99 News – September/October – 2007 1 - Ninety-Nines · 2 99 News – September/October – 2007 PERPETUAL CALENDAR ... Tucson Chapter. ... Virginia Harmer, Elaine Morrow, Kristine

99 News – September/October – 2007 1

99 News – September/October – 20072

PERPETUAL CALENDAR

99 News

To list your 99s eventson this calendar page,send information to:

The 99 News4300 Amelia Earhart Rd.

Oklahoma City, OK73159-1140

Email:[email protected]

Online Form:www.ninety-nines.org/

99newsreports.htmlPlease indicate the name and location

of the event, thecontact name and

the phone/fax/email.

On the Cover

2007OCTOBER

31 Deadline to submit Intent To Seek Elec-tion forms for the 2008 International elec-tions. Forms are available in the MembersOnly area of the International website.

NOVEMBER

1-3 Fall International Board Meeting, Head-quarters, Oklahoma City, OK. Travel datesOctober 31 and November 4.

2 79th anniversary of The Ninety-Nines.

3 30th Annual Treasure Hunt in the Sky, Tuc-son International Airport, sponsored by theTucson Chapter. Come in Friday for a funget together and celebrate the 78th birth-day of The Ninety-Nines! Cash prizes andtrophies awarded at Saturday evening din-ner. Visit www.Tucson99s.org and click onNews for further information.

4 Women Take Flight, New England AirMuseum, Bradley International Airport,Windsor Locks, CT. For information con-tact Glenna Blackwell, 413-528-0413 orvisit www.neam.org.

DECEMBER

1 Due Date for 99 News submissions forJanuary/February 2008 issue.

31 Deadline for submitting Professional Pi-lot Leadership Initiatives (PPLI) applica-tion. Email [email protected] orvisit www.ninety-nines.org/careers/mentoring.html.

31 Deadline for submitting Bylaws andStanding Rule Amendments. Send to SallyBiggin, PO Box 1127, Hoopa, CA 95546,[email protected].

2008FEBRUARY

1 Due Date for 99 News submissions forMarch/April issue.

MARCH

12-26 Incredible India Tour, sponsored by theIndia Section. Special pre-and post-toursavailable. Contact Chanda Budhabhatti [email protected].

13-15 Women In Aviation, Internatioal (WAI)Conference, San Diego, CA.

JUNE

24-28 Air Race Classic, begins in Bozeman, MTand ends in Mansfield, MA. Visitwww.airraceclassic.org.

30 Deadline for submitting Professional PilotLeadership Initiatives (PPLI) application.Email [email protected] or visitw w w. n i n e t y - n i n e s . o r g / c a r e e r s /mentoring.html.

AUGUST

6 Northwest Section Meeting , Anchorage,AK or nearby.

7-10 Ninety-Nines International Conference,Anchorage, AK.

2009

AUGUST

Ninety-Nines International Conference,Chicago, IL.

CORRECTIONS

In our July/August issue, we incorrectly identifiedthe member in the Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Rootsphotograph. Shown with the young Girl Scout is USAFReserve Major Liesl Carter.

In the article about The Ninety-Nines InternationalConference in Colorado, we intended to publish a photoof Conference speaker CarolAnn Garratt but in errorran a photo of another Conference speaker, SandiSumner.

CarolAnn is shown to the right.

Accented by the spectacu-lar scenery of Colorado,the 2007 InternationalConference brought to-gether members from allover the world in Ninety-Nines camaraderie. Topphoto left: MargaritaPonomareva, interpreter;Renate Menzinger, Ger-man Section; Wally Moog,German Section; PatPrentiss; Valentina Kotl-yar, German Section; andElizabeth Brock, RussianSection. Top photo right:Norwegian Section mem-bers Karen Devold, left andMaria Kvenshagen, withPast-President Vicki LynnSherman, center. Bottomleft: Dorothy Berthelet,Eastern Ontario Chapter.Bottom right: Internation-al Officers, seated, PatPrentiss and Susan Larson.Standing from left FranStrubeck, Virginia Harmer,Elaine Morrow, KristineIrvin-Herron, FrancesLuckhart, Pat Thebergeand Lisa Cotham.

Background photo by JimWark.


BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident

Pat Prentiss

Vice PresidentSusan Larson

SecretaryFrances Luckhart

TreasurerKristine Irvin-Herron

Directors Lisa Cotham, Virginia Harmer,

Frances Strubeck, Patricia ThebergePast President: Elaine Morrow

Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved

99 NewsThe Official Magazine of The International Organization of Women Pilots

STATEMENT OF EDITORIAL POLICY

The opinions expressed in the articles presented in this magazine are those of the authors and shall notbe construed to represent the policies or opinions of The Ninety-Nines® Inc. Deadline: 1st of monthpreceding date of publication. Spelling and proper names are proofed against information submitted. Allphotographs submitted are sent to The 99s Headquarters.

99 News is published bimonthly by The Ninety-Nines® Inc., the International Organization of Women Pilots, at 4300Amelia Earhart Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73159. The $9 price of a yearly subscription is included in the annualNinety-Nines membership dues. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and other additional mailingoffices.

Neither The Ninety-Nines, Inc. nor the Publisher can accept any responsibility for the correctness or accuracy of thematters printed herein or for any opinions expressed. Opinions of the authors or contributors do not necessarilyrepresent the position of The Ninety-Nines, Inc. The Ninety-Nines, Inc. do not warrant, guarantee or endorse anyspecific product or service that is advertised in its printed or on-line catalog or magazine.

Publisher reserves the right to reject any material submitted for publication. Copy submitted for publication shallbecome the property of The Ninety-Nines and shall not be returned. Articles submitted with accompanying pictureswill receive publication preference. Pictures will be sent to Ninety-Nines Headquarters in Oklahoma City for itsArchives.Annual Dues:U.S. - $65Canada and the Caribbean - $57Overseas - $44 (U.S. dollars)Academic and Future Women Pilots - $20

Add a one-time $10 initiation fee for new members in all categories of memberships.

Non-member subscription rates:U.S. – $20Canada and other countries – $30 (U.S. dollars)

ArticlesSubmissions should be typed single space without unusual fonts, headers and footers, and

using only one space after a period unless it’s the start of a new paragraph. Please furnish author’sname, email address and phone information in case we have any questions. For additional sub-mission guidelines, log onto www.ninety-nines.org and click on 99 News magazine. Submis-sions should be emailed to [email protected]. If you have any questions, please email usat [email protected].

PhotosPlease submit photos scanned in high resolution (300 dpi) or provide highest quality digital

photos (no date stamps, please!). All photos sent by mail are forwarded to The Ninety-NinesHeadquarters unless accompanied by an SASE for return to the author. Please do not sendphotocopied pictures or photos printed on a computer printer. Be sure to include caption infor-mation and your contact information. Complete photo submission guidelines are posted onwww.ninety-nines.org. Click on 99 News Magazine and scroll to the bottom.

September/October 2007

PROMOTE world fellowship through flightPROVIDE networking and scholarship opportunities for women

and aviation education in the communityPRESERVE the unique history of women in aviation

EDITORIAL AND PHOTO GUIDELINES

THE NINETY-NINES MISSION STATEMENT

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Volume 33, Number 5

Pat Prentiss Susan Larson Frances Luckhart Kristine Irvin-Herron

Lisa Cotham Frances Strubeck Patricia Theberge Elaine MorrowVirginia Harmer

99 News published byTHE NINETY-NINES® INC.

International Organization of Women PilotsA Delaware Nonprofit Corporation

Organized November 2, 1929 (ISSN 1548-565X)

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS4300 Amelia Earhart Rd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140 USA

405-685-7969 or 800-994-1929

FAX: 405-685-7985Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ninety-nines.org

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:International Organization of Women Pilots

The Ninety-Nines® Inc.,4300 Amelia Earhart Rd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73159 USA

COUNCIL OF GOVERNORSArabia: Yvonne TruemanAustralia: Pat Brookfield

Austrian: Monika StahlBrazil: Andrea Simone Mion

Caribbean: Mary HiggsEast Canada: Ann Starret

Far East: Rikako Sugiura CarpenterFinland: Kaisa Mollari

German: Waltraut MoogIndia: Mohini Shroff

Israeli: Avigail Barbara ColorniNew Zealand: Helen CollieRussian: Valentina Kotlyar

West Canada: Wendy Boyes

United States:Mid-Atlantic: Alison ChalkerNew England: Peggy Loeffler

New York-New Jersey: Barbara Harris-ParaNorth Central: Cynthia Madsen

Northwest: Frances PostmaSouth Central: Chris Swain

Southeast: Marie GreinSouthwest: Martha Phillips

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEEDonna Crane-Bailey, Lu Hollander,

Pamela O’Brien, Bobbi Roe

Bobbi Roe: Editor-in-ChiefDanielle Clarneaux: Associate Editor, Graphics

Jacque Boyd, Diane Pirman: Staff Writers

AVIATRIX PUBLISHING, INC.Arlington Heights, IL 60006-0485

THE 99 NEWS4300 Amelia Earhart Rd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140Fax: (405) 685-7985

Email: [email protected]


IN EACH ISSUE

515232222172630

President’s MessageCareers/Pro 99s ProfileTouch & GoBook ReviewRatings and WingsNew MembersGrass RootsNew Horizons

8

6

12

September/October 2007

18

99 News

16

25

12

16

Climbing AE Peak

Nancy BirdWalton

Air Race Classic participants

14

19

A Priceless Timeby Donna Miller

The 2007 International Conferenceby Susan Larson

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Packsby Lynn Meadows

Aerospace Educationby Jill Williams

Nancy Bird WaltonAustralia’s Pioneering Aviatrixby Carol Kitching

PPLI Graduates — Our Future Leadersin Aviationby Amber Howard

Oshkosh 2007by Rita Adams

ARC — A Classic Women’s Raceby Margie Richison

2425

8

2007 International ConferenceAEMSF recipients


TThank you Jan McKenzie and the Colorado “team” for organizing an outstandingConference. Under beautiful blue skies and lots of sunshine, we enjoyed a full arrayof activities in the natural beauty of the Rockies. Our Conference location was chosenfor its amazing views of Boulder Valley and the Rocky Mountain Range, and while allconferences have something different to offer, the one constant we feel is The Ninety-Nines warmth during these meetings. Elsewhere in this issue, enjoy the recap of theconference by Vice President Susan Larson.

Before leaving for Colorado, I flew my C-206 (finally) to Camarillo Airport toparticipate in the Gwen Dewey Day and the awarding of a new scholarship in hername. The event was hosted by the Ventura County Chapter to honor Gwen, one oftheir original charter members. Sadly, she flew to new horizons last year but left asignificant impact on her Chapter and those around her.

It was then off to the Chicago Air & Water Show to watch the thrilling perfor-mance of the Thunderbird squadron. The Thunderbirds have been dazzling audiencessince 1953 with their commanding presence and precision flying in their F-16 Fighting Falcons. The last two years have beenunprecedented for the Thunderbird Demonstration Jet Team who welcomed Nicole Malachowski last year and Samantha Weeks this

year as the two first ever female pilots for the team, andboth are members of The Ninety-Nines.

That evening Bobbi Roe, Joan Kerwin, CynthiaMadsen and I were invited to dinner with Captain JimLovell, Apollo 13 Commander. Jim’s flight into Chicagowas delayed, and our visit never took place. However,we did have a wonderful dinner at Lovell’s restaurantand were able to see his Captain’s Quarters and artifactsfrom the space program, including the moon rock. Whendeparting, we left a small inscribed memento for Jim fromThe Ninety-Nines. Within a few days, a note arrived fromhim saying, “I was all set to trade a few there I was at300,000 feet flat on my back stories, but an airplane ar-rival did me in. Thank you very much for the memento. Ihave it in my office next to the model of my Apollo 8spacecraft to remind me of the great accomplishmentswomen have made in aviation and space.”

As the world’s oldest organization for women pilots, The Ninety-Ninesis especially respected in the aviation and aerospace industry. Because of ourlong relationship with the FAA and its CAA predecessor in promoting avia-tion safety, The Ninety-Nines just signed a Letter of Understanding with theFederal Aviation Administration, making us the first National Industry Mem-ber of the FAA Safety Team. This agreement, signed in Colorado, will allowus to continue our longtime relationship with the FAA and help us to fulfillpart of our goals, providing aviation education and safety awareness in thecommunity.

I invite all of you to attend the Board of Directors meeting in OklahomaCity on November 1-3, 2007. Be ready to roll up your sleeves and do somebrainstorming as we look into the long range objectives of our organization.These meetings are always open to the membership and very enjoyable.

In closing, may all of you enjoy the crisp cool days and colors of fall aswe approach the holiday season!

President’s MessageBY PAT PRENTISS, International President

Thunderbird pilots Samantha Weeks, left, and Nicole Malachowski,right, with Pat Prentiss at the Chicago Air & Water Show.

Pat Prentiss and Southwest SectionGovernor Martha Phillips at the GwenDewey Day event.

Joan Kerwin, Cynthia Madsen, Bobbi Roe and PatPrentiss at Lovell’s of Lake Forest restaurant nearChicago.


“

BY DONNA MILLERColorado Chapter

Now and then a once-in-a-lifetimeopportunity will present itself.What you do with that opportu-

nity is up to you. Last month my fatherwas diagnosed with cancer. I had justcome back from a four-day trip duringwhich the entire crew had taken a field tripto the USS Midway during a San Diegoovernight. I told him about the tour andhow interesting it had been.

“We ought to go there,” he said. “Ilanded there once. We were supposed toland on the USS Kitty Hawk but couldn’t,so we landed on the Midway instead.” Ihad no idea.

I didn’t grow up a Navy brat. My dadwas a college professor and was homeevery night at 6 p.m. Sharp. He was a Ra-dar Intercept Officer and Squadron SafetyOfficer in the Navy Reserves.

Once a month he flew to Dallas tofulfill his military duty, and he was gonefor two weeks every summer. We saw TopGun when it first came out in the mid-

eighties. Except for a few parts, it waspretty realistic, he said. I could see himstiffen when the radar lock sounded in thefilm.

Fast forward 20 some years. Top Guncharacter Maverick (Tom Cruise) is nowon his third wife, and Goose (AnthonyEdwards) came back from the dead to en-joy several years in the ER. And some-where in there, I became an airline pilot.“Yeah, we ought to go there…”

The next week I had a few days off in

a row. I checked the flight loads on myairline from Denver to San Diego and thencalled my dad. “Are you still up for a trip?”His bags were packed before I even gotan answer.

We arrived at the USS Midway justas the doors were opening. We started atthe beginning and several hours later stillhadn’t made it to the hangar deck. Welooked at every airplane, and he pointedout the differences in the tail hooks (alltail hooks are not created equal, I learned).

A

Priceless

Time

I have a new appreciation for my

father and for all the aviatorswho came before me.

A trip with her father will

always be a treasured

memory for Donna Miller.

”

Donna Miller and her father Sam Miller with their hands on the ejection handles ready to“punch out.”


”

“

He told me stories as we wanderedthrough the aircraft carrier. He taught mehow to “call the ball” during a carrier land-ing and quizzed me on the meaning of thedifferent colored shirts on the deck. Hetold me about meeting the Air Boss whowas on duty during the fall of Saigon andthe story he relayed to my father about theVietnamese Air Force Major who landeda Bird Dog on the deck with his wife andfive children inside. A Bird Dog is smallerthan a Cessna 172 and has no tail hook! Ihad just seen that airplane last month atthe Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola,Florida. I couldn’t even imagine.

We had to hustle towards the end tosee everything before the doors closed at5 o’clock. We were tired and hungry, sowe walked to the Kansas City Barbecuejust down the street. It’s where they filmedthe bar scenes in Top Gun. The juke boxis still there, as is the piano. I imaginedGoose and Maverick at the piano beltingout “Goodness, Gracious, Great Balls ofFire!” It was one of those things you justhave to do.

The next morning started out thesame. Except this time we ventured out tothe San Diego Air and Space Museum.Again, we were lost in aviation lore. Thedocents in the museum loved my dad.They spotted his Navy hat, and there wasan immediate bond. My dad loved thedocents because, at 76, they called him“young man.” Most of them were well intotheir eighties and volunteered at the mu-seum for the love of aviation.

One docent in particular was a truejoy. Don Ferrioli pointed out especiallyinteresting artifacts in the museum andasked if we were pressed for time. “Abso-lutely not,” we both said. “You’ll have tokick us out when the doors close!”

“Then come with me,” he said. Wefollowed him into an elevator where heput a key into the lock next to the buttons.The B lit up, and the door to the basementopened. Here were the true treasures ofthe museum.

Don was the only one in a red docent’sjacket. The other 15 or so gentlemen, alsowell into their eighties and nineties, woremechanic jackets and were restoringplanes and rebuilding carburetors. My jawdropped and my eyes lit up. It was like

seeing a magician’s magic revealed. Theirskill was fascinating, and in one glancethrough the room I knew that I was wit-nessing hundreds of years of aviation his-tory and expertise.

Don introduced us to the guys as wewalked from station to station. They comehere every day out of true love for avia-tion and the camaraderie of fellow avia-tors. We saw photographs of the WWIIplanes as they had been when they werepulled from the bottom of the Great Lakesyears earlier. It was hard to believe theywere the same aircraft. With the touch ofthe masters’ hands, they looked brand new.

Upstairs again, my father and Iwalked through the entire museum with awhole new appreciation for the airplaneson display.

The next day we were on the airlineand back to our everyday lives in Colorado.

I have a new appreciation for my fa-ther and for all the aviators who came be-fore me. I’m happy that we took the op-portunity to spend quality father/daugh-ter time together appreciating aviation his-tory. As Maverick explained 22 years ago,“We were only below the hard deck fora few seconds. We had the shot. So wetook it.”

Donna and her father visited the bar whereTop Gun was filmed.

Volunteers at the San Diego Air and Space Museum work on aircraft restoration.

It was like seeinga magician’smagic revealed.


BY SUSAN LARSONInternational Vice President

It all began in Houston when a gaggle of gals from theSouth Central Section got together after a Section meet-ing function and caught a tiger by the tail in the form ofhosting an International Conference in the Denver area.From this humble beginning developed a meeting that has

set a new standard for The Ninety-Nines. Chairman Jan McKenzieand the team thought of everything, organized to the nth degree,exuded hospitality and went many extra miles to deliver a Con-ference that will not soon be forgotten. From my arrival at RockyMountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), where transportation andreception were expertly handled, to eventual departure on Sun-day, “professionalism” was the word.

The poolside, internationally-themed Welcome Reception

found many of us dancing the night away and catching up withfriends not seen since last year. Our special thanks are extendedto Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Jeppesen and theColorado Pilots Association as sponsors of various events, in-cluding the Friday morning breakfast and the live band at thereception.

Tours highlighted the day on Thursday along with resort-based activities in the fly market and hospitality suite. The Con-ference hotel was very upscale with a full spa, expansive exer-cise facility, two outside pools and a golf course.

The business meeting addressed both our Bylaws and Stand-ing Rules and also the election of Directors and Trustees. Bothproposed bylaw amendments failed to be passed by the required

Emily Howell Warner, the first woman pilot for a majorairline, with Donna Miller.

A group of Ninety-Nines and guests tour the Broadmoor resort. Gayl Henze, left, Barbara Strachan and Alison Chalker enjoyingthe Georgetown Loop Train Tour.

Conference Chairman JanMcKenzie.

Deb Price.

Lilian Darling Holt, Official Conference Photographer;Margot Plummer, Official Banquet Photographer


stories and projecting their photographs onto immense screens.Of the 21 award winners, eight attended the festivities.

Saturday’s seminars were punctuated with Alaskan themesand local talent, nearly all of them authors. While many Ninety-Nines and their guests listened, captivated by tales of nearly in-surmountable challenges, others enjoyed the amenities of the spa,toured Pilatus, Breckenridge or the Coors Brewery, or networkedin Hospitality before the Awards Banquet. Our honorees this yearincluded: the Aero Club of New England, Award of Merit; Womenin Aviation International, Inc. (WAI), Award of Inspiration; SuePhillips of Merrill Lynch, the President’s Award; and ColonelCatherine Chilton, the Katharine Wright Award given in conjunc-tion with the National Aeronautics Association.

We thank all these honorees for their contributions to TheNinety-Nines, aviation history and the advancement of womenin the field of aviation. Please see the following pages for moreabout the award recipients.

At the close of the ceremonies, Jan McKenzie and the teamwere honored for their dedication to the success of our 2007 In-ternational Conference. They’ve truly set a new standard of ex-cellence for our annual events. Thank you South Central SectionNinety-Nines.

two-thirds vote. The first would have modified the renewal limi-tations for FWPs, and the second amendment would have allowedthe President and Vice-President to run for a second term of of-fice. All three proposed Standing Rule changes passed handily.Also on the agenda was the election of two Directors and Trust-ees of three trusts.

The following individuals were elected by the delegates:International Directors: Lisa Cotham, Fran Strubeck. AEMSFTrustee: Dorothy Berthelet. 99s Endowment Fund Trustees:Nancy Aldrich, Judy Bolkema-Tokar. 99s Museum of WomenPilots Trustees: Carol Morris, Margie Richison. Char Falkenberg,Chairman Emerita of the AEMSF, submitted her resignation forhealth reasons during the Conference, leaving an additional openTrustee position. Debby Cunningham was appointed to fill thatopening. Congratulations are extended to all, and may their termsof office be rewarding and productive.

The AEMSF Banquet never fails to deliver and continues tobe most impressive. Expertly choreographed and timed, theAEMSF Trustees once again produced an event designed to bothhonor this year’s recipients of 17 (count ’em, seventeen) full schol-arships, one Maule Tailwheel Award and three New Pilot Awards,along with entertaining the diners through sharing the winners’

Past Presidents, from left, front row, Joyce Wells,Lois Erickson, Vicki Lynn Sherman. Back row, JodiMcCarrell, Elaine Morrow, Gene Nora Jessen.

Elected International Directors Lisa Cothamand Fran Strubeck.

Current and former AEMSF scholarship recipientswho attended the Conference gather for a photo.

Past President Thon Griffith. Alaska Ninety-Nines issue an invitation to jointhem in Anchorage for the 2008 InternationalConference.

International VicePresident Susan Larson.


AWARD OF INSPIRATIONWOMEN IN AVIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Women In Aviation, International (WAI) was founded in 1990 as a conference by Dr. PeggyChabrian. It was formally incorporated as an organization in 1994. It is a non-profit organizationdedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.

With 7,000-plus members, WAI provides year-round resources to assist women in aviation and toencourage young women to consider aviation as a career. WAI offers educational outreach programsto educators, aviation industry members and young people nationally and internationally and offerssignificant annual scholarships. To date, more than $5 million in scholarships has been awarded. Inaddition, WAI promotes public understanding of the accomplishments and contributions of women inaviation. It also publishes Aviation for Women, a bi-monthly magazine.

Some of the positions held by WAI President Dr. Chabrian, a multi-engine pilot and flight instruc-tor, include Academic Dean and Associate Vice President of Parks College, Dean of Academic Support for Embry-Riddle Aeronau-tical University’s Prescott, Arizona campus, Director of the Center of Excellence for the Aviation/Space Education at ERAU’sDaytona Beach, Florida campus and Chair of the aviation department at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

KATHARINE WRIGHT AWARDCOLONEL CATHERINE A. CHILTON

“With rigorous work in engineering, test, acquisition and policy, Colonel Catherine Chilton hasmade significant contributions to the advancement of air and space technology,” wrote Frank G. Klotz,Lieutenant General, USAF, in his nominating letter. “Every facet of Colonel Chilton’s career to datehas enhanced the exploration and exploitation of air and space. She is the ideal example of a consum-mate Air Force officer who gives every endeavor her all.”

Colonel Chilton has served the Air Force in a number of diverse capacities and currently serves asMobilization Assistant to the Director of Capabilities Integration at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,Ohio.

“Her unique blend of enthusiasm, strong technical ability, and congenial personality enables thesuccess of subordinates, peers and family while furthering her own work in the advancement of air and

space technological innovation,” wrote Klotz.The 2007 award is given in recognition of Colonel Chilton’s work as a United States Air Force officer, flight test engineer, test

director and aeronautical engineer, and also in recognition of the crucial emotional, mental and public support she has provided herhusband, the first astronaut to achieve the military rank of four-star General. General Chilton currently serves as Commander of theAir Force Space Command.

The award was named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s sister, Katharine, who in many ways supported her brother’sendeavors.

AWARD OF MERITTHE AERO CLUB OF NEW ENGLAND

The Aero Club of New England (ACONE) was organized on January 2, 1902, nearly two fullyears prior to the Wright Brothers flight at Kill Devil Hill. The Aero Club of New England is the oldestaeronautical club in existence in America and the second oldest in the world.

The Aero Club of New England has championed aviation as both a career and an avocation. The club has awarded the presti-gious Godfrey L. Cabot Award since 1952. This award, named for one of ACONE’s early presidents, is presented to individuals orteams that are first in their field and have changed the course of aviation and/or aerospace.

A scholarship program was started in 1984 that awards scholarships to students throughout the New England states seeking awide range of careers in aviation.

Since the program’s inception, students have received over $240,000 in awards. These scholarships have also been expanded toinclude FAA-sponsored ACE (Aviation Career Education) camps. ACONE has also developed an active Safety Program with guestspeakers discussing all areas of aviation safety.

Award Recipients 2007


PRESIDENT’S AWARDSUE PHILLIPS

Sue Phillips was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and has lived in her hometown all of her life.She began studying education in 1966 at the University of Oklahoma. In 1970 Sue graduated fromOklahoma University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Her professional experienceincludes includes working with her family’s bookstore, being a sixth grade teacher as well as an adver-tising manager.

Sue began working with Merrill Lynch in 1981 and has been handling the Amelia Earhart Memo-rial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF) brokerage account since the mid-1980s. When she came on board,the account had been languishing and there hadn’t been any real “management.” Sue stayed within theguidelines of the AEMSF Resolution but began a very close relationship with the Trustees. She typi-cally attends the Trust Board meeting when they are in Oklahoma City and stays in close touch by

telephone and email. With Sue’s guidance, the Fund reached the million-dollar mark. Because of the success with the AEMSF, theremaining Ninety-Nines Trusts made the decision to work with Sue on their brokerage accounts as well.

Even though Merrill Lynch is an extremely large company, Sue is able to manage the investment funds for all four Ninety-NinesTrusts in a very personal manner. She cares deeply about the organization and the individuals with whom she works, and she knowsthat the financial solvency of the Trusts will help perpetuate the growth of the entire organization.

This Letter of Understanding (LOU) establishes a work-ing arrangement between the Federal AviationAdministration’s Safety Team (FAASTeam) and The Ninety-Nines, Inc. (The 99s), to promote aviation safety awarenesstraining to all airmen.

The FAASTeam agrees to:1. Through its SPANS program and other national media

resources, recognize The 99s’ participation in FAASTeam safetyevents as a FAASTeam National Industry Member.

2. Recognize The 99s logo on the home page ofFAASafety.gov.

3. Provide a link on FAASafety.gov to The 99s website.4. Work with The 99s to develop safety awareness training

for airmen of all ages.5. Provide The 99s with FAASTeam safety materials for dis-

tribution.The 99s agrees to:1. Through its International Headquarters in Oklahoma City,

provide a point-of-contact to coordinate national requests.Headquarters will forward requests to the Committee Chair,Section Governor, or Chapter Chairman local to and appropri-ate to the event for final action.

2. Utilize its eNetworks and Public Relations Committee topromote FAASTeam programs and sanctioned events and so-licit volunteers to assist in same.

3. Provide or assist in locating facilities suitable for con-ducting safety events.

4. To the extent possible, include local airmen in National,Section, and/or Chapter level safety meetings, presentations,seminars, etc.

5. Contribute to the FAASTeam website through instruc-tional materials, safety materials, anecdotes, or other appropri-ate material.

6. Provide a link on The 99s website to the FAASTeamwebsite.

7. Include FAASTeam information in The 99s monthly Head-quarters Dispatch and to include FAASTeam information onThe 99s eNetworks and external publications such as The 99News magazine which is distributed to all members worldwide.

8. Serve as a distribution point for FAASTeam materials.9. Where feasible, provide lunch and snacks at FAASTeam

sanctioned events, at no cost to The 99s.10. Encourage members to volunteer as FAASTeam repre-

sentatives in their respective areas.11. Promote the use of FAAsafety.gov, particularly the Pilot

Proficiency Program.12. Upon approval, The 99s will accept other duties as may

be offered from time to time by the FAASTeam, not specifi-cally mentioned herein.

The Ninety-Nines, Inc. SignLetter of Understanding

with the FAA

At the 2007 International Conference, Pat Prentiss, center, signsthe letter of understanding with the FAA. From left areInternational Directors Fran Strubeck, Pat Theberge and LisaCotham, Past President Elaine Morrow, Vice President SusanLarson, Treasurer Kristine Irvin-Herron, Secretary FrancesLuckhart and International Director Virginia Harmer.


Abaker’s dozen of women pilotsleft Tuolumne Meadows inYosemite on Saturday, July 21.Our goal was to summit Ame-

lia Earhart Peak, an 11,982-foot mountain,on July 24th, the third such commemora-tive climb by 99s in the last three decades.

The 13 Ninety-Nines came from allover the U.S. and had been training formonths by walking with weighted packsand dreaming of the goal. It would be apersonal challenge for all of us. There isno trail to the top of the peak so it wasindeed an individual effort — but with sis-terhood support.

Early arrivals spent two days acclimat-ing to the 8,600-foot elevation at TuolumneMeadows. Some took short hikes upLembert Dome and to Elizabeth Lake. Ondeparture day, smiling and confident, weheaded up Lyell Canyon on the John Muirtrail with our 30-pound backpacks.

The first night was spent in a lovely

meadow near the Ireland Lake trail inter-section. Water was boiled for backpack-ers’ dehydrated dinners. A pack with ex-cess fragrant lotions and foodstuffs washung between two tall trees because thebear canisters that we brought were full tooverflowing. But about 9:30 p.m., Yogihimself spied the goodies and spent 20minutes figuring out how to dislodge thepack from its high perch. He returned inthe middle of the night, exploring thecampsite again but was frightened awayby our loud shouts.

On day two, the relatively flat canyongave way to the infamous “staircase,” andwe knew the hike had turned into a climb.Base camp at the footbridge going over theLyell Canyon Creek drainage providedwater to purify, wood to gather for camp-fires and scenic beauty for all to enjoy. Aday of rest on day three allowed forexploration of the surrounding area towardDonahue Pass and a scouting expedition

The Sisterhood of theTraveling Packs

Once every 10 years,a hearty group ofNinety-Nines sets out toclimb Amelia Earhart Peakin Yosemite National Park.This July, thirteen adven-turous women hefted their30-pound backpacks andset off on an unforgettableadventure.

BY LYNN MEADOWS,AEP 2007 Coordinator, Reno High Sierra Chapter

From left, Pat Chan, Linda Mae Draper andJean Harris.


toward AE Peak by climb leader CindyPickett. Hearty meals were preparedaround the propane stoves used by eachthree-person team, and dish detail wasdone quickly to allow more time for campcamaraderie.

Day four was ascent day. After a two-hour upward climb through forests andmeadows to the tree line, a group photoby an alpine lake and a mid-morning trailmix snack, the sight of the distant peakspurred us onward and upward. The finalassault took about two more hours of rug-ged bouldering with climbers scatteredabout but all heading up. Two planes offellow pilots who had agreed to circle thepeak brought joy to the tired crew and gaveus new momentum for the final push.

Approaching weather cut short thejoyous celebration on top of the peak, butwe got our souvenir photos, and the signedAE Peak logo scarf was left safely in themetal box on the summit. As the jubilantclimbers scrambled safely downward, therain held off until their return to themeadow — but then it let loose with a ven-geance and the group arrived back at basecamp soaking wet. Tents that had beentrenched the day before provided comfort,and by dinnertime all was sunny again.That night, a campfire dried most of theboots and clothes.

Day five found us up early, packed and

An Amelia Earhart scarf signed by the groupof Ninety-Nines was placed in the metal boxat the top of the 11,982-foot mountain.

heading out the 13 miles to TuolumneMeadows and hot showers.

The climb was an experience that noneof us will forget, representing the celebra-tion of Amelia Earhart’s 110th birthday, 75years since her solo crossing of the Atlan-tic Ocean and 70 years since her disappear-ance. We are now the “sisterhood of thetraveling packs” with new friendships

San Fernando Valley memberLilian Holt and I flew to see theclimbers on Amelia Earhart Peak,which is in a very remote area ofYosemite National Park. All thosemountain tops look alike, and theremust be a hundred lakes in the area.

Climber Lynn Meadows hadgiven me the Lat/Long, but we stillmanaged to fly over the peak andmiss the girls completely. LuckilyJulieann Sikora, also one of theclimbers, and I are “Hams” and shebrought her radio. We flew over thepeak at 11 a.m. We were early, soJulieann was not yet expecting usand was still climbing over the boul-ders. She called as soon as she couldturn her radio on and said, “You justflew over us, come back!”

Several of the climbers hadreached the top. When we did sightJulieann, we were both screamingover the radio, “I see you, I see you!”We circled the peak I don’t knowhow many times, while Lilian wastrying to take pictures as fast as shecould.

Amelia was smiling down on us,and she would be proud of us be-cause we made the flight “for the funof it.”

formed and personal accomplishmentslogged.

Climbers were: Pat Chan, Linda MaeDraper, Jean Harris, Kitty Houghton,Theresa Levandoski-Byers, AlannaMcClellan, Adele McDonald, NancyMaas, Lynn Meadows, Cindy Pickett, PatPittelkow, Julieann Sikora and MaryZapponi.

Statistics: 5 of the 13 climbed thepeak in 1997; the youngest is 36 and theoldest is 66; 7 of the 13 are in their 60s;and 5 of the 13 are in their 50s.

Amelia EarhartPeak Fly-OverBY JEANNE FENIMORESan Fernando Valley Chapter

Amelia Earhart Peak climbers Nancy Maas, Redwood Coast Flyers; Pat Pittelkow, MarinCounty; Theresa Levandoski-Byers, Monterey Bay; Mary Zapponi, not a 99 yet but a pilotfrom Truckee, CA; Linda Mae Draper, Reno Area; Jean Harris, Eastern New England; LynnMeadows, Reno High Sierra; Pat Chan, Bay Cities; Cindy Pickett, climb leader, Marin County;Alanna McClellan, Lake Tahoe; Adele McDonald, Tennessee. Not shown: Kitty Houghton,Marin County; Julieann Sikora, San Fernando Valley.


There’s been a lot going on behindthe scenes with The Ninety-NinesInternational Aerospace Education

Committee, so I want to bring everyoneup to speed.

Elaine Morrow and Pam O’Brien havebeen hard at work updating The Ninety-Nines website. The Speakers Bureau liston the website now includes Ninety-Nineswho are available to speak to Girl Scouttroops. Additionally, Elaine has spent quitea bit of time putting together a new Aero-space Education section with various sub-pages that provide information and re-sources available to the membership.

Also being added to the website is in-formation on 99s who are current flight in-structors, who own flight schools or whoare Designated Pilot Examiners.

If you would like to be added to anyof these listings, please let me know (seethe April and May Dispatch issues for fur-ther information).

Many members have offered their as-sistance in providing aerospcace educationcontacts and information – thank you!Thanks to Alaska Chapter member AngieSlingluff, a recent contact was made withYouth Aviation Adventure (YAA). Angievery successfully used information avail-able from YAA in working with Girl Scouttroops. Since many Chapters and Sectionswork with the Girl Scouts, I’m includingsome information on this organization.

The YAA program was started in 1997and is designed to get boys and girls ex-cited about aviation as both a career and ahobby. Their mission is to replicate theprogram across the United States. Everyyear, YAA holds two programs in Colum-bus, Ohio at Ohio State University Airport.

Most of the children who participateare either Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, al-though this is not a requirement. A typicalprogram attracts 250 to 300 kids andadults. Similar to many Girl Scouts events,

BY JILL WILLIAMSInternational Aerospace Education Chair

AEROSPACEEDUCATION

during the YAA program the kids spend20 minutes at each of nine stations wherethey discuss the uses of airplanes, airplanepreflight, instrument panels, airport surfaceoperations, airport firefighting equipment,police use of helicopters, aerodynamics,the life of a professional pilot and aircraftengines. Actual airplanes are used for theaerodynamics and preflight stations.

YAA’s program is geared to both boysand girls between the ages of 12 and 16.The curriculum is based on the require-ments for the Boy Scout aviation meritbadge, but YAA has added several addi-tional subjects. The curriculum was cre-ated with the help of, and is endorsed by,the Ohio State University College of Edu-cation. Copies of the curriculum for eachof the stations are available on the YAAwebsite (youthaviationadventures.org)under the “Download Materials” link. YAAencourages other organizations to use theirmaterials.

Above, Corey Kesslerdemonstrates a pre-flight.Left, enthusiastic YouthAviation Adventureparticipants.


BY DONNA MILLERInternational Careers Committee

PILOT CAREERS: Leadership

PRO 99S PROFILE: Kathy SalmBY BETSY DONOVAN, International Careers Committee

I’m always reading, usually about four books at a time. It canget confusing when I have a wild novel and a biography inthe mix. When asked if I’ve read a specific biography, I might

respond with “Yes! She was the barnstormer who saved the planetfrom space aliens!” And then, “Oh, wait. Never mind.”

One of my recent reads was about leaders and leadership.Lee Iacocca describes what he calls “The Nine C’s of Leader-ship.” We know it takes leadership skills to be a pilot, so I putMr. Iacocca to the test. (After all, he did give us the Mustang; itjust wasn’t the one with wings!)

He says it takes Curiosity, Creativity, Communication, Char-acter, Courage, Conviction, Charisma, Competence and Com-mon Sense to be a good leader. Do these really make us betterpilots? I decided to choose three of the C’s at random and applythem to pilots. I think he’s on to something here!

Curiosity: Listen to people outside the “yes” crowd. Readvoraciously. I flew with a “by-the-book” captain who said youdon’t have to check the fuel slip against the dispatch paperwork.Maybe it’s just me, but when I’m launching a flight with pos-sible weather diversions, I might just double check the fuel slip(Common Sense!). However, the captain also challenged me withquestions that were buried deep in Volumes 1 and 2 of the FAR/AIM. When was the last time you pulled out your copy and just

perused it? When you’re not cramming for a written exam, it’samazing what you can learn!

Communication: They didn’t create CRM (Crew ResourceManagement) for nothing. Good communication is critical for asafe flight. Think about communicating effectively. Pay closeattention to a captain’s pre-flight brief. Especially if you don’tknow the captain, the brief gives you a good idea of how the tripis going to go. A good captain doesn’t rush. She (or he) takesfeedback from the first officer and from the flight attendants. Ifyou are a private pilot, do you brief your passengers?

Character: You have to have the guts to do the right thing.We’re making judgment calls all the time. Just because it’s legaldoesn’t mean it’s safe. Get-home-itis is a prime example. Beknown for having good judgment, not for being a risk taker.

I’ll add another C to the list. Leadership is demonstratedduring the biggest C of all: Crisis. It’s easy to talk the talk whenthe autopilot is on and you’re watching the Grand Canyon disap-pear beneath the wing. The true test is when the big red lightscome on and you hear the bells that you only hear in the simula-tor. This is the time that all of the other Cs come together andleadership is forged. Think about this next time you get into anairplane. Better yet, think about this the next time you reach forthe TV remote control. Reach for your dusty manual instead.

W orking as a submarine and tugboat captain in Ha-waii led Citation Ultra First Officer Kathy Salm intothe cockpit. “Deep inside I was always fascinated

and wanted to fly.” In 1998 at age 42, Kathy began her flighttraining. She was a CFI, flew a Caravan delivering medical sup-plies and personnel in Africa and worked at a commuter (Sky-way Airlines) before joining NetJets Aviation two years ago.Regarding her present job, Kathy says, “I like the fact that I en-joy my work and get paid enough that I can stop looking forother work. I just bought a house, I’m done moving and all areinvited to my resume/application burning party!”

Kathy holds a CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP and Citation 500 typerating. Her ATP was courtesy of an Amelia Earhart MemorialScholarship in 2005. A Ninety-Nines member for 10 years, Kathyis the Chapter Careers Chairperson in Tucson. She is also serv-ing a third session as a PPLI Mentoring Coordinator.

Kathy’s advice to others: “Find ways to give back to thecommunity, no matter how small the effort. I believe that part ofcreating what you desire is to give it first. It returns to you. Thisis one of the reasons I participate in the PPLI. Besides basicaltruism, when we help other women reach their goals in avia-tion our positions are made more secure.”


A

Nancy Bird Walton

BY CAROL KITCHING, Guest Author

At the tender age of 92, Nancy BirdWalton, Australia’s premier woman pilot,still gets excited about flying. In 1933,when she was 17, she made the decisionthat life was meant to be flown, and todayher interests revolve around aviation. Inrecognizing her contribution to the indus-try, Quantas announced it will name its firstA380 after her. Nancy Bird will be flyingfor many years to come.

As a young girl, her dreams wereabout flying. “When I had nightmares andtigers and lions were chasing me, I couldlift myself above them...and they’d rununderneath!” Later, she was jumping offfences, waving her arms and yelling“epiplane.” And on the swings, it was“Push me higher... push me higher. I’m abird. I want to fly.”

At 13 the dream became reality whenshe climbed into a Gipsy Moth for a joyflight and, giving the pilot a little extramoney, he promised to throw in some aero-batics. “My sister said I came down look-ing a bit green, but I just loved it. Flyingwas the ruling passion of my life.”

By the time she was 17, Nancy wasflight planning in earnest. She bought her-self a leather helmet, a short leather coatand a couple of cushions to compensatefor being barely five feet tall and headedto Mascot’s all-over grass strip for regularflying lessons. Her instructor was noneother than the legendary Charles KingsfordSmith, who had skippered the firstaeroplane across the Pacific in 1928 andhad just opened his flying school. Nancywas one of his first students.

She was well on her way to becomingAustralia’s first woman pilot to earn a liv-ing from aviation and a legend in her ownright. This was her destiny.

However, to earn a living from flying,Nancy first needed an aeroplane. When shewas 19, with the help of a 200£ legacy froma great aunt and an equal amount loanedby her father, Nancy bought a batteredGipsy Moth, ironically, the same Moth inwhich she had taken her first flight.

“I began to wonder what I could doabout my future. Pilots were continuallyproving records could be broken, and therewere a few women up there with the bestof the record breakers.” Her aeroplane shenamed Vincere, meaning to conquer. “I wasdetermined to carve a place for myself inaviation.”

Her first thoughts were to go barn-storming, which in Australia meant flying

around the country, going to local agricul-tural shows and charging for joy flights.Nancy was often told by the guys that therewas no room for women in aviation, barn-storming had been “done to death” andmen were finding aviation a struggle. Butshe was determined. Nancy figured sheneeded a co-pilot if this plan were to ma-terialize, and Peggy McKillop fitted thebill. Perfectly. Peggy had a pilot’s license,she’d trained at the same time as Nancyand she was a bit of a whiz at aircraft en-gines and mending torn fabric.

In 1935 the two girls formed The FirstLadies Flying Tour, and off they wentaround New South Wales, flying into coun-try paddocks to do joy flights and attend-ing the occasional country show or ball.Peggy McKillop as Big Bird and Nancyas Little Bird (with pillow) flew into his-tory as the country’s first female barn-stormers.

There were no country aerodromes inthose days. A landing ground near thecountry show was selected on an ordinarypiece of ground. A truck was driven alongthe ground at 40 mph, and if the tires didn’tpuncture, then it was considered suitable.

In that same year, Nancy was ap-proached by the Far West Children’sHealth Scheme in NSW to start a flyingambulance service. “While in Bourke, Imet the Reverend Stanley Drummond, whowas the Superintendent of the Far WestChildren’s Health Scheme. And he askedme if I would station my aeroplane (now anew Leopard Moth) there and do theirregular baby clinic service out back andbeyond Bourke, and also be there for am-bulance work if it was required. That meantflying a doctor out to a property or a pa-tient into Bourke.”

She went into the Outback in 1935,intending to stay six months, but stayedfor three years, later moving toQueensland.

“Life was meantto be flown.”

Nancy Bird is first aboard the new AirbusA380, named for her, on its debut flight toSydney in June of 2005.

Australia’s Pioneering Aviatrix


“Although I was too young to realisethe true significance of it, people said tome in later years, ‘You don’t know what itmeant to us knowing that there was anaeroplane in Bourke, that if there was anacute appendix or an urgent treatment wasneeded there was an aeroplane that couldfly out to us.’”

In 1938, Nancy undertook a tour ofEurope as the guest of KLM to learn allshe could about traffic and passenger man-agement in civil aviation.

She returned to Australia via theUnited States, and it was on this visit thatNancy discovered the value of knowingmembers of The Ninety-Nines. BobbieTerry, the first woman in Australia to ownher own aeroplane, nominated Nancy toThe Ninety-Nines in 1937, and she becamea member in May 1938. She remains a Lifemember.

“I had arrived in America on theQueen Mary, steerage of course. I bookedinto the Women’s Club Hotel where Ifound it was going to cost me for one daythe equivalent of a week’s accommodationin London.

“Worried about my funds, I ponderedwhether I could afford the 25 cents to tele-phone and tell Betty Gillies I had finallyarrived in the country. I finally took theplunge, and it was the best 25 cents I haveever invested.”

Betty insisted Nancy stay with her.Gratefully, Nancy accepted. “She becamemy best friend in America. I revisited heron several occasions, and she was respon-sible for me flying in three Powder PuffDerbies. We placed fifth in the first one in1958. The next one we were disqualifiedas we had to land because of a thunder-storm. And the third one I flew as an extrapair of hands with Betty Gillies and herco-pilot.

“The Ninety-Nines were marvellousto me, all over the United States,” she said.“They offered wonderful hospitality andfriendship, and that’s why I was keen tosee a lasting connection with Australia.”

As a result of this comradeship be-tween women pilots, Nancy felt that anAustralian association could also be ofbenefit to its members. She founded theAustralian Women Pilots’ Association in1950 and remained president for five years.

Currently is has close to 600 members. “The idea for AWPA came out of cu-

riosity because we had women, after thewar, who were keen about flying. We wereteaching these women how to look afteran aircraft. A lot of women were flyingduring the war years. In England they tookthem into the Air Transport Auxiliary, butthey ended up flying Spitfires. One of ourpilots from Melbourne, Mardi Gething,flew 800 hours in Spitfires.

“People think that the breakthroughof women on multi-engine aircraft hap-pened in the 1970s. But, this is not so. Thebig break came in the war years when air-craft (in Britain) piled up outside factoriesand there were not enough pilots to deliverthem to the bases. The authorities had nochoice but to use women. Eventually,women flew everything that came off theproduction line, even four-engine bombers.

“It is wonderful and so satisfying tosee the progress that women pilots aremaking in Australia, and I am very proudof the fact that Qantas has over 80 womenpilots on the flight deck, including thirteen747 captains.”

Recently, Wing Commander LindaCorbould, the Royal Australian Air Force’s(RAAF) most senior woman pilot, becamethe first to skipper the largest aircraft everto be operated by the RAAF, the C-17Globemaster.

And according to Linda, the next step

is an all-female crew on the C-17 — maybenext year.

“Join AWPA (Australian Women Pi-lots’ Association) and have friends in ev-ery state. Join The Ninety-Nines and havefriends in many countries,” says Nancy.

When the new A380 flew into Sydneyon a Qantas promotional flight on June 7,2007, Nancy Bird was invited to be the firstvisitor on board. She enjoyed an hour’sflying while talking aviation to scores ofSydney media representatives. She re-ceives one or two invitations every day toattend aviation functions, attends a few andstill takes an active interest in AWPA andlocal Sydney meetings.

Indeed, life for Nancy Bird Waltonwas meant to be flown.

Nancy Bird Walton is interviewed by Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander LindaCorbould, right, and RAAF pilot Samantha Webster in March 2007.

The Australian Ninety-Nines meet in Mudgeefor the 57th Annual General Meeting ofAustralian Womens’ Pilot Association. Seatedis Nancy Bird.


Alabama Chapter THOMAS, Melisa KayAlberta Chapter CALWELL, Bonnie JuneAll-Ohio Chapter BALLOU, Rachel E. (A) KUROWICKI, Christina B. (A)Ambassador Chapter EGAN, Joanne LauraBay Cities Chapter CHANTRILL, Renee LUKKES, Virginia Pearce (FWP) REINING, Christiana S. (FWP)Central New York Chapter CANTRELL, Rebecca Ann (A) SIEDLECKI, Wanda J.Chicago Area Chapter ACKER, Linda L. GRIMM, Sheri Ann (FWP) HOPKINS, Allison Carole JANUS, Priscilla Wallace STEPHENS, Vicki S. (FWP) ZIEBELL, Darlene M.Colorado Chapter KLANDERUD, Kathy JaneDallas Chapter DONNELLY, Nora J. PREWITT, Tina G. (FWP)Delaware Chapter BARON, Irene JoDevils Tower Chapter WILLIAMS, Carolyn VirginiaEastern Pennsylvania Chapter DEVLIN, Patricia J. MILLS, Elisabeth A. (FWP)El Paso Chapter TERRELL, April BeckerFirst Canadian Chapter KELLY, Evelyn MURPHY, Sylvia A. (FWP)Florida Gulf Stream Chapter KORDA, Lya SPEAR, Carol L. (FWP)Florida Spaceport Chapter JACK, Katherine A. (FWP)Fort Worth Chapter HUMMEL, Aileen J.Garden State Chapter IALACCI, Tabatha Lauren (A)Golden Triangle Chapter CRUZ, Eve (FWP)Greater Kansas City Chapter SHANK, Karrie ElizabethGreater New York Chapter HABER, R. Bonnie AGNER, Rachael Anne SCHIERMAN, Stacy L. TSUTAKAWA, Raeya Sayuri (FWP) VON ALLWORDEN, Veronica V.Greater St. Louis Chapter MONGIOVI, Anne MarieHampton Roads Chapter MARCHESE, Heather Kathryn (A)Houston Chapter MORRIS, Joanna Lorene (FWP)

Kansas Chapter MAIN, Elizabeth L. BetsyLake Erie Chapter STOCKER, Carol M. (FWP)Lake Tahoe Chapter FETT, Elise H.Las Vegas Valley Chapter LEBLANC, Anne-Marie ROSS, Brittany Danielle (FWP) WILKS, Kim LianneLong Island Chapter HOLGERSON, April A. (FWP) MARTIN, Courtney L.Maryland Chapter SIBENIK, Lois H.France, Member at Large BAZIN, Isabelle MyriamSingapore, Member at Large DEBBIE, Aw ESS, Vanessa LynMichigan Chapter GARDY, Jill Marie GREEN, Sharon E. (FWP) HESS, Sara Lynne (FWP) LASCH, Irene Marie (FWP) PRASKI, Tammy Lynn (FWP)Mid-Columbia Chapter THOMPSON, Jennifer AnneMinnesota Chapter CZUPICH, Holly N. (FWP) GIBB, Mary K. LAWSON, Bette Irene PIEPER, Thuy T.Montana Chapter SMITH, Jessica Leigh (A)New Orleans Chapter JONES, Margaret M.North Georgia Chapter KIMMEL, Susan K. THOMAS, Keely L. (A)North Jersey Chapter AHLERS, Nancy JeanNorthern New England Chapter HERBERT, Barbara M.Oklahoma Chapter JACKSON, Donna J. SOUTER BUSSEY, Mary RuthOld Dominion Chapter KNOWLES, Linda GaleParadise Coast Chapter GRAHAM, Lynne E. (FWP)Phoenix Chapter BROWN, Charmain D. FRANKLIN, Evelyn RuthPikes Peak Chapter KRUTZKE, Carol BethRedwood Coast Flyers Chapter FULLER, Amy P.Rio Grande Norte Chapter BENNETT, LynSacramento Valley Chapter FRITCHIE, Tina Marie (FWP) GINESI, Nancy AnnSan Antonio Chapter HOMUTH, Sharon Joan

Welcome New Ninety-Nines Members! San Gabriel Valley Chapter CULP, Alexandrea K. (FWP) DAVISON, Michelle H. JUNKINS, Sonya Lin RANDOLPH, Renee M.Santa Barbara Chapter ARMSTRONG, Linda O.Santa Clara Valley Chapter WEIGEL, Katie (FWP)Arabia Section ALAWI, Dr. Enas ANWAR, ShaziaGerman Section BECKER, DR., Susanne BRUCK-PASCHKO, Monika HOF, Marion WEIDEMA, Karin M. (FWP)

NewmemberAmelia RoseEarhart,ColoradoChapter

Australia Section DANGL, DagmarBrazil Section ESPINDOLA, Cecilia GasparRussian Section GREEN, Kimberly DanielleMid-Atlantic Section HEAD, Catherine Ann KatieIsrael Section LARI, Smadar SarahIndia Section PURI, Manisha Mohan SINGH, Harpreet A. DeSedona Red Rockettes Chapter THOMPSON, Janice K.Sugarloaf Chapter KOLBE, Amanda Lee (FWP) NICOLET, Kimberley M.Tennessee Chapter LONG, Cherie Coffey ROUSH, Patricia P.Tucson Chapter BURNS, Jennifer Christine (FWP) STONE, Olga JeanUtah Chapter GEEST, Tracy Lynn (FWP) HAYNES KRALL, Patricia C. STEVENSON, Lorraine M.Washington DC Chapter NGUYEN, Hong Van Thi (FWP) PING, JennieWisconsin Chapter HANNEMANN, Kathleen AnnWomen With Wings Chapter GWINN, Ruth TolleyYavapai Chapter PIERCE, Courtney Leigh


T he Professional Pilot LeadershipInitiative (PPLI) is the only struc-tured one-on-one mentoring and

leadership program for women who arepursuing or aspiring to a professional pi-lot career, from astronaut to bush pilot.Ambitious Ninety-Nines members whowant to make rapid progress in their pilotcareers are encouraged to apply to the PPLIprogram – the next deadline is December31 (see the Fact Sheet on The Ninety-NinesWebsite under Mentoring).

PPLI participants normally progressthrough the program in 12 to 18 months.The new participant, designated “Captain”to reinforce that she is pilot-in-commandof her career, is first mentored one-on-oneby a more experienced professionalwoman pilot, her “Navigator” or “SeniorNavigator.” The mentoring relationship iscarried out through email and phone calls,sometimes across great distances.

While working towards her FAAFlight Instructor certificate, MichelleBassanesi of Rome, Italy was paired withLinda Mae Draper, a Master Flight Instruc-tor in Nevada, USA. “She inspired me tobecome a teacher of aviation,” saysMichelle, “and also I have been inspiredto become a mentor specializing in cross-cultural differences.”

In addition to the formal mentoring re-lationships, each participant creates a“Flight Plan” that outlines long-term ca-reer goals, including improving leadershipskills, with smaller steps to reach the ob-jective. Goals can become clearer or evenchange, as Sarah Warner found out fromworking with her airline pilot Navigator.“I was hoping for guidance navigating apath to flying for the airlines,” she says.

“But I learned that my heart was rootedfirmly in general aviation. The develop-ment plan literally gave shape to my ca-reer by allowing me to choose aviationgoals that suit my personality andlifestyle.”

The PPLI participant hones her lead-ership skills by undertaking volunteer rolesand taking the lead on projects of her ownchoosing in The Ninety-Nines and in theaviation community. Liana Hart says,“What I got out of the experience wasmuch more than expected … I discoveredhow rewarding participating in leadershipactivities feels for me – terrific!”

In the next session, participants jointhe “Captains Circle,” a peer mentoringgroup. The many topics discussed includeresumé development, crew management,financing flight training and learning frommistakes. “My absolute favorite part of theprogram was the Captains’ Circle,” saysToréa Rodriguez. “I was surprised greatlyby this as I thought peer mentorship wasnot going to be for me, or that I wouldn’tbenefit from peer mentorship as much asone-on-one mentorship. How wrong I was!That part of the program kept me motivatedthrough some very challenging times as Isuccessfully transitioned from my old in-dustry into aviation full time.”

Finally, the Captains transition to the

PPLI Graduates —Our Future Leaders in Aviation!

BY AMBER HOWARDPPLI Participant, Monterey Bay Chapter

role of Navigator to mentor another womanpilot following in their footsteps throughthe program. Many have found this sessionespecially rewarding. Toréa Rodrigueznotes, “Being a Navigator was/is a greatexperience. To take a stranger halfwayacross the world and be able to make apositive impact, no matter how small orlarge in her life, is just amazing. It’s up therewith the day I soloed my first student!”

Ambitious PPLI participants arementored to galvanize resources to achievetheir goals, win aviation scholarships, com-plete advanced pilot ratings, advance tonew professional pilot positions and sharewhat they’ve learned with other womenpilots. Above all, they assume the confi-dence and leadership of highly successfulprofessional pilots who represent our fu-ture leaders in aviation.

“With the mentoring, goal-setting andleadership development that the PPLI pro-gram provides, I have accomplished mostof the career goals that I had set for my-self,” says Flight Level 2 Graduate LauraConover. “I have nothing but praise for thePPLI program and would recommend it toanyone who is working towards a careeras a professional pilot.”

Our congratulations to the latest PPLIgraduates, who represent our future lead-ers in aviation!

Congratulations

“I have nothing but praise forthe PPLI program and would recommendit to anyone who is working towards acareer as a professional pilot.”— Laura Conover Meet the PPLI graduates

on the following pages!


KELLI KINGPikes Peak ChapterKelli began as a flight instructor and advanced toSkyWest Airlines CRJ first officer. She was a PPLICoordinator for two sessions.

JENNIFER SHAWSan Diego ChapterJennifer began as a corporate Gulfstream II and Fal-con 20 co-pilot and achieved her G-II type rating.

LIANA HARTLas Vegas Valley ChapterLiana is a Mesa Airlines CRJ captain and won anAmelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship for her B737type rating.

JESSICA MCMILLANHigh Country ChapterJessica is a flight instructor.

ERIN RECKEAmbassador ChapterErin started as a Citation 500-series co-pilot and washired as ASA CRJ first officer.


MICHELLE BASSANESIAmbassador ChapterMichelle, who lives in Rome,Italy, began as a commercial-instrument rated pilot, achievedher FAA flight instructor cer-tificate, won an Amelia EarhartMemorial Scholarship to con-vert her U.S. certificate to JAAand founded Europe’s Womenin Aviation Conference.

KIRSTEN BRAZIERAmbassador ChapterKirsten lives in Ontario,Canada and is president/opera-tions manager/chief pilot for acharter business with a Beech18 on floats.

LAURA CONOVERKitty Hawk ChapterLaura began her first PPLI ses-sion as a flight instructor, com-pleted her multi-engine andmulti-engine instructor ratingsand was hired as Colgan AirSaab 340 first officer, graduat-ing at the end of session 2004B.She re-joined the program in2006 for “Flight Level 2” dur-ing which she achieved captainupgrade, won a B737 scholar-ship, successfully completedthe B737 type rating trainingand was hired by Delta AirLines. She was also a PPLICoordinator for one session.

CARIN COUNIHANSan Fernando ValleyChapterCarin started as a flight instruc-tor and advanced to charterKing Air co-pilot.

TORÉA RODRIGUEZSanta Clara Valley ChapterToréa started as a flight instruc-tor, achieved her multi-engineinstructor and instrument in-structor ratings and progressedto Pilatus PC-12 first officerand BE-200 King Air first of-ficer in contract corporate flightoperations.

BECKY ROMAN-AMADORWashington DC ChapterBecky entered as a flight in-structor and progressed to a jobas CRJ first officer with MesaAirlines.

SARAH WARNERNew England SectionSarah began as a private instru-ment-rated pilot and pro-gressed through her commer-cial pilot certificate, multi-en-gine rating, flight instructorcertificate, and instrument andmulti-engine instructor ratingsbefore landing a job atSimCom Training Centers as aPilatus/Twin Cessna/BeechBaron instructor and ferry pi-lot. She is a new incomingPPLI Coordinator.


RATINGS & WINGS

RATINGS

Janelle Baron – Multi-enginePikes Peak Chapter

Michelle Bassanesi – JAA certificationas CFII in completion of AEMSF AwardAmbassador Chapter

Jessica Blehm – Private PilotKansas Chapter

Ursula Durrer – Commercial ASELRio Grande Norte Chapter

Luci Galgano – Private PilotVentura County Chapter

Marti Klemm – Commercial GliderReno High Sierra Chapter

Cheryl Knight – Private PilotMount Shasta Chapter

Carol Ann Meredith – Private PilotSan Gabriel Chapter

Bonnie Phillips – Commercial andMulti-engine, Reno High Sierra Chapter

Kay Renfrow – Recreational PilotSan Antonio Chapter

Jean Starr – Private PilotReno High Sierra Chapter

Barbara Walsh – Private PilotKatahdin Wings Chapter

Anne Whonic – Private PilotPikes Peak Chapter

Sandy Wiederkehr – CommercialGlider, Reno High Sierra Chapter

PROFESSIONAL RATINGS

Lyndsay Asmussen – ATPIn completion of AEMSF AwardUtah Chapter

Margaret Flynn – Captain, SouthwestAirlines, Sacramento Valley Chapter

Wendy O’Malley – B-737 type ratingIn completion of AEMSF AwardBay Cities Chapter

WINGS

Janet Chang-Pryor – Phase IIBay Cities Chapter

Ellen Nobles-Harris – Phase XVIDelaware Chapter

Maryellyn Page – Phase VConnecticut Chapter

BOOK REVIEW

Anne Morrow Lindbergh: First Lady of the AirBy Kathleen C. WintersPalgrave Macmillan, 2006ISBN: 13-978-1-4039-6932-3$24.95US/$33.95CAN

BY JACQUE BOYDRio Grande Norte Chapter

There have been books about AnneMorrow Lindbergh, the wife and partnerof Charles Lindbergh. There have beenbooks about Anne Morrow Lindbergh, thepoet and philosopher. This book is aboutAnne Morrow Lindbergh, THE PILOT.Kudos to Kathleen Winters for giving us along-due portrait of the woman I find tobe the most interesting.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh was the firstwoman, and only the 10th American, toearn a first class glider license. The SanDiego Union headlined the flight the nextday with, “Who Says Lindy’s Wife Can’tFly?” A woman solo, yet in the shadows.

Winter’s book provides some abso-lutely fascinating insights into her earlyflights with her husband. The description of her isolated world in the back cockpit ofthe Sirius on navigation and mapping flights is almost palpable. Don’t forget that onthe record-breaking flight she was seven months pregnant. The book is well researched,and Winters was given some rare opportunities to comb through Lindbergh’s diariesand personal papers with the full cooperation of Reeve Lindbergh, Anne and Charles’daughter. Though Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s flying time was very short, it was intense.As readers, we are allowed to share that intensity in a way that has not been chronicledbefore. Add this book as a “must” on your reading list.

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TWO NINETY-NINES OPEN FLIGHT SCHOOLS High Country Chapter member Marisa Fay started Colo-

rado Flight Center, a Cessna Pilot Center, in Grand Junction,Colorado. She has owned and operated Parkwest Air Tours since1999, and the new flight school has helped expand and roundout that operation. Established in 2006, Colorado Flight Centeris the newest flight school at Grand Junction’s Walker Field air-port and the only flight school in western Colorado to offer twintraining. Also offered are a variety of aviation events, seminarsand flyout events. For more information, visitwww.coloradoflightcenter.com or call toll-free 866-897-7910.

Lois Hewitt, a member of the Hi-Desert Chapter, opened anew flight school at the Apple Valley Airport in California. Loisreceived her Private Pilot certificate in 1995 and joined TheNinety-Nines and has since obtained her Instrument, Commer-cial and Instructor ratings.

In February 2007, Lois retired from her many years withthe San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. By June, she hadher fill of retirement and opened the flight school.

Lois has been a loyal member to the Hi-Desert Chapter, hold-ing Chapter offices and encouraging new members. She is cur-rently working to obtain her Instrument Instructor rating.

www.fly-in.comE-mail:

[email protected]

Pat OhlssonREALTOR® & Ninety-Nine since 1976

202 Cessna BoulevardDaytona Beach, FL 32128

Toll Free: 800-932-4437Office: 386-788-4991

Fax: 386-760-3612

Spruce CreekFly-In Realty

A residential AirparkCommunity—7FL6

TOUCH & GOSCHOLARSHIP OPEN FOR GIRLS WITH WINGS

Applications are now being accepted for the 1st Annual Girlswith Wings Scholarship. The only prerequisite is that applicantsmust not have yet received a private pilot certificate. Deadlinefor submission is November 1, 2007. Scholarship winner will benotified and sent a check for $500 to be used toward flying les-sons at the flight school of her choice. Contact: Girls With WingsScholarship, 1275 Andrews Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107.Email: [email protected]. For information:Lynda Meeks, 216-577-6131; [email protected].

— Lynda Meeks

TINA OBORNY FAA FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR OF YEAR,SOUTHERN REGION

Tina Oborny, Florida Goldcoast Chapter, has won the pres-tigious FAA 2006 Flight Instructor of the Year award for theSouthern Region, presented in 2007.

Her aviation career started about seven years ago. After at-taining her CFII and working at aviation schools, she purchaseda new TAA aircraft and began teaching independently. Seeing aneed for competent training in the new technology aircraft arriv-ing on the market, Tina started what is now Platinum AviationSolutions LLC which combines a flight school with aircraftmanagement and helping individuals find and purchase the rightaircraft for their needs.

MARY S. FEIK, EVELYN BRYAN JOHNSON RECEIVEAWARDS FROM NAA

Ninety-Nines Mary S. Feik and Evelyn Bryan Johnson wererecognized by the National Aeronautic Association at its FallAwards Banquet on October 29 in Arlington, Virginia.

In recognition of over 65 years of personal and professionaldedication to aviation education as a teacher, mentor, innovator,pilot, engineer and leader to America’s youth, Colonel Mary S.Feik has been awarded the 2006 Frank G. Brewer Trophy.

The Brewer Trophy is awarded annually to an individual, agroup of individuals, or an organization for significant contribu-tions of enduring value to aerospace education.

Mary Feik had a long career, teaching aircraft maintenanceand mechanics for the U.S. Army Air Force at Wright Field inDayton, Ohio. She is credited with becoming the first womanengineer in research and development in the Air Technical Ser-vice Command Division. She flew more than 6,000 hours as apilot in fighter, attack, bomber, cargo and training aircraft to de-termine flight maintenance, safety training requirements and alsoqualified as a B-29 Flight Engineer. She was also responsible fordesigning and building the first Captivair, an experimental pro-totype training device that became a standard design used onmany different high-performance fighter aircraft and foreshad-owed the development of the flight simulators and other trainingdevices in use today.

Evelyn Bryan Johnson was honored with the Katherine andMarjorie Stinson Award. It recognizes a living woman for anoutstanding and enduring contribution, a meritoriousflight, or a singular technical development in the field of avia-tion, aeronautics, space, or related sciences.

“Mama Bird” Johnson took her first flying lesson in 1944 inKnoxville, Tennessee, and became a flight instructor herself justthree years later. She added the title of helicopter flight instruc-tor to her resume in 1958 and has continued as an active flightinstructor well into her 90s. She served as airport manager atTennessee’s Moore-Murrell Field for 53 years, and the terminalthere is named in her honor. She has logged over 57,000 flighthours. As an FAA flight examiner, she has administered over9,000 flight exams.


EAA/AIRVENTURE OSHKOSHIt was a terrific and exciting week at

Oshkosh with lots of activity at The Ninety-Nines tent. Many thanks go to the great vol-unteers who made it possible. The Interna-tional Board was superbly represented byDirector Virginia Harmer and Treasurer KrisIrvin-Herron, who were there all week. Wesigned up to 30 new Ninety-Nines, FWPsand reinstatements, and we spoke to at least100 prospective members. We even signeda Ninety-Nine for the Brazil Section. Therewere also pilots from France, Austria, Swit-zerland, Nepal and South Africa inquiringabout The Ninety-Nines. True internationalflavor!

The annual breakfast at the tent onThursday was attended by over 40 people.Julie Clark stopped in for a visit, and theWomen Airforce Service Pilots had theirdisplay in the Air Force exhibit hangar andspent some time with us.

Besides all the super Ninety-Nines ca-maraderie, we had the F22 Raptors, Heri-tage Flight (P38, F16 and F22 in formation),B2 bomber, Harrier, the new Light SportAircraft and a multitude of general aviationairplanes — and the Beach Boys. What bet-ter way to spend a week! Come join us nextyear.

— Rita Adams,EAA/AirVenture Oshkosh

Ninety-Nines Coordinator

Bonanzas fly in formationover Oshkosh (photo byMarcia Gitelman), whileInternational Treasurer KrisIrvin-Herron (second fromleft) works The Ninety-Ninesbooth (photo by HenryHolden).


As I was flying in the Air Race Clas-sic this year, I couldn’t help butwonder, “Do you think the women

who flew the first 1929 Women’s AirDerby had as much fun as we did?”

It took them 10 days to cover the samedistance we flew in three days. We hadVOR and GPS, and they had only a mag-netic compass and IFR (“I Follow Rail-roads,” which they did from one town toanother. At times a couple even followedthe wrong railroad and got lost).

Our race was certainly much easier,but I believe that the thrill and sense ofadventure was the same for our racers asfor the women in 1929. All our miles werehand flown as we didn’t have an auto pilotin our Arrow.

We left Oklahoma City and headed forMcCook, Nebraska and then on toDennison, Iowa. Our first stop for the nightwas in Jefferson City, Missouri. Eventhough we got up early, we discoveredupon arrival at the airport that most of theracers had already left. We vowed to getup even earlier the next day.

Our second day took us to BowlingGreen, Kentucky and Lewisburg, West Vir-ginia. The sun was setting behind themountain as we busily washed the bugs offthe plane and put the polish on the leading

edges. We had arrived in Elmira, New Yorkabout 8:10 p.m. It had been a long daysince we left Jefferson City, and we weretired. We spent the second night there insouthern New York State.

Since the weather had been good, wepushed on toward Saint John, NewBrunswick the next morning.

One of the wonderful things about theair race is seeing the beautiful countrysidealong our route. As we flew over upstateNew York, we were speechless at thebeauty of the rolling hills and forests be-low. We continued across the border toBurlington, Vermont and Lake Champlain.We didn’t imagine that the landscape couldget any more magnificent, but Vermont andNew Hampshire were breathtaking. Wetried to imagine how it must look in the fall.

We arrived in Saint John about 5 p.m.on the third day. The Canadian Chapter puton a wonderful weekend for all the racers.

We didn’t win, but we certainly hadas much fun as anyone in the race. We fin-ished 21st. This was my second Air RaceClassic, and I’m looking forward to nextyear. The race will start in Bozeman, Mon-tana and end in Mansfield, Massachusetts.My flying partner was Linda Marshallfrom Montana, and she will host the startnext year at her home airport in Bozeman.

Top Ten WinnersAir Race Classic 2007

BY MARGIE RICHISONOklahoma Chpater

1. Marge Thayer & Helen“Wheels” Beulen

2. Denise Waters & RuthMaestre

3. Joyce Wells & KathyWalton

4. Katie Sparrow & MarieJanus – Purdue

5. Margaret Ringenberg &Linda Schumm

6. Dee Bond & AliceMcCormack

7. Susan Larson & AmyEcclesine

8. Judy Bolkema-Tokar &Pat Ohlsson

9. Jan Seiwert Bell & LaraZook Gaerte

10. Anne Edmonson &Charlene Olsen

Shown above in order from left,with pilots in front row and

co-pilots behind them.


GRASS ROOTS

SANTA ROSA CHAPTERWe had a busy month in June, includ-

ing a Mexican feast at Betsy Taggart’sB&B.

Our Chapter Aviation Scholarship wasawarded to Jody Roberts of Salinas. Sheis currently a middle school teacher withthe goal of becoming a corporate pilot andwill use the scholarship toward her Instru-ment rating.

The Checkride scholarship wasawarded to our own Mary St. Clair. She iscurrently a FWP working towards her Private certificate.

The Pilot of the Year trophy was presented to Mary-JaneStimson for acquiring her Instrument rating. Mary-Jane is ournewsletter editor and also part of our Scholarship Committee.

On June 16 we participated in the Sonoma County AirportCharles M. Schulz Open House. We gave away a lot of popcornand had many visitors to our booth. We had our Chapter displayboards where everyone could see them, and it was fun. One manwas so excited to see his aunt’s name on our membership listsfrom the ’80s because she influenced him to become a pilot. Younever know what it means to be a Ninety-Nine or whose life youwill touch.

—Val Suberg

INDIANA DUNESCHAPTER

The Indiana Dunes Chap-ter members had the time oftheir lives this summer. In Junethey were invited by membersMargaret Wint and PhyllisWebb to venture to the IoniaCounty Airport in Michigan.This is a beehive of 30 basedgliders. Members, along with49½s, were treated to delight-ful glider rides. One member,who flies her plane about threetimes a week, was really ner-vous, saying more than once,“There is no engine, no GPSand no radio!” When she heard

THREE RIVERS CHAPTEROn the weekend of July 13-15, the Three Rivers Chap-

ter laid out and painted a 75-foot, 12-point compass roseat the Wabash, Indiana Airport. This was the first one we’vedone in a number of years, but we haven’t lost our touch.Along with people from the local airport, we had fourmembers help lay out the compass rose and unicom fre-quency, and six members helped paint them. We’re stillhoping to do two more later this year.

— Sara Esterline

FIRST CANADIAN CHAPTERIngrid Rinaldi won the First Canadian Chapter’s Award of

Excellence 2006. This award goes to a female pilot, at the Pri-vate level, who has achieved academic excellence and flight pro-ficiency in the region of the First Canadian Chapter.

Ingrid is the proud owner of a Cessna 172, has since flownto the Bahamas, participated in many flying adventures with theButtonville Flying Club and is planning on participating in theupcoming Ninety-Nines Gold Cup Air Rally which will termi-nate in Boulder, Colorado, just in time to attend The Ninety-Nines International Conference!

— Laureen Nelson-Boutet

First Canadian Chapter member Ingrid Rinaldi, left, receives theAward of Excellence from Laureen Nelson.

Three Rivers Chapter members with the completed compassrose at Wabash Airport.

that the pilot was only 21, shealmost went home. However,she even had the young pilot dosome aerobatics and was allsmiles when she landed.

In July, the Chapter heldtheir meeting at Hops Airport,the home of Hop’s PoweredParachutes. We got to fly again,only this time in a poweredparachute. Since we were pi-lots, we were treated to doingfly-bys and touch and gos. JoyValek and her husband, Karol,celebrated their birthdays bytreating each other to a ride.

—Christine Murdock

Mary-Jane Stimson.


GRASS ROOTS

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CHAPTERThe San Fernando Valley Chapter celebrated their

Awards and Installation Banquet at the Smoke House Res-taurant in Universal City.

Awards were presented to Ian A. Lewis, Career Schol-arship Award; John Jones, Friends of The 99s Award; StacieCrowther, Pilot of the Year Award; James Griffiths, CareerScholarship Award; Lilian Darling Holt, Trixie AnnSchubert Memorial Service Award.

— Lilian Holt

San Fernando Valley Chapter award winners, from left, IanLewis, John Jones, Stacie Crowther, Jim Griffiths and Lilian Holt.

MICHIGAN CHAPTEROn June 8, Nicki and Dick Acker, Becky and Mike Smith

and Kelly Jost laid out the compass rose pattern at the GaylordAirport (GLR) in Michigan, right in front of the brand new ter-minal. The next day, a team of 17 Michigan Chapter membersand 49½s, along with five EAA members, Airport Manager ScottWoody and Project Officer Bill Rutherford, finished the 70-footproject, which was ready just in time for the grand opening ofGaylord’s new alpine-style terminal. The activity also inspiredseveral women to become Ninety-Nines.

— Martha L MacLeod

WISCONSIN CHAPTERIn July, Tina Hartlaub presented a flying companion

safety seminar on airplane basics at the FAA Forum build-ing at EAA. Tina is a flight instructor in Madison, Wiscon-sin and is the current Wisconsin Chapter Co-Chair.

Co-Chair Laurie Probst provided introductions, andChapter members Dee Becker, Diane Welch, Penny Werner,Glynis Thompson and Darcy Kulesha gave their moralsupport at the presentation, which was well-attended. TheChapter presents a seminar annually at this event.

— Laurie Probst

FORT WORTH CHAPTERThe Fort Worth Chapter

established a Check-RideScholarship program severalyears ago and has awardedabout four scholarships eachyear to deserving pilots sincethat time. One of our members,Christi Yong, has recently re-ceived her fourth rating in

slightly over a year, includingInstrument, Commercial andMulti-engine. She plans to con-tinue pursuing ratings throughthe Instructor level.

The Fort Worth Ninety-Nines are glad to help Christipursue her goals with Check-ride Scholarships.

— Ellie Block

Christi Yong, right, receives a Check-Ride Scholarship from Ft. WorthChapter Vice-Chair Marilyn Nottorf.

The freshly-painted

compassrose at

GaylordAirport,

Michigan.

Front row from left: Laurie Probst, Darcy Kulesha. Back row:Tina Hartlaub, Dee Becker, Diane Welch, Penny Werner,Glynis Thompson.


GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities

ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTERAfter one failed attempt due to weather in March, ten Or-

ange County Chapter members in four airplanes left JohnWayne (SNA) airport on April 21 headed for L08 (BorregoSprings Airport). Those participating were Linda Eldridge,Colleen Handrahan, Patty Murray, Lianne Oakes, Vicky Ander-son, Kelley Gorman, Carol Bennett, Irene Bates, Emi Kennedyand Mary Van Velzer. Fellow travelers joining us on this flightwere Peter Murray and Vince Van Velzer

Following a beautiful flight, we were met by BorregoSprings Chapter Chair Kelly McCague, who is an employeeof California’s State Parks and Recreation with the title ofState Park Ranger/Pilot, and she flies a Husky for the State.Her Husky is not like any other airplane you’ve seen. Severalantennas are fastened on this taildragger’s struts, enabling herto locate and track tagged mountain lions, coyotes, raccoons,bighorn sheep and other animals in order to establish a count,as well as determine their relationship with one another. Allthis is done at low altitude out over the wide open desert.

Waiting for us outside the airport office was a shuttle totake us to La Casa del Zorro Resort for a fabulous luncheon.Our table overlooked a beautiful garden with flowers cascad-

In high heels for lunch at La Casa Del Zorro Resort are, from left,Kelly Gorman, Vicky Anderson, Lianne Oakes, Emi Kennedy, MaryVan Velzer, Irene Bates, Linda Eldridge, Carol Bennett, PattyMurray, Colleen Handrahan.

ing everywhere and a lovely water fountain nearby. The foodwas equally impressive. We all decided the event was worthflying in high heels to meet the resort’s dress code.

—Mary Van Velzer

INDIA SECTIONA group of India Section Ninety-Nines attended a re-

ception for FAA Administer Marion Blakey in New Delhi,India.

Standing, from left, are Sunita Dutt, Harpreet A. DeSingh, Mohini Shroff (Governor), FAA AdministratorMarion Blakey, Commander Saudamini Deshmukh, RabiaFutehally. Sitting, from left, Commander Nivedita Bhasin,Captain Aruna Kandarpa, Chanda Budhabhatti (Vice Gov-ernor).

—Chanda Budhabhatti

SUGARLOAF CHAPTER“Fantastic!” “Best ever!” “Terrific!” These are just a few of

the many kudos we heard at the 2007 AOPA Fly-In. Thanks tothe many volunteers who so generously gave their time, this wasthe most successful fly-in we have ever had.

The Sugarloaf Chapter contributed The Ninety-Nines flagto our booth and was very successful in the sale of their newpicture frames with The Ninety-Nines logo on it. The MarylandChapter contributed The Ninety-Nines balloons and the stand-up Amelia Earhart photo prop. A member of the Kittyhawk Chap-ter stopped by for a few hours to work the booth and to takeorders for The Ninety-Nines tee shirts.

The best part of this year’s event was the fact that we re-cruited six new members for the Mid-Atlantic Section. In addi-tion, there were many inquiries.

Special thanks go out to Ginny Carlin, Lin Caywood, JoyceSaltsman, Karen Davis and Susan Beall. Their hard work reallypaid off. Also, many thanks go to the Washington, D.C. Chapterfor their generous contribution. We all look forward to anothersuccessful AOPA Fly-In in 2008.

— Sethany Van Lehn

DELAWARE CHAPTERCarolyn Whittle, FWP, is our 2007 Scholarship recipient.

She is a student pilot working toward her Private Pilot certifi-cate.

—Christine Lee Schissler


GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities

COLORADO CHAPTERMay and June proved to be pancake heaven for the Colo-

rado Ninety-Nines. Platte Valley Airpark celebrated the openingof its new building for the LaFayette Foundation Historical Avia-tion Museum in Hudson, Colorado.

Colorado Chapter members had great fun learning how tomix the pancake batter on the fly. “We’re not cooks,” laughedChapter Chair Chris Bentley. However, the pancakes and sau-sages, along with orange juice and coffee, were greatly appreci-ated by visitors wanting to learn more about WWI aviation.

In June, the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, formerlyknown as Jeffco, had its annual open house. The Colorado Chap-ter was at it again, flipping pancakes for breakfast and servingchicken sandwiches for lunch.

These two events were very well-attended by Chapter mem-bers, who all had a lot of fun and were able to meet some of ournewest members.

— Margot Plummer

Colorado Chapter members Roxie Juul, Joni Kozdeba, Alison Prebleat the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport.

NORTH GEORGIAThe North Georgia Chapter had a Meet-and-Greet in

June. We were glad to meet members, guests, students andseveral individuals who want to learn to fly. We had somegreat conversation, shared stories and inspiration with thestudents.

Kara Kessler shared the latest news on the Chapter andupcoming events and information on scholarships offeredby The Ninety-Nines.

— Susan Delgado

North Georgia Chapter members relax at a Meet-and-Greetevent this summer.

Enjoying Bay Cities Chapter’s Winging Party to Boonville,California are, from left, Laura Smith (Bay Cities Chapter), KathHolcombe (Bay Cities Chapter), Cathy Prudek (guest), JudyBarron (Bay Cities Chapter), Liz Sommers (Alameda CountyChapter).

BAY CITIES CHAPTERIn June, the Bay Cities Chapter reinstituted the old tradi-

tion of Chapter Winging Parties, flying to Boonville, Califor-nia. When the Chapter was first formed in the 1930s, theywould partake in Winging Parties to go out to meet and greetother women pilots and encourage them to become Ninety-Nines.

Two aircraft embarked on the journey, both flying fromthe Oakland Airport. Kath Holcombe skippered her Cessna150, with guest Cathy Prudek. Judy Barron captained an AeroClub Cessna 172, with Alameda County Chapter Ninety-NineLiz Sommers and Laura Smith. We met up in Boonville andwent to lunch.

The C-172 crew opted for a return down the coast andthen a Bay Tour — we were so fortunate to have Liz on boardas she is a flight instructor and is well versed on the proce-dure. It was the perfect ending to the adventure.

— Laura Smith


NEW HORIZONS

CLYDIA M. “CY” BEERSSpaceport Chapter

Clydia Beers, Life Member, died peacefully on June 21, 2007at her residence in Daytona Beach, Florida. Cy served as the firstChairman of the Spaceport Chapter in 1966. She held Commer-cial, Instrument and CFI ratings. She served as Secretary, ViceGovernor and Governor of the Southeast Section. In 1974 shewas appointed Chairman of The Ninety-Nines InternationalConfernce in Puerto Rico.

She was Chief Judge of the All Women’s International AirRace – the Angel Derby – the year the race departed from Floridaand terminated in Nicaragua. In fulfilling this responsibility, sheflew solo in a single engine aircraft from Florida through Mexicoto Nicaragua, through mountains with no radio coverage, to dropoff the time clocks to timers at the designated race stops.

Cy moved to the Daytona Beach area in 1955 from Wash-ington D.C. From 1947 until 1949, she worked for the U.S. Gov-ernment during the occupation of Japan after WWII. While inJapan, she married her beloved husband Don. Don taught her tofly during their courtship, and flying became her passion. Shebelonged to the Daytona Beach Aero Club, and while a membershe served as Secretary and Treasurer. Cy will be greatly missedby all who knew her.

— Ann Conway

JOAN L. HRUBECFormer All-Ohio Chapter member

Born on July 28, 1931, Joan L.Hrubec flew to New Horizons onFebruary 17, 2007. She was a life-long resident of Cleveland, Ohio. Shegraduated from St. Joseph’s Academyin 1949, was a cadet in the Civil AirPatrol and graduated from StevensCollege in 1951 with an Associate de-gree in aviation.

Joan purchased a new Piper Tri-Pacer in 1953. Both Joan and herplane became known as Pee-Wee.

Joan joined The Ninety-Ninesand held the offices of Chapter Chairman, Governor of the NorthCentral Section and was on the International Executive Boardfor three years. In 1957, Joan became the second recipient of theannual Achievement Award from the All-Ohio Chapter. From1969 to 1971, she held the office of International Secretary. Joanwas honored in 1967 when she was inducted into the Interna-tional Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas.

Air racing, both as a participant and a volunteer, kept Joanbusy. Joan flew the All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race, orPowder Puff Derby, four times. She was the first place copilot inthe Angel Derby from Canada to Cuba in 1955. In 1967, Joanflew Pee-Wee to first place in the Fairladies Indiana Air Race.

Joan’s interest in preserving the history of women in avia-tion and space led her to become a trustee of the InternationalWomen’s Air & Space Museum in 1976 and to serve in that ca-pacity for 31 years. In 1965 she became the museum’s firstadministrator. Joan was instrumental in moving IWASM to Cleve-land in 1998 and held the position as Museum Director from1998 to 2002. She then served as Museum Curator.

Shortly after Joan’s 75th birthday, she learned that she hadcancer. After a valiant struggle, Joan passed away in February. Shewill be greatly missed by many, but her legacy will endure.

— Cris Takacs

CAROL COX STITESEastern New England Chapter

Wife, mother, artist, pilot, lover of life, Carol Cox Stitespassed away quietly at the age of 86. She generously touchedand guided many through the years. Volkes Theater, theDeCordova Museum, painting, drawing, welding, tennis, swim-ming, gardens, flowers, baking, supporting family and friends,and The Ninety-Nines, were just some of her passions.

Survivors include her husband Frank; three sons: Tom andhis wife Merritt, Richard and his wife Mona, and Jack and hiswife Annie; her granddaughter Sara and her husband Matt; andgrandson Jack.

— Pat Theberge

LUCY HAVICEAustin Chapter

Lucy Havice passed away on July 18, 2007.— Andrew Havice

SHERI AND JOHN HORNIowa Chapter

On June 25, 2007, we lost Ninety-Nine Sheri Horn and 49½John Horn in an airplane accident. They were flying to aSouthport, North Carolina Navion fly-in.

Sheri was an active member of The Ninety Nines, NorthCentral Section, and at the time of her death was the Iowa Chap-ter Chairman. John was very supportive of The Ninety-Nines andattended most of the meetings with Sheri.

We will remember Sheri as always having a smile on herface, a joke or story to tell and her boundless energy for TheNinety-Nines. We have lost two fellow pilots, and they will beforever in our hearts and minds. Sheri and John, we wish youboth blue skies and tailwinds.

— Elaine Fitch

HELEN D. RAMERGreater New York Chapter

My mother, Helen D. Ramer, passed away. She was a Life-time member of The Ninety-Nines.

— Helen Herman

Joan Hrubec.


NEW HORIZONS

CHUCK WARREN49½ of Dorothy WarrenDallas Chapter

In early June, Chuck Warren, 49½ of Dallas Chapter LifeMember Dorothy Warren, went on to New Horizons. Chuck wasa strong advocate for women pilots and a great supporter of TheNinety-Nines. He will be greatly missed.

— Jill Williams

DR. JOSEPH FOSTER FRANTZ49½ of Susan FrantzHouston Chapter

Dr. Joseph Foster Frantz, 74, flew to new horizons on June13, 2007. He was born on February 21,1933.

Joe was presented an award during the South Central Sec-tion Spring Meeting in May 2006 for 50 years of safe flying andwas honored in the Forest of Friendship. He was fortunate to flyhis twin Aztec a few months before the angels came to fly himhome. He lived in Horseshoe Bay, Texas for the last five yearswith his wife Sue.

— Susan Brossard, daughter

JOHN ROGERS49½ of Betty RogersMat-Su Chapter

John Rogers, husband of former Alaska Chapter memberBetty Rogers, died in Arizona on June 4, 2007. He was 74 yearsold. John and Betty lived in Anchorage for over 35 years beforemoving to Arizona. John was a flight instructor, A&P mechanic,designated mechanic examiner and designated airworthiness rep-resentative.

The Ninety-Nines remember John not only as a knowledge-able, caring flight instructor, mechanic and mentor who went theextra mile, but also for writing and humorously conducting 49½installation ceremonies, designing the Whirley Bra (a now trea-sured annual Christmas gift exchange present) and decoratinghis Ercoupe, including the prop arc, with small white lights tobrighten his Merrill Field tie-down at Christmas. We are all richerfor having known John.

— Judith Foster

WALTER PFEIFER49½ OF MAXINE PFEIFERMINNESOTA CHAPTER

Walter Pfeifer flew to new horizons on May 14 in Fargo,North, Dakota. Walt was a pilot, air show announcer and Harleyrider.

He served in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He was an activemember of EAA and worked at the Oshkosh air show for manyyears. He loved antiques, classics and tail draggers. Most of hissport flying was in northern Minnesota on floats, skis and wheelsoff little grass strips or frozen lakes.

He was a communications engineer for the U.S. Forest Ser-vice, serving on the Superior National Forest out of Ely andDuluth, Minnesota. We had 61 years of great adventures together.

—Maxine Pfeifer

BOB TODD49½ of Eleanor ToddOrange County Chapter

Bob Todd was born in Chi-cago in 1928 but grew up inLos Angeles where he attendedUSC and Loyola Law School.After practicing law in LosAngeles and Orange County,he was appointed to the OrangeCounty Municipal Court in1973 by Gov. Ronald Reaganand to the Orange County Su-perior Court in 1978 by Gov. Jerry Brown. He retired from thebench in 1993.

When people asked Eleanor why she learned to fly, she al-ways gave Bob, a licensed pilot, credit for her interest in avia-tion. Eleanor loved flying, and Bob decided that his real lovewas the law. Bob was a great supporter of The Ninety-Nines,even taking his sons to Oklahoma to visit the 99s Museum ofWomen Pilots. Bob left us on July 5, 2007 and flew off to newhorizons where he is now holding court at that great airport inthe sky.

— Eleanor Todd

MARY ANN JAMISONOrange County Chapter

Mary Ann Jamison has a specialplace in the Orange County Chapter.She joined us after earning her li-cense in the 1970s and went on toreceive an instrument rating. MaryAnn served the Chapter in jobs from‘helper’ at Flying Companion Semi-nars to Chapter Chair. Each year shelooked forward to attending theSouthwest Section and as many In-ternational meetings as possible. All aspects of flying were a majorpart of both her social and married life.

She and her pilot husband John obtained licenses in Kenya,Denmark and Australia so that they could fly solo in these coun-tries. Additionally, they flew completely around South Americaas well as throughout Mexico, Central America and the Carib-bean. Mary Ann developed lasting friendships with Ninety-Ninesin Australia, later hosting them in her home.

Over the years all our lives change, but the affection, inter-ests and the desire to nurture the role of women in aviation willcontinue to bind Mary Ann to all of us.

— Cynthia Shofer

Eleanor and Bob Todd.

Mary Ann Jamison.


Monterey Bay Chapter members Pamela O’Brien, Donna Crane-Bailey and DenaTaylor arriving at the Conference.

Carol Rayburn, Linda Cain and Peggy Doyle.

Vicki Lynn Sherman and Joan Neumann rock withthe singer who entertained at the WelcomeReception.

Jacque Boyd, Rio GrandeNorte Chapter member.

From left, Jeanne Fenimore, Diana Austin, Marion Fickett,Peter Albiez (49½), Paula Sandling, Bertie Duffy, Kath-erine Berg and Michele Albiez.

Cris Bentley, ColoradoChapter member.

2007 International Conference

Conference Sentinels Nancy Neumann, JoyceMalkmes, Diane Traxler and Pat Ohlsson

Certifying credentials are, seated, Joyce Wells,Carol Andrews, Penny Nagy. Standing, DorothyRobinson, Thelma Cull.

From left, Trish Sauve, Kara Kessler, Candace Murray,Georgia Pappas, Andy McCarty and Diane Cole.

From left, Leila Baroody, Peggy Loeffler, Laurie Reeves, SueAuclair, Glenna Blackwell.

Pool time!

Documents

99 News – September/October – 2007 1 - Ninety-Nines · 2 99 News – September/October – 2007 PERPETUAL CALENDAR ... Tucson Chapter. ... Virginia Harmer, Elaine Morrow, Kristine