ We ha>'e six Life M em bers, WASPs, com m er­ Aiko Diehl and husband Don — they flew a a u th o r o f Survival Sense for Pilots and cial pilots, private and instrument rated pilots. Cessna 172 to the Arctic Circle from Bremer­ Passengers, gave such an inspirational pre­ CAP officers and members, hot air balloon­ ton, Washington and back. sentation that it was suggested we ask him to ists, glider pilots and a few who have flown ultralights and hang gliders. Ruth Deerman was International President We are proud of our Jimmie Kolp Award of the 99s in 1963 when she realized that winners, our AE Scholarship applicants and student pilots have always had the same members who have earned awards in Powder problems, uncertainties and struggles and Puff D erbies and o th e r fly in g events. We have felt it was time to organize the future women several section gove rno rs in o u r crew , as w ell pilots into a support group. as International Board members. According to Ruth, “Win Griffin, also a Our fund-raising ventures have included member of the El Paso Chapter at that time, garage sales, 99 sunglasses, air marking T- was the creative one." Win came up with the shirts and stencils used in air marking, as well idea of calling student pilots 66s, which is a 99 as the 99 insignia in several sizes, auctions, turned upside down. Then when a 66 is garment bags, hangar parties and several licensed, the 66 pin is turned right side up flying poker parties over the years. — beco m in g a 99! W in also had the idea to call El Paso 66s Carrie Staley, Sandy Walker, Cynthia the 99 in charge of the 66s the Mama Bird. Corbett, Shelley Weaver. Joanie High and Pauline Dow Ruth was the first Mama Bird. are serious about flying Mama Bird Kay is hovering at Dallas Redblrd Chapter the end of the table. This year, Kay Barnett has organized an Mix eager college students clad in bright active group of 66s. Mama Bird Kay has windbreakers. a group of excited 99s, some regularly checked with local FBOs and flight body across the runway in a human “X” for supporting aviation enthusiasts and three instructors for names of women student the sake of art preservation. Dottie Hughes days of variable weather; use an area airport pilots. The first successful joint meeting of and Linda Wolfe dissuaded me from my fo r the stage and add m any sm all airplanes as 99s and 66s in several years was held at Santa heroics, and I simply stepped off the runway props. The result can be a NIFA meet, which Teresa Country Club in April, and the turnout instead. Three-handedly we fought the wind is a favorite project of this chapter. was astounding! and side-stepped cracks in the pavement, After deciding to sponsor a meet, workers Instrumental in helping to again organize then stood back to inspect our hard-won and materials are organized at a planning the 66s in El Paso was Sandy Walker (she effort. Sadly I watched a Cherokee's wheel meeting; then each volunteer must decide calls herself our resident 66), who already has touch down on the last wet spot of our which task to undertake. Experienced help­ been active in 99 activities and was in charge painting and smear yellow down the runway. ers usually have a favorite duty. Kathy Long, of our 1983 “apron project." Ever so slightly, but had I only followed my for example, is an expert at the walkaround Kay Barnett explained why she was very protective instincts... wiser, I went home yel­ inspection and keeps an eagle eye on the interested in the 66s. “Only women can relate low but not afraid to go at it again. participating student. to other women having the same problems as Our next chance came in October — this Attendance at the training session is vital student pilots,” she said. Kay added. “These time In Sherman, Texas. Golden Triangle and for new helpers, but even seasoned volun­ students need the encouragement of other W ildflower Chapters joined forces to enlarge teers often discover new ideas or rules. student pilots and 99s who had the same and paint Grayson County Airport's name on Unless all volunteers adhere to the same experiences as student pilots, and the job the ex-military field. Ten 99s rolled paint rules, the validity of competition suffers. The needed doing." And Mama Bird Kay is doing against our omnipresent 30 mph gale, while first time Bryant Hutchinson, who is a pro­ the job in El Paso! However, husband John four 49'/4ers mixed and poured — somewhat ficient pilot though not an instructor, served calls her the “Hovering Condor.” like spitting into the wind. (I felt like spitting as a check pilot, she found it required eyes in into the wind.) We worked until the paint ran all directions and concentration to observe by Lynn N. Stover out (the airport buys the paint and we donate e verything that was happening and give "h e r" time and energy), and 14 undiscovered starv­ pilot an accurate evaluation. Golden Triangle Chapter ing artists split for lunch. A bit less demanding is judging spot land­ The harder the wind blows, the faster we Bob Hughes, contributed to the cause by ings, which are exciting for even spectators to roll on the paint. And our air markings seem Dottie Hughes, chapter chairman, has just watch. Unpredictable winds can create in­ to wake up the winds before we even crawl been named our unofficial chief paint-pourer. teresting problems for the pilot and the judge. out of bed for the event. After earning a few (This is his only notification.) Bob’s remark­ By the time the meet is over, everyone pairs of yellow spotted jeans, we've acquired able skill, being the owner of the sole pair of involved has learned, despaired and rejoiced. a superb upwind pouring technique. overalls in the group, and the fact that he The final evening is banquet time, when Linda Wolfe, air marking chairman, has keeps showing up to work, have snagged him everyone relaxes and the winners bask in the kept members busy during the past year, this title, which is unlikely to be challenged. limelight. Then it’s on to regional and inter­ painting runway numbers, threshold mark­ Most recently, we were called upon to mark national competition. ings. airport names and elevations at several the elevation and name of Aero Valley Airport by Elizabeth Jordan airports around north Texas. After gathering in Roanoke, Texas. Naturally, as pilots, none volunteers and 99s on two different dates and of us were afraid of heights, so the 20-foot being rained out both times, three members clim b up the ladder to the hangar roof was no ended up marking Mangham Airport in Ft. problem. The 35-mph wind was. Since this Worth. The rain was gone, but the wind was was original artwork, each 15-foot letter and excited that we were there and kicked up n um ber had to be m easured and m arked. The q u ite a bit. wind encouraged everyone to keep a “low This was my first experience at air marking profile," and we crawled and prouched along and each tim e a plane cam e in on final (w hich the roof, filling in the outlines with a sticky was fairly often), I considered throwing my black ink. One especially strong gust forced

Golden Triangle 99s brave the wind to enlarge and paint the airport name and elevation at Grayson County Airport.

Dallas Redbird Chapter members take a break from a recent NIFA planning session

El Paso Chapter The special project for this chapter is cer­ tainly not new since this is where the idea originated. We call it revived — an organized group of 66s or women student pilots. is to our faces. Airport owner Glen Hyde airports in Oklahoma they didn't know exist­ m ultitu d e o f questions, and som e of the luckV bought we were practicing for a bomb raid ed, and some did not! ones got a free airplane ride, courtesy of nd renewed his babbling about a staged "air Awards and entertainment are presented at Marjorie Hardcastle. rar." We’ll have screaming women, crying the annual banquet. Flight crews invariably There were exhibits of all types of air abies, bombs bursting," he chanted. (No plan to do better next year. transportation, including balloons, gliders, ornb better touch that 99 art creation, Hyde!) The Okie Derby has grown a great deal ultralights, radio-controlled aircraft, a crop Over the years, the chapter has provided a since 1979 as over 40 aircraft were entered in duster demonstration and skydiving with ap­ ervice to area airports and had a good time 1983. We feel we have done our best to make propriate musical accompaniment. oing it. Someday we may even conquer the every individual who has flown the derby a Starr Stone and Barbara Ringold organized rind. better, safer, more knowledgeable pilot. a beautiful static display of antique aircraft and World War II trainers, including a P-40, by Suzanne Frias Fast approaching is the Sixth Annual Okie Derby, to be held in friendlier July weather. Corsair, A-26 and TBM-3. We are counting on even greater participa­ The day started with a Poker Run en­ Heart of Texas Chapter tion in an event which has become a dynamic gineered by Ray Hardey. Mary Phillips had to Working hard to build membership, we are tradition with the chapter. cancel her well planned spot landing and ery proud of the 33 percent increase in our by Nancy Smith bom b d rop contest when the w ind insisted on ew chapter this first year. In November, we flew to Del Rio, with three lembers of the San Antonio Chapter in an ffort to start a new chapter there. Our chap- CHAPTER NEWS. ETC. sr was responsible for distributing 3,000 ewly updated 99 flyers around the US this San Antonio Chapter ast summer. We are well represented at gusting to 30 knots. arious aviation events spreading the 99 Our goal of one or two air markings each The high point of the afternoon was the 'ord. year has been met for several years. With a fantastic aerobatic show executed by Marion flu c tu a tin g m em bership of 25 to 27, interest is Cole, former world acrobatic champion, and by Robbie McBride high in this back-breaking, heat-stroke- announced by o u r own 49V4er, Bud Ports. We inviting Texas sun. are satisfied that the activities of the entire Survival is also becoming more and more day demonstrated the safety and the enjoy­ interesting and important — particularly ment of private aviation, and we are already since Sah Antonio is a city of three major making plans for a repeat performance next military flying fields, assistance and person­ year. nel are possible. An off-shoot of this program by Helen Hewitt is our assembling of survival kits which we offer for sale at all local and neighboring aviation functions, as well as section and International meetings. Last year we hosted the USPFT m eeting fo r all pilots wanting to compete internationally I the Laughlin Aero Club meeting in Del Rio. Texas, are in Norway. As a special project this year, ndra Tate. Mimi Crane, Martha Gaines, Alice Foeh, anessa Reister. Andra West, Vicki Knox. Virginia Dare having had experience, we will host the attiza and Robbie McBride. USPFT regional co m p e titio n . We are proud to participate in this prestigious event, especial­ ly since the international competition will be Oklahoma Chapter in the US in 1985. The O kie Derby was born A pril 28,1979 to a Our most difficult "favorite project" is rais­ tapter with innumerable past achievements ing money. Air Force Day in May at Randolph i its credit. Sanctioned by the National Race Field will find our members manning our ilots Association of America, and using Corinne Strickland. Marie Blake and Joan Carroll specially built display booth, promoting the peddle “I'd Rather Be Flying" balloons and T-shirts at fficial handicaps and formula. 15 airplanes 99s and flying activities, all profit applied to the Holiday-ln-Dixie Airshow articipated. All pilots were invited to enter. sending our delegates to section and Inter­ The 300 sm triangular course required national meetings. srby contestants to estimate fuel and time b y M ary A n n Greer Plane Stuff

Aeronautical Gift Catalogue

Unique Gifts for Aviators kie Derby racers enjoy the Saturday evening awards San Antonio Chapter members kibitz on the way to the inquet survival seminar. tiile applying the NRP formula. The ob- Send for Free Copy ictive was to fly the airplane with maximum Shreveport Chapter roficiency. The newest chapter project was the spon­ The Hospitality Room, with culinary de- sorship of the Holiday-ln-Dixie Airshow at ghts furnished by the chapter members, Downtown Airport. Eileen Anderson served Pat Forbes ecame the social focal point for participants, as events chairperson for the occasion. ellowship was warmly enhanced by bottom- It proved to be so successful that we have 279 Catalpa Drive iss attitude adjustment. Conversation cen- been asked to make it a permanent project. P.O. Box 2227 ired on errors made in navigation, fuel esti- What a splendid opportunity to introduce the Menlo Park CA 94025 lates or time. (All contestants believe they general public to private aviation! We con­ now their airplanes better.) Some found ducted tours to the control tower, answered a vate collection of a local citizen to present to es, 300 hot dogs, five cases of potato chips, 14 International 99 Headquarters and to the cases of soft drinks, eight gallons of cole slaw Louisiana Aviation Museum in Patterson. and 15 roasters of home-baked beans. Our members continue to make headlines, Members begin to arrive at the airport by from State Aviation Director Gloria Ward 0930 to set up the roaster ovens and electric Holmes to Sandra Rice, who just received her skillets. Coffee is made first, while miles of PhD in special education, and Eleanor Low ry, extension cords are unwound. The 99s ban­ past president of Women in Construction ner is hung by a helpful husband, and the who has her own aircraft factory. Judy information display is set up with brochures McLane, newly CFI rated, recently was co­ and business cards. featured in an article on “lady pilots” with One highlight of the day, after greeting our Polly Baughman and Mary French. guests, is to takea break to view the airplanes. South L o u is ia n a Chapter charter members, May 8, by Pal Ward by Janet Minnerath 1966, include Yvonne Ryder, Brenda Burley. Jan Phillips. Helen Hooks, Nita Delaroderie. Alice Roberts. Pat Ward, Dee Comeaux, Molly Stockwell. Mary Jean Top O’ Texas Chapter Prestridte. Norma Spence. Jean DeJarnette, Gerri Our September 1983 section meeting in Wilson, Barbara Teer, Roy West and Gloria Ward Holmes. Amarillo provided each member the oppor- CHAPTER NEWS. ETC. tunity to ensure that all registrants were South Louisiana Chapter productively accommodated and satisfied Founded on Mother’s Day, 1966, officially with offered programs. proclaimed by Governor John McKeithen, Our Second Annual Air Show booth and who built the famed Superdome, and official­ Annual Aviation Week displays allowed us to WACO-CENTEX CHAPTER member Dorothy P ly chartered by Internationa; 99 President present 99s to the public. Our participation Warren was the only woman to receive the Crown Circle Alice Roberts, the chapter’s 13 charter mem­ with CAP and the High Plains Aviation As­ Award at the National Congress on Aerospace Education in 1984 bers enjoyed the first opportunity in our area sociation offered the opportunity to work to promote the idea of modern woman flying. with other aviation professionals. And did we make news headlines? Yes! Our semi-annual Flying Companion Se­ Wichita Falla Chapter Channel 9 televised us, radio interviewed us minars, instructed by our members, meetings One of our favorite activities is air marking and the newspapers around south Louisiana and activities with speakers and films, afford — most recently at Wichita Valley in Iowa followed our every flight and event. Our us a full year of being involved in that part of youngest member, Gloria Ward, still in high our life that we enjoy most — any project school in 1966, later went on to win the AE related to flying. Scholarship in 1974 and escalate her pro­ Future chapter goals include airport beau­ fessional aviation career to her recent ap­ tification and air marking with CAP, flying pointment as the state director of aviation. trips to EAA and other air shows, 99 Head­ Another of our distinguished members, quarters, USAF Open House, forming a new Marion Brown, featured in the local news as a chapter, visiting other chapters and assuring World War II aviatrix, won the Jimmie Kolp better representation at 99 Conventions. Award in 1980. by M ary M. Vermeulen In 1967, our chapter designed the formula for the original Poker Run and attracted 50 aircraft from five states to our first event. We Tulsa Chapter went on to assist other chapters around the world to use this still popular aviation event The chapter’s main fund-raising event of the year is to provide lunch fo r people attend­ for fun, education and fund-raising. Busily painting at Wichita Valley Airport are Sandra We hosted the historical 25th Anniversary ing the EAA-AAA annual fly-in at Tahlequah. Gundermann, Leanne Bush. Linda Colwell. Carolyn Powder Puff Derby terminus in 1971 from Traditionally held the last Saturday in Sep­ Baker and Tuck Harvey. Linda's daughter, Erin, is Calgary to Baton Rouge. Over 1,700 aviation tember, this event attracts 150 show class engrossed in the proceedings enthusiasts and news media from across the airplanes and 300 to 350 modern airplanes, globe were our guests for the week-long plus the drive-in public. Park, Texas. We had already marked off the event, which entailed a budget of nearly Many pilots fly great distances to show off numbers 13-31 and painted them a few years $100,000 and ended with a full-scale Mardi their antique or experimental aircraft. They ago. Since the area containing the numbers Gras Ball for the “Krew of Puff." camp overnight under the wing, and lack had not been resurfaced since then, we just We were privileged to obtain unpublished ground transportation to town to find a painted over existing numbers. photographs of Amelia Earhart from the pri­ restaurant. Another memorable air marking was Kent Fourteen years ago, the AAA invited 99s to County Airport in Jayton. In spite of cold serve the noon meal. The most recent fly-in weather and a very strong wind, we marked logistics included 250 barbecue plate lunch- off the numbers 17-35 on the runway and then

Top O' Texas' 12 members in 1979 — seven are still active today, with 13 new members added to the group. We try to make the lines go as fast as possible, serve with friendly smiles and let folks know we are 99s painted them. Our hosts at Jayton treated us royally by taking us into town at mid-morning to the community center for delicious snacks, cof­ fee and cold drinks. Then, after our air mark­ ing was completed, they treated us to a very good Mexican meal at a local restaurant. Since bad weather one time and busy schedules another had cancelled our first two attem pts to fly to T hro ckm o rto n fo r air m ark­ ing, we were especially glad to be able to get it done recently. Despite very strong winds, we finished the 35 by noon, were treated to a very nice lunch at a local steak house, and com­ pleted the 17 by mid-afternoon. At the New Orleans Convention are Billie Hilton and “How to change a tire" is one of the subjects at Fran Biele (sealed). Ann Jernigan and Barbara Bethea Spaceport’s Preventive Maintenance Seminar (standing). SOUTHEAST SECTION Since 1977,12 students from Embry-Riddle South Chapter commenced with members have received scholarships from the memor­ Florida Gulf Stream Chapter from south Georgia, southeast Alabama, and ial fund. Donations from members, proceeds The one activity which involves the greatest northwest Florida, including the far west from Pennies-a-Pound events, poker runs number of Florida Gulf Stream Chapter corner of the Sunshine State. and the sem inar have so increased the capital members and gives them the opportunity to Time and distance, however, took its toll on that now the scholarships are paid out of meet the'largest cross-section of 99s is its the small aircraft belonging to the latter interest. There are now plans to increase the support of the Angel Derby (see photos). members — the Cessna 140s and 150s just scholarship to $500 a year and to extend the could not make Savannah, Georgia from Ft. search for candidates beyond Embry-Riddle. Walton Beach, Florida on a winter meeting The seminar was begun by members of the day. Hence, the Panhandle Chapter was born Daytona Beach area. One of our 49Vters and received its charter from President Lois teaches aircraft mechanics at Embry-Riddle Feigenbaum at the April 16, 1977 Southeast With the help of colleagues and other A&P Sectional. rated 49%ers, the first seminar pleased the The territory covers essentially Pensacola audience of 99s, friends and interested pilots. to Tallahassee, Florida. We are lucky to in­ This year again, hardy souls braved the clude Captain Charlotte Green, USAF pilot unusually cold weather to learn how to care and Airman of the Year a few years ago. for their airplanes. The program included a Charlotte was the first military woman pilot to review of the FARs, a presentation on log­ Chapter members help organize the race. (Dianne fly an all-woman crew and land at a military book entries and how they should be done, Johnston and Virginia Britt "trailblaze" the 1981 race base (C-141 Starlifter, Eglin AFB). and a talk on the compass rose and its use in route. Navajoa, Mexico, 1980.) Our main focus is to give each^other love checking the airplane's compass. and support as sister pilots. How often each The audience learned how to change a tire of us has felt she was the only woman safely. Then they all tried their hands at surrounded by nothing but men at the airport. making spark plug holders, an IFR hood, It is a co m fo rt to know there are o ther wom en gauge occluders and a mileage ruler. Time close by who share our love of aviation. and money-saving advice on how to prepare We come from various backgrounds — the plane for its yearly inspection brought the married, single, families, child-free, tall, seminar to a close. short, young and not so young. by Jeannie L. Ball Traditionally we bake Christmas food and personally deliver this to ATC-FSS for Talla­ Mississippi Chapter hassee, Crestview, Panama City and Pensa­ cola. We have several members who also It began when the chapter wanted to do belong to the Civil Air Patrol and the Coast something special for Mississippi's official They officiate for the race (Diane Johnston and Alexis Guard Auxiliary. Jackson County Airshow, which is headed Montague-Ewanchew with Cy Beers, right, of the We wish to someday become involved with into its 14th year and is one of the county's Spaceport Chapter, Cleveland, 1979.) the United States Medical Support Team, but Official World's Fair Activities. we must first build up our membership (20). The chapter began coordinating the air With the outstanding help and guidance of m arking o f the Jackson C ounty A irp o rt w ith a member Ann Taylor Jernigan, we are dili­ different flair. Instead of putting the airport gently working to host the ’85 Southeast name on the runway, this group made a Sectional. stylish welcome mat by painting the name of the show and the 99 compass rose. b y Cam Weslberry Members supervised and worked with local volunteers in completing the project. Chair­ Florida Spaceport Chapter man Ramona Young noted the job could not It is always flying time for some of the have been done without the help of civic members when the chapter meets, with organizations, businesses and industries in planes coming in from the east or west coast, the Jackson County area. Vero Beach or Amelia Island. Meetings are Singing River Composite Squadron of CAP held in various central Florida airports, and coordinated the recruitment and job over­ fly in g a ctivitie s are often spiced w ith treasure sight of cadets. Several members from the hunts, poker runs or landing contests. Pascagoula Police Department lent their or­ The chapter is also very proud of two ganizational skills to the project by laying out And sometimes they win. (Shirley Zillig. right, with projects — the Mary Blackwell Joehrendt/ the lettering and compass rose outlines for daughter Bonnie Quenzler, Acapulco. 1981.) Ann Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund, in volunteers to fill in. existence since 1976, named after two de­ Other volunteers included US Navy per­ Florida Panhandle Chapter ceased members who were particularly well­ sonnel stationed in Pascagoula, International Once it was Georgia... Georgia is a big loved and who contributed a great deal to the Aerobatic Club and Experimental Aircraft state, biggest east of the Mississippi. So organization of the chapter, and our annual Association members. reluctantly Georgia divided; thus the Deep Preventive Maintenance Seminar. Not only does the air marking serve as a permanent landmark, but it assists pilots in locating the Jackson County Airport and in navigation through the area. It also advertises the show, the airport and Jackson County. The chapter has now decided to enlarge the air marking by adding the dates of the show held annually in October; the dates will be changed each year. by Ramona O. Young

ACK5GN COUNTY AIRSHOW C h o ir * 10*

n o r y fic f tH e r ' Florida Suncoast Chapter 99s Mississippi Chapter's air marking expertise is evident in this aerial view. During+he past . involved in Various receipent of Fb. Community involve­ year" clroond and qtr phases o-f Hie Gold Coast's ment -found the i k iryy programsp havehn FAA's Proficiency scholarship that Chopter airmorhing been arocal point Program and ^Vera I enabled her to the taxiway of en­ SOUTHWEST SECTION erf +He Florida 3un- tave completed obtain a Commerc- dangered Albert coas+.thapfer Rfi pnase iv. ial Rating. Whifted Airport Bakersfield Chapter meetings. These have included safety Ten. new ratings were The recrUiftVig.of The chapter may be considered unique for tatKs by FAA reg­ achieved thiCpast women pilots is asserting that one of our favorite activities is ional officials, a year with iour another Yviajor maj ob­ preparing to host the Southwest Sectional. It ■tour' of 3ax FAA aw n Nancy jective of the. Chap­ is true that there is a mountain of hard work Center as we 11 as Wrigt' irtt the ter. Pasters have and an impossible timetable, but the gals medical and insur­ been designed and seem to thrive on it. ance update pro­ distributed, grams. ‘ resulting in Our preparations began with a unanimous 13 new members this past Sprir vote to do it. We were ready and w illin g a year Th£ BTUNE nevus - anclB-fcfci. ^ ------ago, and as the months fly by our eagerness letter has beert continues to grow. First of all, we established used -to sharpen Florida our goal of providing a beautiful setting for memberi p lath­ Suncoast relaxation, rapport and recreation. Rio Bravo ing s tills by Chap Resort filled the need for just such a setting. providing co-or- 99s_ fiinates -for It has been great fun visiting the resort and of uc*nt*d Women Pilot* founded muster y air- by Amoll* Earhart In 19M. to provkM planning for a hayride and barbecue, pool- a ciom raiattontnip among woman fJ rts . ! P«OU In the promotion of aeronautical. side banquet, as well as daytime activities, •clanuric, educational and cnarttatxa About half the aclirilia* such as horseback riding, white water rafting, For mora Information eoU or golf, tennis and swimming. Who wouldn’t Chapter's "jline yjjrlg hr Mimbanhlp enjoy hours of "free" time in such pursuits? pilots are Back in our living rooms, sewing rooms and HUMHHI kitchens, we are putting together some truly special "goody" bags. Over 100 yards of — everyone is eager to get into the act. We Bay Cities was formed March 2,1932 with burlap are being transformed into unique tote have all been aware, since the day we became nine members. Phyllis Goddard Penfield, a bags. Each bag sports different cotton print 99s, that this was a special group of people Charter 99 licensed in 1929, and Ruth handles and fringe around the edge. Next on with a very special bond; and we have found Marshall Rueckert, who was licensed in 1929 the agenda for “home” production are decor­ that bond to be even closer as we prepare for and joined as a WASP in 1930, both Life ations suitable for a real country atmosphere. the fall section meeting. Members, are the only two of the original nine Back out in the community, some of us are by Pat Church who are still members. recruiting some generous donations for door Air marking has been an active part of our prizes, while others are coordinating meals, Bay Cltle* Chapter service to the communities around the Bay arranging for speakers and transportation We are often known as "mother" because of area. This past year our air marking efforts and preparing flyers for mailing. giving up members to help form many other were rewarded by receiving a third place The nicest th in g about all th is activity is that Southw est S ection chapters. It is g ra tifying to trophy from our section. it has really brought us together as a chapter note in the rosters the number of former We have sponsored a Right Seat Safety members who are still active in these other Seminar annually for a number of years. chapters. In keeping with our "mother” These seminars, strictly for the non-pilot, image, we sponsored a new chapter — Clear have been extremely popular and well re­ Lake — in March of this year. ceived by those participating. Celebrants gather for a group photo at the Clear Lake Chapter's 52nd anniversary party.

“Chalking the lines," Bakersfield Chapter members prepare to air mark Rio Bravo Airport. Our chapter is well-rounded and repre­ sentative of most areas of aviation, in that we have from our membership a corporate pilot, a member who started a glider club, an accomplished helicopter pilot who is a Whirly-Girl, a licensed FAA examiner, a Coast Guard Search and Rescue volunteer pilot, a flight attendant with Republic Airlines and a former flight attendant with Luftansa. Our youngest member, Patty Tormey, re­ ceived her private pilot’s license at age 17 and, now at 18, has her instrument rating. W ith an eye tow ard a jo b as an a irlin e pilot, we believe Patty reflects the image of what the Coachella Vallay Chaptar 99s Jane Ellen Barbier. Eleanor Wagner, Colette Dobkowski, Peggy Melilli. Lisa future may hold for women in aviation. Sontgerath, Helen Dolyak (standing), Betty Manley and Myrna Holub (seated) sell lemonade and cookies at the by Vonne Anne Heninger Thermal Air Show.

El Cajon Valley Chapter Chartered July 7, 1961 with 12 members, CHAPTER NEWS. ETC. and despite the loss of some to form a new chapter for better attendance geographically, ences was relived by members as they con­ missioner, president of the Riverside Airport membership has increased to 32 with at least ducted their third Flying Companion Seminar Boosters, a ground school instructor and an four prospective members. We won a silver in March. A Pilot Proficiency Seminar was accident investigator for the FAA. Some own plate as winners in Category 2 of “The Great offered at the same time. (with their husbands) aviation-related busi­ Race," a membership drive in 1980. Aviation safety has become a stimulating nesses, two in aerial photography/surveying Through the years, our membership has watchword for area pilots. Betty Casaccia led and another in antique aeroplane construc­ included a WASP, an FAA specialist, seven the charge in 1982 when she helped the group tion, commercials and films. CAP members, nine flight instructors, three to discover the thrills of sharing their aviation Our premium racing team of Tookie ground school instructors, one corporate expertise. Members sponsored two Flying Hensley and Janice Hoffman have participat­ pilot and two section governors. We dedi­ Companion Seminars and a Proficiency Air ed and placed highly in races all over the cated the Gillespie Field Control Tower by Circus in 1982-83. country. At the Pacific Air Race last October, breaking the ribbon around the tower with an The Air Circus was repeated May 12 this seven of our members were entered, and airplane, were guests of Pat Nixon in the year, and the interest from central California everyone came home with a trophy — quite White House at the end of the 1969 Powder pilots has been overwhelming. Members are an accomplishment for a membership of 151 Puff Derby (PPD) and sponsored the India helping to make pilot proficiency a fun and Our goals for the coming year are based on Chapter until they formed their own section. shared experience for our area. the promotion of safety education. We hope We have one finalist for the 1983-84 AE We are also painting identifying markings to become a 100 percent "APT’ed" chapter! Scholarship Award and a 1974 winner. on the airports of the great San Joaquin by Janet Landfrled The chapter is active in air marking, having Valley of California. In past years the chapter has sponsored the Fresno 400 Air Race. won the section’s first place award in 1968, Lake Tahoe Chapter 1970 and 1983 — as well as second place in 1977 and third in 1979. Gavilan Chapter This chapter includes a member of the US The start of the PPD was co-sponsored by Women's Aerobatic Team, an airport board The chapter took its name from its location the Aviation Committee of the El Cajon member and a teacher. Another owns and near the Gavilan Mountain Range that ex­ Chamber of Commerce and our chapter in operates two tractor-trailer rigs, one owns a tends along the south Santa Clara Valley into 1965, and we have co-sponsored the Pacific ski shop, and one handles conventions for the San Benito County. The chapter was char­ Air Race with the San Diego Chapter annually Visitors Bureau. There are two mother/ tered in September 1980 and now has 10 since 1968. daughter teams in the group. mem bers. Many of our members have participated in Organized in 1975 by Bonnie Seymour, The most successful chapter project has most races, either as contestants or by assist­ who serves as chairman, the small chapter is been earning money as volunteers of the ing in operations. We had one PPD winner in active in educational, charitable and scien­ Gilroy Garlic Festival. This non-profit organi­ 1972 and a second place copilot in 1971, a tific activities. "Being a 99 has meant tremen­ zation divides its profits with the groups that 1971 winner in the Palms to Pines Race, plus dous friendship and camaraderie,” says provide volunteers who help to make it a contestants in the Angel Derby, Baja Cali­ Seymour, who teaches special education at success. Chapter members and friends have fornia Air Race, Bahamas Treasure Hunt and North Tahoe Intermediate School and is the worked hundreds of hours selling programs Air Race Classic. mother of three grown children, two of whom and performing Gourmet Alley activities dur­ In air age education, we have given several are pilots. “We have automatic friends ing the past three festivals. scholarships toward private licenses. One wherever we go. No women's club atmos­ Ginny McRae, fifth grade teacher, involves' member has been honored as the top aero­ phere here — 99s live and breathe flying when her students in an aviation study project space teacher in the El Cajon School District. they get together," says Seymour. “We talk every year. Sue McWilliamson holds one-day We arranged the original display of Women in about headwinds and tailwinds, icing and ground school sessions for a variety of ele­ Aviation in the first Aerospace Museum that mountain waves, and there's always that last mentary school classes. Field trips to the was totally destroyed by fire, and we assisted landing," she adds with a laugh. airport following the sessions afford the stu­ the San Diego Chapter with the present When the 99s aren't relating war stories, dents a "hands-on" experience in a single Women in Aviation display in the new Aero­ they are raising funds for scholarships, do­ engine aircraft. space Museum in San Diego's Balboa Park. nating time and airplanes to community ser­ A trophy case was presented to San Diego by Jean Blake vice projects and holding safety and main­ County, Gillespie Field, co-sponsored by the tenance seminars. They also compete regu­ Inland California Chapter chapter and the Aviation Committee of the El larly in flying contests, games and races for Cajon Chamber of Commerce, displaying This chapter is a small but growing group fun and proficiency. winning trophies of the chapter and a per­ serving the women of the area called the Members have flown late yearbooks to petual trophy naming ail of the winners of the "Inland Empire" of California. Including the students in time for the last day of classes, Pacific Air Race. cities of San Bernardino, Riverside, Rialto, donated textbooks to high school aviation Redlands, Corona, Colton and Big Bear, classes, flown a family member to a funeral by Darline "Dottie" Sanders among others, it is one of the busiest flying when no other transportation was available, areas in the US. given orientation flights to school children, Fresno Chapter O u r m em bers are active in m any aspects of flown rescue missions with CAP and partici­ Theexcitement of their initial flying experi­ aviation, including a county airport com­ pated in the Truckee-Tahoe Airshow. Perhaps the most famous member of the course" (use of the E6-8 computer), and chapter is Brigette de St. Phalle, San Jose, a answering questions during breaks and well-known aerobatic pilot who is a member luncheon. of the US Women's Aerobatic Team. "We all For the second year in a row, the chapter are very busy people leading full and rich worked with Fullerton 99s on the USPFT lives,” says Seymour of the group. “Flying is regional meet. This year's meet was held in an exciting, exhilarating activity. There is a May at Chino Airport. Members assisted with sense of accomplishment that seems to carry registration and confirmed that pilots/aircraft over into other facets of our lives.” were current and qualified for the meet, performed staging of aircraft, judged spot by Kim Necessary landings, flew as navigation pilots and manned booths, selling souvenirs and food. Lot Angeles Chapter Rhonda Hammons instructs on the E6-B tor Flying The chapter conducts a unique air race Companion Seminar participants. Palms Chapter called Back to Basics. This is a round robin speed race of less than 300 miles. The race monstration rides and hostessing the dance. The chapter has one major project, an must be flown with only minimum FAA re­ Our members have been very active on the annual racing event, the Palms to Pines Air quired VFR instruments, namely airspeed, local aviation scene Membership includes Race. This September, the 15th consecutive altimeter, magnetic compass and engine re­ full-time instructors, members active in the race wil be run from Santa Monica, California lated instruments. The radio is for communi­ local CAP and local aviation government. to Bend, Oregon. cation only. All other instruments are covered Grace Ellis represents aviation interests on The chapter rewrites and retypes the rules during the race. the local Airport Land Use Committee and and regulations, chooses the trophies, ar­ Each contestant is given the secret route has just been made captain for Cal Air. Leslie ranges for the start banquet and the awards and a half ho u r to plo t the course and plan the Jose, full-time instructor who was appointed breakfast and performs all the tasks such an race. They must be at the end of the runway an FAA designated safety counselor this past event requires. On race day, other 99s come and have called for takeoff within the half year, is developing our 66 group. in to help as well as to race. Modesto and Red Bluff area 99s help with hour. Any time above this will be added to the by Kathi Kilmer overall score. The race is open to any pilot, the timing at those two intermediate stops, private or above; the navigator need not be a while Oregon 99s help with the finish. Mt. Shasta Chapter pilot, but must be over age 16. Each year the chapter sends a contribution The second annual race will take place Our chapter was chartered June 1, 1975 to the maintenance fund of the Forest of September 22 this year, leaving from Santa with 14 members. For a number of years, we Friendship. Monica Airport. This is a good chance for held an annual Fly-In Breakfast, complete by Belly Loulek either new or experienced pilots to brush up with our famous homemade coffee cake. In on navigation skills. With all the electronic 1982 we changed from the breakfast to an navigation instruments we use nowadays, it's annual poker run and play day, which was fun to return to old-fashioned pilotage with more profitable. We have always been the the added challenge of a race. stalwarts at Red Bluff for the Palms to Pines Air Race RON as timers and transportation. by Sally LaForge We have been available for air shows and are now selling soft drinks at the two local meets. With the money we earned last year, we purchased a chapter banner and a canopy to keep the sun away. Our theme this year is to become more Charter members include Hildegard Pellions. Nell visible and seek out new members. (Six of our Connolly. Mary Pearson, Pam VanderLinden and Mary members began their own Chico chapter Moon. called Sierra Buttes.) Mt. Shasta 99s fly with flair! P iloting for the fun of it! by Bev Tickner A irport marking... L icenses... ratings... BFRs... Orange County Chapter O vernight and day fly-ins... Our chapter sponsors two Flying Com­ M eetings, chapter, section, International... panion Seminars each year — one in April irport festivals and open houses... and one in October. The April seminar was A Bertie Dutfy with a PT-17 is "really back to basics " attended by 69 persons, one of our largest R aces — Air Race Classic, Pacific Air Race, attendances to date. Palms to Pines... Mt. Diablo Chapter T his event is operated e n tire ly by ou r cha p ­ C ommunity service — Aerospace Museum, Our annual Flying Companion Seminar, ter, with members volunteering their time for FCS and speakers, DRI and Career Fairs... held in March this year, is co-sponsored with talks on basic aerodynamics, principles of onoiC — the Redwood Chapter. It was, again, a “sell­ navigation, survival skills, weather and flight H scholarships and awards... o u t," and one of the h ig h lig h ts of ou r year. It’s planning, among others. Slide presentations our major fund-raiser and a great group were given on 99s, places to fly and flight A viation careers — COMM, ATP, CFI, CFII, participation activity. We try to give our parti­ planning. FBO, controllers, examiners, attendants... cipants a lot of "extras," such as simulator In addition, many members donated their P eer counseling — time, a tour of the tower, individual attention, time assisting attendees with "plotting the 66s and other women pilots... variety in our presentations (slides, films, rue friendship in shared speakers) and a bounteous buffet lunch Orange County 99s present a Flying Companion T flying experiences. we've nicknamed “Ninety-Niner Diner.” Seminar semi-annually. This year we air marked the Byron Airpark and the compass rose at our home airport, Phoenix Chapter Buchanan field, Concord, California. We The "yesterday" of Phoenix Chapter began even got some 49'/4ers to volunteer to fly 35 years ago. Sponsored and assisted by overhead for some unusual aerial shots while members of the San Diego Chapter, five we worked. This air marking is part of the wom en fo unded the A rizona C hapter in 1949. preparation for the Second Annual Airport The name was changed twice before it be­ Days in July. We have participated in all came the Phoenix Chapter in 1955. Three of phases of this event, from planning to de- the founding members — Marjy Crowl, Ruth Without Fear Clinics, Pennies-a-Pound air­ lifts, poker runs, AWARE programs, air mark­ ing projects. NIFA competition; and they supported charitable and educational or­ ganizations with services and funds. In short, they have taken part in almost every project advocated by the 99s — and a few they have thought up for themselves. The chapter’s “today" is a continuation of total involvement in many ongoing projects and in an ever-increasing number of newer "Yesterday" — Past International President Alice events. One of the most important is the 66 Roberts is with Phoenix founding member Marjy Crowl program. The popularity and enthusiastic in 1955. The photo was made prior to Alice's PPD win and presidency. response to the year-old project has enliv­ Flying Companion Seminar participants listen intently to ened meetings and chapter events. The gals Sacramento Valley 99 instructors. tu rn ou t to assist in every w ay they are asked, sometimes even before they are asked. In of how this section can also assist pilots. turn, prospective 99s are encouraged and The third tour was to a flight simulator, "motherTbirded" as they progress from Baby allowing each participant to fly using aircraft Bird to Loose Loon to Legal Eagle status. controls in a simulated flight. They are given on-the-job training for mem­ We take great pride in this event. It is bership in the 99s. interesting to note that some present chapter CHAPTER NEWS. ETC. Chapter members come in all ages, sizes, members were at one time students in these "Today" — 99s cooperate to tell the story of women in places of origin and lifestyles. They are seminars. Through this event, they gained a aviation. Marilyn Grafford and Daphene Downs. college students, domestic executives, edu­ strong desire to obtain a license. Sundance Chapter; Barbara Abels. Los Angeles Chap­ cators, business women, scientists, flight ter; Ann Newcombe and Shirley Rogers, Phoenix by Sharon Ormosen Chapter; all staff the booth at the FAA Super Safety instructors, mechanics and inspectors, cor­ porate pilots, Navy midshipmen, lawyers, Seminar in Phoenix. San Diego Chapter psychologists, nurses, physical therapists, missionaries and retirees. They are drawn The Flying Companion Seminar so widely together by their dedication to the advance­ used by all 99s was the brainchild of long­ ment of general aviation. time member Ava Carmichael. The chapter’s "tomorrow” is envisioned not A book co-authored by Ava and 49'^er as an abrupt change, but a moving-right- David, From W hite Knuckles to C o ckp it Cool, along with the important contributions to won a regional award for best aviation publi­ general aviation and the community. Mem­ cation in 1978. The book and Ava's guidelines bers recognize that those who have privileges are used to acquaint people (mostly women) also have responsibilities; they are alert to the who are afraid to fly, with navigation, use of opportunities for service. Excitement is the radios, panel instruments and emergency mounting in anticipation of service to the procedures. This not only eases their fears, "Tomorrow" — Chairman Stacy Hamm and Mother Bird Make-a-Wish Foundation, an organization but involves them in the flight, making it safer Grace Jones lend helping hands to two 66s in making corsages tor all who attended the Christmas party. that grants an otherwise impossible wish for and more enjoyable for them and their pilot te rm in a lly III children. husband or friend. O u r second special p roject is the W om en in Reinhold and Juanita Newell — are still with by Mary Lou Brown Aviation exhibit in the San Diego Aerospace the chapter. Museum. Our members, with help and dona­ In 1980, when the membership had grown Placer Gold Chapter tions from other chapters, raised $20,000 to to 115, the Sundance Chapter was formed to We are a new, small chapter, with only build the room and equip it with display serve women pilots in the East Salt River seven members. Since we gained our charter cases, kiosks, audio-visual displays, manne­ Valley area. While the new chapter drew a just over a year ago, we have renewed the air quins and hundreds of pictures. Some dis­ number of active members from the Phoenix markings at our home base airport, Auburn, plays, such as Amelia Earhart, Tiny Broad- Chapter, our membership figure is again California, with help from local pilots and wick and our own Betty Gillies, are per­ approaching the century mark. Early mem­ FBOs. manent; others are changed occasionally. bers laid the foundation for sustained growth We are planning to run a booth again this T he P acific A ir Race is ou r th ird co n tin u in g and service. year at the local air show in May. We hope to event — 1984 makes 19 consecutive years Since its inception, the chapter has never earn enough to make some improvements that San Diego and El Cajon Valley Chapters been short on enthusiasm. It has sponsored needed at the airport. have co-sponsored this race. It is a handi­ programs to educate and inform the public by Georgia Maben capped speed race for women, flying factory about the role of general aviation, activities to stock airplanes. We keep the total distance upgrade the flying skills of members and u n der 600 m iles so even the sm allest airplane other participating pilots, events to introduce Sacramento Valley Chapter can make it in one day. We feel this and other the public to the joys of flying, projects of The chapter recently conducted a Flying races are real learning experiences, since service to others and activities that are just Companion Seminar, a two-day event they require navigation by pilotage rather plain fun. Its members have participated in chaired by Lori Brand. Many members assist­ than relying on radio aids. The Pacific Air the administration and activities of the 99s at ed Lori by teaching classes, serving as a Race is a project, but it is also exciting fun! chapter, section and International levels, and hostess or conducting tours for 30 enrollees. in other aviation-related organizations. At the end of the class sessions, students by Betty Wharton Chapter members have been trailblazers, were treated to three separate tours. One was chief judges, timers, helpers, contestants and a visit to the Sacramento Executive Tower in San Fernando Valley Chapter winners in the Powder Puff Derby, Air Race which the air traffic controllers explained Taking a leaf from founder Amelia Earhart's Classic and other races; they originated and their main activities and how they can aid book, the chapter is beginning its third year of sponsored the Kachina Doll Air Rally for 17 pilots. encouraging and aiding new women pilots years; they supported, awarded and won AE, Secondly, in a tour of the Flight Service through its Future Women Pilots program. chapter and Whirly-Girl scholarships; they Station, they viewed the numerous activities Created expressly to assist and guide women conducted Flying Companion Seminars, Fly of this department, gaining a new recognition who are interested in becoming licensed women pilots, the program is the chapter's avocation way o < saying thanks for the privilege of flight. Speaking of the challenges of flying, we "Our chapter is grateful for the special recognize the importance of continually up­ chances that led us to enjoy the freedom of dating our “know your airplane" competen­ being pilots," said Melinda Lyon, Future cies. This year, our format involved a Greasy Women Pilots program chairman, “and we Thumb Seminar, an all-day lecture and feel the best way to express our gratitude is to hands-on maintenance course. Ably directed help other women to fly." by the aviation faculty of Glendale Com­ The program offers free ground school munity College, participants scrambled over with CFIs who are members of the chapter, a and under airplanes, peered at their "in­ free introductory flight and payment of half nards,” and discussed the pros and cons of the costs of flight training after solo up to a various maintenance procedures. Moving beyond our own needs, we also try total of 40 hours. San Luis Obispo Chapter members had fun building the In addition to the financial and practical to be of service to general aviation and our 99s both, here shown partially completed. help, the program provides equally important communities. As one example, many of our moral support from a mentor appointed for local airports are being spruced up a bit in chapter hosts at least two FAA safety clinics each student pilot, and from the chapter as a anticipation of Olympic activities and numer­ yearly. whole. Students in the program are invited ous visitors. We have joined in these efforts Considering the enthusiastic nature, my­ and encouraged to participate in chapter by air marking Big Bear, Chino and El Monte riad talents and busy schedules of the typical activities. Not only does this support help A irports. "lady pilot,” it is difficult to implement all of them over the rough spots in learning to fly, it by Claire B. Kopp the programs and activities that we would like demonstrates the fellowship and sharing that to — but just give us a little more time, and watch our smoke! CHAPTER NEWS. ETC. by Meta Neubert Santa Clara Valley Chapter Forty civic leaders accepted our invitation to take an aerial tour of Santa Clara Valley March 31. Our purpose was to show them how the valley looks from the air, and also to explain the importance of general aviation and its impact on the area. In addition, we hoped th e y'd learn th at p ilo ts are m ore than a “noise nuisance" — and they're people, too! In January, Barbara Murren, tour chair­ man, began to make plans which included reserving the Barnick Hangar at Reid-H illview The Class ot 1983, Future Women Pilots program Airport for the sit-down lunch and lining up includes Pat Mason. Sue Forrest and Katherine Sydes. speakers. We had two speakers — Janet Hitt, with SFV 99 Dolores Matthews. San Joaquin Valley 99s participate in the DRI flight to GADO accident prevention specialist, and Santa Barbara. come with becoming a 99 when they receive Francis T. Fox, aviation consultant and their licenses. Howard Hughes' right-hand man during the San Joaquin Valley Chapter years when Hughes Air West was founded. “When the 99s was founded, only a few of By mid-February, Debby Cunningham had the bravest and most persistent women had One of our favorite projects is participation overcome the obstacles to becoming li­ intheW ingsforDRI program Semi-annually, invited 100 mayors, supervisors, council members and others from towns within Santa censed pilots," Lyon commented. "The San the two-hour flights are made to Direct Relief Clara County. Fernando Valley Chapter wants to help International headquarters in Santa Barbara. At the same time, Peg Ewert assembled smooth the way a little for our future mem­ At least 10 members and from five to seven bers, as the efforts of the 99s helped us in the planes are involved in transpo rting over 1,000 past." pounds of pharmaceuticals per trip. Members of the Future Women Pilots The DRI is an organization dedicated to program are selected by a chapter commit­ providing emergency medical relief to tee. This year two finalists will be chosen from troubled spots all over the world. It also dozens of applications from all over the Los supports health programs in medically less- Angeles area. Eligible are women who are in developed areas by helping people to help good health, over 16 and possess a strong themselves. desire to learn about flying and general Local physicians donate the pharmaceu­ aviation and to become licensed pilots. ticals. They are collected, boxed and stored by our medical auxiliary. by Melinda M. Lyon by Janice Gray San Gabriel Valley Chapter Several activities, including raising money San Luis Obispo Chapter for scholarships, providing a means for pilots Chartered in 1969, the chapter is proud to to update their skills for "do-it-yourself” air­ present two $500 Flying Start Scholarships SCV Chapter Chairman Mayetta Behringer with Robin Barnick. son ot the late Marion Barnick. The Barnick craft maintenance, involvement in Direct each year to ladies beginning flying lessons hangar was the site ot the air tour luncheon. Relief International and airport marking, have or student pilots toward earning their private Photo by Lewis Schitt top priority for this chapter. pilot certificates. To accomplish this finan­ In order to raise money for scholarships cially, the chapter gives rides for a specified volunteer pilots (99s and others) and 19 and chapter needs, small styrofoam airplanes donation twice a year during the San Luis airplanes. She needed to allow ample time are sold at local air shows and air fares. Obispo and Paso Robles Airport Days. Addi­ (four to six weeks) for each aircraft to get the Popular with children, these inexpensive air­ tionally, we have a hot dog booth and sou­ necessary certificate of insurance, which re­ planes often sell by the hundreds. While the venir stand at the Paso Robles Airport Day. leases the 99s from liability. primary goal is to raise money, the PR value Education of our members is stressed with Sue Schiff contacted the four airports o f the e ffo rt o u g ht not be overlooked. T hat is, tower tours, guest speakers on such subjects — San Jose Muni, Palo Alto. South County the little planes may serve as a reminder of the as survival techniques and equipment, ex­ and Reid-Hillview — where our guests could excitement and challenge of flying, spurring tended preflight measures, weather and board their host planes. She also recruited some to think of aviation as a vocation or general safety education. In this regard, the chapter members to act as hostesses, greet- ng the guests when they arrived at the a irpo rt en route home to be married. After an inter­ tour lasted three days and covered several tnd answering questions. view at the local radio station, the announcer states. The last day was a proficiency leg to Before the flight, each guest would be said, “You are probably the leading person­ satisfy our competitive spirit and still keep given a name tag and a packet of info rm a tio n , ality in the country right at this moment." things legal and out of the race category. which included facts and figures on the 99s And so it was then. Women pilots were still While all these special events were going and general aviation — and also a m ap something of a rarity, and the PPD was our on, our members were continuously involved ■narked to indicate the 100-m ile route pilots leading vehicle for publicity — and the one in various civic activities, promoting aviation would follow. event almost everyone in the country associ­ and educating the non-flying public about Nancy Rodgers handled advance publicity, ated with women pilots. It did much to further aviation and future careers for women. sending press releases to newspapers and the public's knowledge of us and things we Several Girl Scouts were helped to earn their television stations in the area with an invita­ did and could do. aviation badges, and local groups and clubs tion for any who wished to join the tour. T hus was the start o f o u r chapter. O ver the asked us to provide speakers for their meet­ Because of our on-airport location, Lois next years, we would grow from six to our ings. When the local Chamber of Commerce Letzring was able to provide an aviation present 37 members. Eleven PPDs would sponsored breakfast flights around the state display that included single and multiengine stop in Tucson with many of our people as for public officials and key personnel, we airplanes and a helicopter. Lois' display also contestants. We also helped at many stops participated and thus built good will for 99s. ncluded photographs of "general aviation in away from hom e in P rescott, Phoenix and the The first Tucson Treasure Hunt was in­ action" — doing land survey for USGS, put­ Angel Derby in Douglas. The Pacific Air Race a ugurated in 1975 w ith the inte n tion of having ting out fires, flying cargo, spotting water terminated herein 1969, closely following our an event that would promote flying for local pollution, making DRI flights and transport- 1969 Southwest Sectional. pilots as well as 99s. We called it a "Fun Filled ng business people. We have been granted several section Frolic For Frugal Fliers" and kept to a "bare The day of the tour finally arrived. And it meetings over the years, and they have bones" o p eration at M arana A ir Park. Marana rained. Then it hailed. In between were alw ays been excitin g and interesting, o ffering is self-contained with housing, food, swim­ patches of clear sky and considerable tur­ a rare opportunity to renew old friendships as ming and entertainment right at the airport. bulence! We had a back-up plan, however. we welcome our guests with open arms —and Pilots are handed a list of clues as they start Verna West's color slides. Our guests viewed free tie-downs. their engines, and they must fly the course as the same points of interest they would have December 4, 1958 was the date of our first each clue reveals what to search for next. seen if they'd gone flying. And everyone went Pennies-a-Pound airlift, an event that was to Depending on the accuracy of their interpre­ home happy — and sympathetic, we trust, to be held almost annually for the next 20 years. tation, points are awarded, and the winner is the cause of general aviation. The first one, held at Freeway Airport, had to declared at a usually riotous dinner Saturday by Kathy Pelta be continued the next week to carry all the evening. Over the years, the Treasure Hunt passengers who had purchased tickets. We has become a little more sophisticated as soon learned not to sell more than could be participants indicated they would like more Tucson Chapter flown in one day! comfortable quarters than the separate bar­ To tell the story of this chapter required a As it grew in popularity, it became neces­ racks for boys and girls. We now offer a nostalgic trip down old flight paths and sary to move to Tucson International to ac­ choice of accommodations to meet any taste through clouds of memories, as our history commodate the crowds and provide the — or lack thereof. began even before we were a chapter. safety of a control tower. Becoming more We have w orked w ith the Pima A ir Museum Maggie Schock had recently arrived from proficient, we flew some 35 aircraft, made over the years and are now p a rticip a tin g even Texas, the 1950 Powder Puff Derby (PPD) 1,297 takeoffs and landings and carried more in the work. The second Electra built would stop in Tucson, the clock must be almost 200,000 pounds of people in one day. after the one Amelia Earhart " ,w is at the manned, and there were no personnel. She All aircraft were donated by private owners museum, and we have been helping in its gathered together five other pilots — Beatrice and local flight operators, and TIA supplied restoration. The museum has a small Women Edgerly, Gertrude Gelderman, Faye Jones, free gas. in Aviation exhibit, and we hope to make this Mary McCord Pearson and Grace Pistor — to The FAA sent a letter of commendation for a more important display in the future. help do the job. These six would make up the the safe, smooth operation of the airlift with charter membership of the new chapter. On not a single incident. So many chapters Utah Chapter June 7,1951, members of the Phoenix Chap­ w anted to kno w how we ran it th a t we w rote a In spite of the distances some of us must ter and several 99s from San Diego gathered book, Penny-A-Pound Panic! travel to get together, we were presented at Payson, Arizona to present the charter. During the early years, proceeds were used minars on careers in aviation, air marked, The 1950 PPD had been an exciting event, to buy air age education materials for the prepared and served a pancake breakfast to highlighted by Betty Gillies’ daughter, Pat, public schools. Shirley Marshall worked raise money, and conducted flight rallies and jumping off the leading edge of the Ryan closely with the National Education Associa­ Density Altitude Clinics. Navion on her race to the clock, right through tion to fit the material to the proper grade We try to have our monthly meetings at the not-quite-stopped propeller — not a level. Teachers were most enthusiastic, as different cities in the Salt Lake Valley so scratch, but a heart-stopping moment. Now, there was very little available for students at everyone has an opportunity to travel. "Plane that was timing! that time. Our focus changed to aerospace pools" are common in fair weather. The next year was also a scheduled race education as the world moved ahead in that Our most ambitious undertaking is always stop, and proved to have its special hap­ field. the Density Altitude Clinic held in Wendover, pening also. C laire M cM illen W alters, 1951 A fun event each summer from 1962 Nevada the last weekend in July. With the aid winner, created qu ite a stir when she stopped through 1968 was the AWTour. This flying of the Salt Lake City FSDO and the coopera­ The 1964 Pennies-a-Pound airlift finds Palsy Brooks (on the wing) making plans with Tucson 99s Pat Nolen, Mary tion of the Stateline Hotel and Casino, we Merker, Shirley Marshall, Dorothy Jenkins, Byrd Granger, Maggie Schock and Virginia Edwards. spend a long morning learning how to com­ pute takeoff distance for our individual aircraft. We've had as many as 90 pilots in at­ tendance. with most of them flying in the competition during the afternoon, when run­ way temperatures often exceed 90 degree? Our day is climaxed at an informal awards ceremony and cocktail party, with prizes having been donated by the casino, 99s, FBOs and individuals. Sunburned and tired, but totally satisfied with our efforts, the 99s and FAA staff agree that it was worth the effort, and we'll do it again next year. by Sidney Sandau

The 99 NEW S 47 A pelpouwd

Being presented the Alice Hammond Perpetual Award by Alice herselt are Betty Piter and Mary Helfrick.

(Facing Page) 1 Houston North 99 Jeanie Mixon joins right with the tun of air marking. 2 Maryland and Potomac Chapter 49Vjers work on a compass rose air 3 International members Fiorenza de Bemard_anc Ann Giroud relax after a tour of the Forest of Friendship in Atchison, 4 A Forest of Friendship tree planting is, i • p . . 99s Peg Weiss and Clarice Belli- r- : Hr-. G Department of

Hollander greet guests in Chapter display the Orange County USPFT competition, a par- checks over her airplane 99s assist with crowd control at the s 25th anniversary Open House. 8 Observing a NIFA participant's spot landing are two 99 judges. 9. Fullerton Chapter members take a break before their annual Pennies-a-Pound event 10. Part, W the reconstructed San Diego Aviation Musfeum contains displays about the 99s and their

99s co-sponsor a balloon festival. Mow, have I done that properly?" Africa South 99s krol Johnson and Mac Fallon complete some last- mute flight planning for their husbands.

Columbia Cascade Chapter members (center above) "de-bug" a rigged aircraft at a recent chapter meeting. During her record-setting flight (lett) Brooke Knapp visits with Aloha Chapter member Melissa McCluney. Janice Brown (center) set the first solar powered endurance record in the Solar Penguin. August 1982. Chanda Sawant Budhabhatti holds the Award of Merit she received from the World Aerospace Education Congress, presented to recognize the work she has done in aerospace education in India. Federation Aeronautique Internationale award winner Nikki Caplan floats "high in the sky" in her “City of St. Louis” balloon (background photo).

Bccomin nety-Nine

How do you answer when interested persons ask questions about names of the local 99s and contact them. You will receive our 99 membership? Maybe one of the following will give you some ideas excellent monthly magazine,, filled with articles about various and suggestions. chapter and section activities, articles on special members and much useful information. You are invited to contribute to The 99 What are the requirements for 99 membership? NEWS at any time. You will be welcome to visit any chapter meeting The Ninety-Nines welcome all women pilots holding at least a when you wish. As a section member, you’ll receive notice of the private license or its equivalent according to the regulations for their section meetings. Most sections hold two meetings each year — country. spring and fall. Members-at-large may find the schedule of section Do I have to be an airplane pilot to join the 99s? meetings in The 99 NEWS and are most welcome to attend. We No! Balloon, glider, helicopter pilots — any lighter than air or especially urge all members to attend our International Conventions heavier than air pilot of aircraft is eligible to become a 99. where you will meet 99s from all over the world. Does this organization have chapters, regions, etc. ? Are all activities limited strictly to women? The Ninety-Nines, Inc. is an international organization divided No! Husbands and friends are welcome to many activities — air into 19 sections throughout the world. The sections are then divided races, poker runs and seminars. Many attend meetings and into chapters which are regional. If a member lives where there is no International Conventions. section, she is a member-at-large. What are the dues for this organization? Do / have to belong to a chapter? The initial dues when joining are $37. Thereafter they are $32 per I really don’t have time available to attend regular meetings. year. We are also a 501(c)3 organization. No! You may join as a section member and need not affiliate with How long can you remain a member of the Ninety-Nines? a chapter. As a section member you will receive the monthly Once you have fulfilled the requirements for joining the 99s, you magazine, The 99 NEWS, and be able to attend section meetings may remain a 99 for your entire lifetime upon just paying your and International Conventions. You will receive ballots and have the membership fee each year. privilege of voting; however, you may not hold office. I do not have my license yet, and due to weather, finances, etc., I A t present it is best fo r me to join as a section member, but in the will probably be a student pilot fo r a year or more. Should 1 wait future I may want to become a chapter member. May I do so? until then and look up the 99s at that time? Yes, you may at any time become a chapter member by notifying No! We are very active in the 66 program for student pilots. You International Headquarters. are a future 99! We offer you encouragement, friendship and If I am not a chapter member, how do I feel a part of the fellowship while you are working your way toward a license. You are organization? welcome to attend all meetings — chapter, section and International Upon joining the 99s, you receive our membership directory each — and participate in many of the activities. However, you will not year. You will find a friend wherever you travel if you just look up the become a 99, or enjoy all the privileges of a 99, until you receive your license.

JOIN US FOR A TWO DAY AIR SHOW WITH INTERNATIONAL AEROBATIC EVENTS • LEO LOUDENSLAGER & THE BUDWEISER LIGHT LASER 200 • SKY HAWKS CANADIAN FORCES PARACHUTE TEAM . SPECIAL • JIMMY FRANKLIN & JOHNNY KAZIAN .-V ATTRACTION (WING WALKING & FIREWALL ACT) U.S.A.F. • ZAR THUNDERBIRDS • EAGLES AEROBATIC FLIGHT TEAM SUNDAY • DUANE COLE SEPT. 9th • WARBIRDS • COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT • ANTIQUE & CLASSIC AIRCRAFT NOON-4:00 BOTH DAYS

H o , ~ t \ S 8$ pt L. -- Springfield Air Rendezvous • Capitol Airport • Spfld., II 62707 • 217/544-6339 New York Capital District Membership Chairman Ana Webb pins new member Carol Keinath. the ninety- nines INTERNATIONAL WOMEN PILOTS inc. NEW MEMBER APPLICATION (Qualification for membership: Any current female pilot recommended by a member in good standing.)

DATE

WELCOME: We applaud your decision to NAME become a member of the oldest aviation

organization especially for women. As Inter­ STREET national Women Pilots, the Ninety-Nines are

always conscious of our unique heritage, yet 3rd LINE strive to keep our purpose and goals as modern

and timely as the constantly changing world. We CITY & sincerely hope you will take advantage of the STATE ZIP many educational programs and activities offered by our organization. We offer you a HUSBAND S NAME

camaraderie generated by our special talent. We MEMBER look forward to your participation. TELEPHONE NO (HOME) A/C

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RATINGS & LIMITATIONS: D a s e l D a s e s (Ha m e l D a m e s D in s t r D g l id e r D b a l l o o n D h e l ic o p t e r D g y r o

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR: D a ir p l a n e D in s t r D r o t o r D g l id e r

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AVIATION RELATED VOCATIONS Initial Dues ...... $37.00 This includes membership direc­ tory, membership pin, subscription VOCATION to The 99 NEWS magazine and section dues. ADVANCED DEGREE

I hereby apply for membership in The Ninety-Nines, Inc. and agree to abide by the bylaws of this organization. A check for $37 U.S. funds is enclosed.

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Is new member joining a chapter? □ Yes □ No If yes, name C hapter______Section__ Signature of Chapter Officer if joining a chapter

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS • WILL ROGERS WORLD AIRPORT • P.O. BOX 59965 • OKLAHOMA CITY. OKLAHOMA 73159 3*1 h 99sTat fspar for wingthe ofElectrathe while c er). te n (ce

MargeCulwell, instructor/FAA flight ht oae yToa Mason E Thomas by donated Photo Photo by Lewis Schitt Lewis by Photo

99 tradition- a Fulfilling

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9 —/