Pay it forward when you "Fly it Forward"

Remember Benjamin Franklin? He of the Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise?

Much of what is attributed to him are quick witticisms, which may or may not be a result of his messing with keys, lightning and kites. But he also promoted some deep philosophies and is credited with the first use of the "Pay it forward" idea:

I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.

Sure, if you borrow money you should pay it back. And when it's paid back two people are satisfied at the very least. But if someone was to make someone feel better by giving him/her a loan, but then THAT person made someone else feel better by passing on that loan, the happiness factor increased 33%. That's a nice return on investment.

[Math whizzes and statisticians need not comment.]

According to WikiAnswers, "In the modern vernacular the phrase has been adopted to mean, "don't worry about it, just go on and be a good influence with your life, or whatever." But the source of this phrase has a foundation that was popularized as part of the new millennium." Pay it Forward is well known as the title of a movie released in 2000 about a boy given a school assignment that requires him to find some way to change the world.

As a philosophy, Wisegeek says, "Paying it forward is a third-party beneficiary concept that involves doing something good for someone in response to a good deed done on your behalf or a gift you received. However, when you pay it forward, you don't repay the person who did something nice for you. Instead, you do something nice for someone else." And by doing so, at least for that one person, changed his or her world.

But what about Miss Janet (Jackson), she of the "What have you done for me lately?" Jonathon Lockwood Huie pens on his blog:

We have reason to have infinite gratitude to the Universe for everything we have and everything we are, yet we cannot repay the Universe. We have gratitude for our distant ancestors, yet cannot repay them. We have gratitude to our parents for our very life, and to our parents or other caregivers for our nurture, yet we cannot repay them in kind. We may have many other gratitudes that, for one reason or another, cannot be repaid to those who were so generous to us.

I know of an opportunity for you to do "a deal of good." By not paying it forward (though heaven knows nonprofits like GWW need all the coin it can get) but by thanking those who have contributed to all that we aviation enthusiasts enjoy by FLYING it Forward. That's right. There is an event that is its third year called "Fly it Forward," a key contributor in the annual Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, which, since its inception in March 2010, has enabled "more than 5,000 girls and women to discover the joys of flight in small aircraft in 36 countries and on 4 continents."


The initiative has doubled in size each year since 2010.

Doubled. In. Size. In two years! So, this, their third year, could potentially see 10,000 girls and women in 72 countries on 8 continents... ok, so there are only 7 continents, but there are 196 countries (or 195, depending on your reference).

This will not happen unless more volunteers participate in the effort, though. So here is your chance to Fly it Forward. Victoria Zajko, team leader for U.S. events, said her goal is to have at least one event in each of the 50 states. She sent me the following message to send on to you, dear reader, who believes, deep down, that you believe in giving back to the aviation community, nay, the universe, and the importance of focusing attention on the lack of female involvement in the air and space industry.

I wish to personally invite you to partake in the 2013 week. As the US Team Leader I am here to help promote and support you every step of the way.  We've made it much easier on the event organizers this year with the event organizer handbook.  You can request one here.  The event organizer handbook is full of great ideas as well as guidelines to create an inspirational flying event.  I hope that you will consider joining us for WOAW 2013!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Together, I hope we can introduce many new girls and women to an industry I know we are both very passionate about!
 
It is wonderful to know that there are nonprofits that can work together towards their goals, and WOAW and GWW agree that our missions are synergistic - that by working together we can increase the effectiveness of our organizations. In fact, last year, Girls With Wings had a presence at the Fly it Forward event in Frederick, MD, with GWW Board Member Keith Jones and family running the booth. Victoria is in the white jacket and on the right were both Jane Law Wicker, a Wing Walker, and Sarah Fraher, of Flying Wild Alaska on the Discovery Channel.

So you can either organize an event in your area with the following guidance offered:

The format of events is entirely up to the organizer and not supervised by iWOAW. However, whether or not they include discovery flights, events organized within the spirit of the celebration of Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week must include the following key elements:

• Women-centric attractions and activities designed to not only make girls and women feel welcomed but also uniquely valued and special.
• Female public as a majority.
• Original and media worthy elements.
• Events that include discovery flights must make safety the number one priority.
• Event reports must be received by March 17, 2013, midnight, to qualify the participants to titles and prizes.

Outside of these basic guidelines, let your imagination soar, knowing that prizes are offered in this *friendly* competition: most female friendly airport, most girls/women flown, so on.

Or you can participate in an existing event by A. using your airplane, helicopter, etc.,  to take these girls and women to new heights! and/or B. letting attendees know about Girls With Wings, so we can encourage the young girls to continue their interest in aviation, like Christa and Pamela have done (Christa's son was a bonus!). It's not hard - I'll send you brochures and other helpful materials and you can assist in encouraging these girls to grow up and GROW the percentage of women in aviation. The important thing is that you do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to Fly it Forward. These things do not happen, are not successful, unless people like you participate.

Interested volunteers can also be sent a limited supply of Girls With Wings Pilot Shop merchandise so that attendees of the event can purchase a momento of their experience and help to raise funds for Girls With Wings.

Now. Please email me if you'd like to help promote Girls With Wings AND get in touch with Victoria to let her know how you will contribute to this worthy cause. March 4-10, 2013. Mark your calendar.

Here's a compilation of last year's event. If you're like me, and these images showing the excitement on everyone's faces don't inspire you to get involved, nothing will.

Meagan's Final "Private Pilot" GWW Scholarship Essay

I give to you the third and final essay from Meagan, the recipient of our 2012 Summer Private Pilot Scholarship. The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization.

We will announce the details of our 2013 Scholarship program next January. We are ALWAYS in need of donations to continue these scholarships. Please click on our PayPal link to submit your donation (any amount is appreciated!). 

And now, may we present Meagan's Essay:

Hi Lynda and Girls with Wings,

I haven't flown much in October, however, one of my CFI's is getting his CFII, therefore, I've been tagging along with him and the chief flight instructor, in the back of the 172, on their training flights. I've learned so much from being an observer! I've witnessed him fly holding patterns over Oceanside VOR and approaches into KCRQ. The exposure to watching him use the dual VOR's, and the GPS in the airplane, only add to my experience and knowledge. It's nice to sit back and be an observer every once in a while because you can focus on the process, instead of having to fly the airplane at the same time. Plus, the views are priceless :)

October was a slow month in my personal flight training. I spent the month of October looking for another job, so that I can have money to pay for my IFR training. I had an interview with one company, worked on my resume for a few other companies, and finally, my patience and persistence paid off. An opportunity presented itself at one of the businesses I already work for. I obtained a position as outside sales manager and began my first day on the job on October 28th. Now, I'm definitely going to be able to fly in the month of November!

The Girls with Wings scholarship has helped me tremendously! It allowed me to complete my Private Pilot Certificate and pay for my checkride, which allowed me to spend more of my money toward my Instrument Rating. I feel so blessed and relieved to have received the GWW scholarship!

I fully intend to work as a role model and volunteer for Girls with Wings. I have an arrangement with my flight school, Pinnacle Aviation Academy, on November 7th. My best friend, Margaret Malek, is a 5th grade teacher in Oceanside, Ca. Every school year she creates a girls empowerment club and this year there are about 30 girls in her club. We've created a field trip for the girls to visit my flight academy and take a tour of the hangar, flight school, and flight line. I'm going to show them the Cessna 152's, 172's, and allow them to sit in the cockpits. The Pinnacle Aviation Academy staff and I are going to talk to the girls about the instruments and what it's like to fly. Also, the general manager is donating simulator time in the G1000!!! We are going to give each girl a chance to fly the simulator and give them a feel for the yoke and rudder controls. I'm sooo excited about this trip for the girls! We are going to have soo much fun! I don't think these girls have ever been to an airport, been on an airplane, or even know what it's like to fly. I'm very excited to share the world of flying with them. Stay tuned for pictures from our adventure!

 Also, Margaret purchased a copy of Penelope Pilot! She will keep it in her class room to share with all her girls in the years to come. 

Overall, I'm very excited about this coming week and continuing my IFR training throughout the end of the year! I already know 2013 is going to be another great year full of accomplishments and additional ratings :) 

Thank you so much, Girls with Wings, for believing in me and helping me to achieve my dreams! 

Sincerely, 
Meagan Gearin 

Meagan, congratulations on your success receiving your private pilot certification and starting on your instrument training. It's certainly not an easy road to success but you've been doing great! We wish you the very best making your "Dreams Take Flight" and hope to continue to hear from you in the future.

Best,
Lynda Meeks, Founder and Executive Director, Girls With Wings, Inc.,
and the entire volunteer staff. 

Alyssa Mae's Final "Dreams Take Flight" GWW Scholarship Essay

I give to you the third and final essay from Alyssa Mae, the recipient of our 2012 Summer Dreams Take Flight Scholarship. The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization.

We will announce the details of our 2013 Scholarship program next January. We are ALWAYS in need of donations to continue these scholarships. Please click on our PayPal link to submit your donation (any amount is appreciated!). 

And now, may we present Alyssa Mae's Essay:

Hello!


As this is my final essay, I would just like to say what a huge impact this scholarship has made on my pathway to earning my pilot's license. The support from GWW has inspired me to get moving on the things I have always dreamed of doing. This scholarship has pushed me to obtain my medical, find a flight school, pursue my flight training. Who could ask for anything more? I really hope I am able to continue on from this amazing start.

October started off a bit rocky in terms of aviation, but it has culminated wonderfully! In my last essay, I had left off where I was going to meet a flight instructor at a flight school. It went great! My family, Mr. Soco, and I met with the director who gave me some good advice and then he introduced me to one of their instructors, Tim. We went to look at their fleet of planes, the ground school classroom, and toured around a bit. Everyone there at Premier Flight school is extremely nice and knowledgeable. I felt like they truly cared about their students and made sure they had only the best to offer them! I liked it there so much, that I booked a flying lesson right away!

Premier Flight School had so many planes to choose from! I decided to try out the Flight Design CTLS because (a) it was the cheapest plane to fly and (b) it is very similar to the SkyCatcher that I flew this summer! According to my mother, "It's so adorable!" I agree. It looks tiny from the outside but is actually quite roomy on the inside! The CTLS is a really neat little plane. It’s an LSA. Some features are that it has dual glass cockpit screens, electric flaps, a window on the top, a parachute, and even seat inflation to make your behind comfortable! (However I still need a cushion to see...)

On October 26, I went for my first flying lesson in the CTLS at Brainard Airport, with my instructor Tim. Tim is a fantastic instructor! Before I even set foot into the plane, he really educated me about every aspect of it- from the brake pads to the BRS parachute! He's very patient and it doesn't seem to bother him when I ask my 800 questions either. ;) At my second flying lesson we began by taking the cowling off of the engine to see how it works and what’s inside. I had no idea what anything was at first, but now I bet I can name some of it - from the battery to the liquid cooling system! After that we went flying, and it was my first time flying at night! The lights from the city and the airport were such a spectacular sight. I knew flight training would be fun, but the training I’ve had so far has exceeded my expectations! I’ve had a blast flying in the CTLS! I love all of the massive windows and especially the electric flaps as my right arm is not the strongest.

It's a bit of an adjustment from flying the SkyCatcher but not as far of a stretch as it would have been to train in a Piper (aka the DaVinci code)! For example, in the CTLS, the stall warning is not a horn; it’s a buzzer in your headset. It just sounds like radio static! Another interesting aspect is that when you check the oil, you have to turn the propeller until you “hear the toilet flush”, which is actually the oil going through! The flaps are also huge on the CTLS and it’s a little more sensitive than the SkyCatcher. I really like that CTLS though and I am eager to learn more about it. I think LSA are some of the most fun planes to fly in, and my quote about flying LSA is that I feel like I am one with the air, rather than one with the plane!

In total I have had 3 flying lessons so far (excluding my time in OSH). I had 1 intro flight and 2 lessons. Mainly, it has been getting used to the new plane and a review of maneuvers I haven't done since the summer. I think I've gotten much better at talking on the radio and taxiing which were two of the hardest things for me! So far in the CTLS, we've done steep turns, slow flight, and my favorite - stalls! I'm really looking forward to flying again! At the moment, I've been applying for jobs as well as keeping small side jobs, to continue to pay for my training.

And on another note, I continue to share my passion for flying each day. I’ve connected with other women pilots or girls who want to become pilots. It’s nice to know the population of them seems to be growing! I hope that one day I will be able to inspire other kids as people have inspired me to pursue my dreams in aviation. Instead of me getting a Young Eagles flight, I would love to give them! The most I can do right now to help others is talk with them and give them resources, so that's what I plan to do! I love connecting with people on my Twitter, my Facebook, or even my blog in progress. I am really motivated to help others as I see how much GWW and other people have helped me.

“Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.” -Langston Hughes

This scholarship has been such a tremendous blessing. It has truly pushed me forward to begin flight training and has made me one step closer toward achieving my dreams. It's such a great honor to have been chosen, and I thank GWW and all of the people with big hearts who supported this scholarship. I would also like to thank my parents, Mr. Soco, Chuck and Eileen for always supporting me. It's amazing what people will do to help someone achieve their life long goals, and it is only right that I continue their efforts by helping others. I definitely plan to continue flying as long as I live! Thanks again to everyone who supported me, blue skies!

PS I made a video.
 

Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEl0T-yiw-U

Alyssa Mae, you've come a long way in a short time. We know you're busy and have had some difficult logistical challenges - but you persevered!  We wish you the very best making your "Dreams Take Flight" and hope to continue to hear from you in the future.

Best,
Lynda Meeks, Founder and Executive Director, Girls With Wings, Inc.,
and the entire volunteer staff.

Alyssa Mae's Second Essay For the Dreams Take Flight scholarship!

I give to you the second essay from Alyssa Mae, the recipient of our 2012 Summer Dreams Take Flight Scholarship. The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization. Stay tuned for more essays from our scholarship winners.

And now, may we present Alyssa Mae's Essay:

Greetings! September has been quite an interesting month for me in terms of aviation. Looking back just a couple months, I would have never thought I would be this far in starting flying lessons. I hadn’t actually planned to do so until I was closer to 17 (about 8 months from now). This scholarship has truly gave me a push, and helped me to begin my flying endeavors. 

As noted in my blog post, I scheduled my medical exam for September 21st. Good news – I passed! I obtained a Class III certificate. I now safely keep my little paper in a pocket near my logbook. I have also gathered all of my books together for studying the ground school portion. I'm still working on my Sporty's course, just started reading the FAA Flying handbook, and have been working on the ASA Test Prep book. AOPA's "Flight Training" magazine is quite useful as well! 

Also noted in my last blog post, I had scheduled to have an Intro Flight with an instructor at a local airport. Well little did I expect, what a process it would be trying to find a flight school with decent rates, a decent plane, a decent location, decent hours, and a decent instructor. (I am not a picky person by any means!) I tried one flight school, and it did not mix with me well. Some of the factors it presented did not fit with what I needed or was looking for. So then I went to another flight school, at a different airport. Again, there were obstacles there as well. Each time I went to a flight school, I was thinking “This will be the one!” but it turns out it always had something that wasn’t right for me. 

Another obstacle I came across was the issue of switching from learning in a tiny Cessna 162 SkyCatcher (an LSA) to possibly something totally different, and more complex – like a Piper Warrior or Archer! (Maybe those are basic planes to you – but they are like the DaVinci code to me.) A couple weeks ago was the first time I had been in a Piper at all, and I was like “Whoa!” It would require a lot harder work for me I think, but I would definitely be willing to do it. 

So instead of being discouraged by these dilemmas – what keeps me going is that I know I have this scholarship to work for! This scholarship reminds me that some people must have had faith in me, and that I should not give up. So I won’t! My mentor Mr. Socolosky has helped me tremendously. He recommended a flight school, which then recommended a flight instructor to me. And now, I am going to meet with them in approximately two days. This flight school not only has Cessnas but also LSA’s for training as well! I truly hope this one works out because I would like to (a) be able to use this scholarship and (b) not throw away the 9 hours of flight time I received this summer! 

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” - Henry Ford 

Even though I may have encountered some bumps in finding a place for flight training – I encounter no bumps when getting others interested in aviation! Since I truly love it so much, I find it easy to talk about and I find it easy to pass my excitement onto others. So that is what I do! Recently, I went to a Young Eagles day to talk to some kids about aviation. There, I not only recruited a future Air Academy camper; but I received an invitation to speak at an all girls’ school to get some of them interested in flying! I can not wait to work with them. I also heard that some people at my school are interested in flying for the military, and I have sought them out to talk as well! I even continue to encourage some of the campers I worked with at Air Academy. I talk to a lot of them on Facebook about flying and such. Most people I meet think flying is a pretty neat passion to have, and if anyone I know would like more information; I’m happy to help! 

I always tell prospective aviators (or aviatrixes) to follow me on social media websites to get in touch with me. I keep an aviation related Facebook “AlyssaMaeAviatrix”, an aviation Twitter @AMAviatrix, and a blog in progress AlyssaMaeAviatrix.Wordpress.com. I truly enjoy connecting with people and I have a small background of marketing. At my school, I’m working on a little project to get more women (or maybe even anyone in general) interested in aviation. This project is in its initial stages and needs much development – but I hope to make it work someday. 

I have many goals in life, of reaching success, of flying, and who knows what else. But I would really love to be able to make a difference in a future pilot’s life. I would like to make other people’s dreams come true, just as so many kind people (like GWW!) have done for me! Thanks again for supporting me! Blue skies!

Brand New Pilot Meagan's Second Scholarship Essay!

I give to you the second essay from Meagan, the recipient of our 2012 Summer Private Pilot Scholarship. The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization. 

 

Stay tuned for more essays from our scholarship winners. And now, may we present Meagan's Essay:

 

Hi Lynda and Girls With Wings! 

AST 300

September was definitely a productive month of flight training! Now, that I'm a Private Pilot, I'm working towards my Instrument Rating and I'm having a blast doing it! I did all of my Private Pilot training in a Cessna 152. For my Instrument Rating, I'm training in the Cessna 172 and the AST 300 flight simulator. Flying in the flight simulator is a ton of fun! I remember when I was training for my PPL and would see other students flying in the simulator. I knew they were instrument students because they are the only ones that ever utilized the simulator, in order to improve their instrument scanning skills. I envied them and couldn't wait to be in their shoes! It's surreal to know that I'm now one of THEM. It feels so good to be progressing with my training and moving forward with taking the necessary steps in order to achieve my dream! 

On September 25th, I passed my first instrument stage check, with the chief flight instructor, at my flight academy. It was the best stage check I've had to date because it's the best I've ever performed on a stage check. He said "fly heading two one zero, descend and maintain four thousand five hundred, while maintaining 90 knots indicated airspeed." I was so focused and on target, therefore, those needles didn't move at all and were perfectly on line. It was so much fun to do well and passing the stage check gave me more confidence in moving forward with the next phase in my instrument training. Now, I will learn to fly instrument approaches, DME (Distant Measuring Equipment) arcs, and instrument departure procedures.

On September 28th, I received my Private Pilots License in the mail! It was soo exciting to finally receive it. Seeing it put a big grin on my face :) I still find it hard to believe that I've actually obtained it and there's something so reassuring and comforting to know that I'll have it forever. 

Now, that September has passed, I'm excited to see what October has in store for me. I'm currently looking for a third job, so that I may have money to pay for my flight training. Until then, I'll just keep studying and working as hard as I can. 

I'm so thankful to have the support of the Girls With Wings Organization. My goal, for October, is to share the objectives and goals of the Girls With Wings Organization with young girls in my local community. Stay tuned for more updates! 

"They used to tell me the sky's the limit, now the sky's my point of view."- Justin Bieber ;) 

- Meagan

Giving and Receiving Thanks

Being the founder of Girls With Wings has been the single greatest, most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life.  Becoming a pilot has dropped to close second, but I couldn't do GWW without having done so. I took advantage of a deficiency - so few women in such a male dominated field - and turned it into an opportunity to inspire girls to have an interest in aviation. There's hardly any way to know if I've been successful over the last ten years or so (mainly because it's a little sensitive tracking minors). I'm hoping that they'll choose to contact me years from now if I was able to impact their lives in any form - aviation achievements or otherwise.

A supplemental mission became encouraging the older girls to finish up their pilot certificates, and thanks to many generous donations, we've been able to provide ELEVEN scholarships at $9000. However, the percentage of women pilots is still just a measly 6% overall. And though I have met a multitude of almost pilots who are now full blown pilots, they probably would have done it without me and my efforts through Girls With Wings. It is great, therefore, to receive such an enthusiastic thank you as I did from Natalie, one of our Spring 2012 Scholarship Winners who successfully received a Private Pilot License because of funds awarded by GWW and provided by the Antelope Valley Chapter of the 99s.


Dear Lynda,

Girls With Wings is an incredible organization. Thank you so much to you and the (Antelope Valley Chapter) 99s. I am honored that you believe in my aviation dream. This scholarship gave me the extra boost, determination, and encouragement to finish my Private Pilot License by the summer. I feel so fortunate and blessed for this incredible honor. It made an enormous impact on my life! Thank you for the support and advice, I truly appreciate it.

Looking forward to the next aviation goals: Ground Instructor and IFR (Instrument Rating). Now, I am working out the game plan to accomplish these ratings. Never enough hours in a day, I just love to fly! Three years ago I never thought this could become a reality. Yet, my dream was meant to come true. I am thankful to Girls With Wings and the (Antelope Valley Chapter) 99s for this encouragement to go after your aviation dream! 

Thank you for inspiring the future aviators of tomorrow! You are amazing! The time, effort and traveling as a pilot to motivational speaker is inspirational. You are sharing a passion that many do not realize is possible to learn to fly especially girls. Best wishes an may all your dreams for Girls With Wings come true!

Thank you and Happy Flying,
Natalie

p.s. We need to fly soon!

Thank YOU, Natalie, for letting me know what Girls With Wings has meant to you.

Meagan's First Scholarship Essay!

I give to you the first essay from Meagan, the recipient of our 2012 Summer Private Pilot Scholarship. The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization. 

 

Stay tuned for more essays from our scholarship winners. And now, may we present Meagan:

As Lynda mentioned, in the announcement of the Private Pilot Flight Training Scholarship, I successfully passed my checkride on July 21st, 2012.  It was the best day of my life!!!  I had never worked so hard for something that I truly wanted.  During my checkride, I was nervous, scared, and confident, all at the same time!  Everything that I had been working toward came down to this one deciding moment.  I cried when the examiner told me I passed my checkride.  Passing meant the world to me! My tears were tears of joy, excitement, relief, and a huge sense of accomplishment!  My flight instructor later told me that I was the most prepared person he had ever seen take a checkride.  Meanwhile, all I could think about was how it could have gone better and how I could have known more!  That's one of the things I love so much about flying.  When you obtain a private pilots certificate, you are obtaining a life long license to learn!  I learn something new every time I fly.  That's why I encourage everyone to fly as much and as often as they can!  The experience gained is priceless.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said:

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face.You must do the thing you think you cannot do."


There were many times, in my flight training, when I felt fear and my self-confidence was low. I think my biggest fear was fear of failure, but just like Amelia said "fears are paper tigers."  Fears are only as real as you make them! Every time I faced my fears, put myself out there, and kept moving forward, I became a stronger person!   Learning how to fly will change you.  I challenge you to face your fears!

Watch me face one of my fears in my first solo video!  My first solo was on April 25, 2012.  I hope my video inspires girls to want to complete their first solo flight.



Now, that I'm a Private Pilot, I get to take my friends and family flying! I'm going to fly my best friend to Catalina Island for her birthday this month :) Flying is so much fun, especially when you are the pilot in command! You can explore new horizons and go places you've never gone before! Being a girl is way fun, but being a girl who flys is way funner!!!

Happy flying, everyone!  Go out and be the next girl to pursue her dream and earn her wings!

~Meagan Gearin

Alyssa Mae's First Scholarship Essay!

I give to you the first essay from Alyssa Mae, the recipient of our 2012 Summer "Dreams Take Flight" Scholarship. The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization. 

Stay tuned for more essays from our other scholarship winner. And now, may we present Alyssa Mae:

Hello!

First and foremost I would really like to thank Girls With Wings for so generously endowing me with the Dreams Take Flight Scholarship. I feel truly blessed and honored to have received such a gift. It has pushed me to get my feet off the ground (literally) and to start flying lessons! It will be a tremendous help as the money I have saved up so far, doesn't cover that much.

I would also like to extend a huge thanks to my mentor Chuck, who not only told me about this scholarship; but is also helping me a lot with starting my flying lessons. When I found out about this scholarship I was actually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin! I was part of the Cliff Robertson Work Experience program at EAA/EAA Air Academy. It was an amazing summer, and one of the best parts was that my internship included free instructional time! I had some of the best instructors ever and I truly learned a lot. I earned about 8 hours there flying in EAA's Cessna SkyCatchers. The flights we took were incredible! I flew at sunset, in the rain, and even 80 miles away to Door County and over Lake Michigan! The absolute best feeling of my life was when I got to take off, fly for 2 hours, and LAND all on my own!!!!

So between the instructional time I received out in OSH, and this wonderful scholarship; I knew it was time that I signed up for actual flying lessons! Tweed Airport is about 10 minutes away from my school so I signed up for flying lessons there thought their flight school called Robinson Aviation. This week I met with the manager and received my POH and area sectional. I set up my first flying lesson for September 16 and my medical examination for September 21! I'm excited!

With the scholarship and my saved money, I have enough for a good chunk of flight time. But I have a rather annoying dilemma - I don't turn 17 until June 28, 2013. So from now until then, I guess I will just pace myself. I don't want to rush or go too slow. (as long as I'm flying, I'm happy) Currently, I plan to finish Sporty's online ground school course and memorize my POH for the Piper Warrior! Thanks again Girls With Wings, your scholarship will go to good use! :)


Blue Skies!

Alyssa Mae

Scholarship Winner Alyssa Mae's Application Essay

We are so excited to present to you the application essays from the two Girls With Wings Summer Scholarship Winners!

The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization.

Alyssa Mae is the recipient of our $500 Dreams Take Flight Training Scholarship.

This is Alyssa Mae's cover letter. It is so indicative of her enthusiasm we've decided to share it with you.

Are you looking for someone whose life's passion is aviation? Someone who has her goals set and is dedicated to flying? Someone who puts two hundred percent into everything she does and never stops trying? If so, then I may be the person you're looking for.

I have loved aircraft since I was little and have wanted to become a licensed pilot since I was ten years old. My dreams would come true if I earned my pilot's license! I am trying inexplicably hard to achieve my goals. I do everything from graphic design to house cleaning. I even set up a pilot's license campaign on a website. Cost is my biggest obstacle, definitely not my motivation.

I will do everything I can do gain experience in aviation. Recently I've attended Women Soar, Air Academy, and Space Camp on full scholarships. Currently, I am a Cliff Robertson Intern at EAA Air Air Academy doing everything from teaching kids about aviation to actually flying myself. As I walk around the AirVenture Museum or see the planes taking off at Pioneer Airport, I want to earn my pilot's license more than anything. As time goes on, my passion for flying only seems to get stronger and I love to share my passion with others.

As for my goals, I'm somewhat undecided. The only thing concrete right now is my desire to earn my pilot's license. Recently I've been considering attending MIT to major in Aerospace Engineering and minor in Chinese. I've also been thinking about flying corporate but I like doing aerobatic maneuvers as well; I promise you though; it will be a career in aviation!

I would be extremely grateful if you considered me for the Dreams Take Flight Scholarship. My future doesn't exist without aviation in it. Thank you so much for taking your time to read my letter and application, it really means a lot to me that there are people in this world who are willing to help me achieve my dreams. And one day, I hope I can help others too.

And this is Alyssa Mae's essay:

My future could not exist without aviation in it. When I say that, one hundred percent of my heart can go into those words. Ever since I was little, I can remember being mesmerized by airplanes and helicopters. I could still feel the same joy and excitement that aviation brought to me over ten years ago and my passion has only gotten stronger with time. Currently, my plan to get my pilot's license is what dominates most of my life at the moment. For almost a year now, I have been highly devoted to seeking ways to earn it. In April of 2012 I set up an internet campaign with a man I met on Career day at my school. He is also a private pilot and helped me set up a program through which I have earned almost $1000 towards my pilot's license. Also, I am earning some flight time at my job as an intern at EAA. (Which I will explain further on.) But even with all of this, it's less than half of what a pilot's license would be. I'm still working on not only my hours, but the money I need to get the hours. Once I get my pilot's license, I'm not exactly sure what my future aspirations will be. Recently, my goals have shifted to attending MIT and majoring in Aerospace Engineering or to flying corporately. Even though my goals often change, I'm positive my future will be in the field of aviation.

I would absolutely love to become a role model to anyone who is passionate about aviation. Though much volunteer work, I have developed a love of helping others and my friends and family see me as the "optimistic one." Each day at my job I meet young kids who are exploring aviation, and I love to share my passion with them. It would truly mean a lot to me if I could convince others to follow their dreams in aviation or anything else for that matter. I say this because role models have had a huge influence on me. When I attended Women Soar, it was one of the most magical experiences of my life. I met so many female pilots who once strived for the same goals as I do, and to hear their success really made a difference in my life. They made me become more determined and motivated that ever before. And, because of that I would like to do the same for any children with a dream. I needed people to stand behind me, to make me believe. And I am more than willing to show others what they can achieve.

I'm a bit unsure where my desire, my ambition, or my motivation comes from. But each day I wake up, I strive to make each day better and I strive to make a difference. I have always been fascinated by the immense world of aviation, and that in itself inspires me. When I achieve something, it just motivates me to do more. But also, when I don't achieve something I still keep trying. As for my career path, I stay motivated because I dream of waking up and having a job that I love each day. I would like a job in aviation, what I'm most passionate about. And whether that turns out to be behind the controls as a pilot, or behind the scenes as an engineer; I'm not sure you can go wrong with any career in aviation. And now I'm very determined to become involved with Girls With Wings! I have to admit, I didn't know much about it until a year ago but since then, I truly think it's an incredible organization that I would love to be a part of. Just the fact that it has so much to offer girls like me makes me want to stay involved. Not just for my own benefit, but for the possibility it gives me to help others as well. For example, take one of your role models, Jill. She has helped me so much (probably more than she knows) and I would love to do the same for another girl.

For the longest time, I've been trying to become as involved as I can possibly be in aviation. It all started when I used to implore my parents to go to the airport when I was a toddler. Then because of that I was introduced to EAA's Young Eagles Days. Now, I try to attend Women Soar in 2010. There I made many connections and even eared the Ragged Edge Scholarship to Space Camp (which I attended in 2011)! Also, my local EAA chapter then sponsored me to attend EAA Air Academy in 2011. Through EAA I have become very close with certain people have been great mentors to me. I've also accomplished a significant part of the Sporty's Online course given to me through EAA/Sporty's. On another note, I am a member of WAI and AOPA. I attend their summits and events when they are close by. And currently, I've earned myself a position at EAA in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the whole summer as a "Cliff Robertson Work Experience" Intern; which I am ecstatic about! Not only do I get to work at the Air Academy, but I work at the AirVenture Museum, AirVenture, and even get to fly! It is the perfect job for me at the moment. And lastly, for my senior year, my high school has agreed to give me credit for an internship at a local airport.Even though, with all of the amazing experiences I have had so far in aviation; it still does not help me scale my biggest obstacle: the cost of flight training. Sure I may have gone to camps and had experiences; but the $100+ a lesson still awaits me. My parents are really struggling at the moment financially; we barely live paycheck to paycheck. Neither of them are at all connected to the field of aviation, so it's all up to me. I'm not the girl whose dad is a pilot and is best friends with the CFI at the local airport. My parents support me and my dreams; but I need that extra help. And I'm applying for this scholarship because I genuinely need help; not because I don't want to try. I'm trying the hardest I can to earn money for a pilot's license. In my free time I spend countless hours on graphic design (videos, brochures, etc), cleaning houses, or baby-sitting to earn some cash. I also made an online campaign in which I do volunteer work in exchange for money I receive. I'm not one to settle for things handed down to me, I'm willing to work and to live up to whatever expectations I have to meet. The "Dreams Take Flight" scholarship would enable me to receive a good chunk of flying lessons and would give me a huge push toward achieving my license. It's exactly what I need to make my dreams come true. Right now, any amount can help me and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to soar.

Thank you for taking your time to read my essay. My true love is aviation and I really thank Girls With Wings for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my life long goals.

Scholarship Winner Meagan's Application Essay

We are so excited to present to you the application essays from the two Girls With Wings Summer Scholarship Winners!

The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization.

Meagan is the recipient of our $1000 Private Pilot Flight Training Scholarship.

My name is Meagan Gearin and I'm a student pilot at Pinnacle Aviation Academy, in Carlsbad, Ca. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree, in Political Science, in August, 2011. After I graduated college, I immediately enrolled in a Private Pilot ground school class and took my first discovery flight on September 21, 2011 (which is reflected in the copy of my logbook). After my discovery flight, I immediately fell in love with flying and have been committed to obtaining my Private Pilot Certificate ever since. 

I was initially inspired to get involved in aviation when I met a female First Officer for American Airlines. I never knew that becoming a pilot was a possibility for a woman until I met her in 2011. That is precisely why I want to become involved in the Girls With Wings organization and why I think it's so important for young girls to have female pilot role models. I think exposing girls to aviation, at a young age, will inform them that becoming a pilot is possible for a girl/teenager/woman. I didn't know becoming a pilot was possible until I was 27 years old because I didn't have a female pilot role model. I grew up in a non-aviation environment; therefore, I wasn't exposed to aviation as a young girl. 

I would love to inspire young girls to pursue a career in aviation. I think planting the seed of possibility is the first step in inspiring someone to pursue a goal or dream. I wish someone would have exposed me to aviation at a young age or would've brought the idea of flying an airplane to my attention. If someone had brought flying to my attention when I was a little girl, then I'm sure I would have become a pilot long ago. 

My plan for becoming involved in the Girls With Wings organization is to first create a blog on the GWW website, in order to inform the reader of what it's like to be a female pilot. I will share my lessons, how I feel, what I'm learning, and most importantly, spread the joy of flying and provide insight into the world of being a female pilot in command of an aircraft. Along with creating a blog, I will attend girls' club meetings at an elementary school. My best friend is a 5th grade teacher in Oceanside, Ca. She was the 2011 Teacher of the Year for Oceanside School District and was nominated for Teacher of the Year for San Diego County. Every school year she creates a Girls' Empowerment Club, which I think is the perfect outlet for exposing the Girls With Wings organization. My plan is to obtain the necessary resources, tools, and information, from the Girls With Wings organization, and relay that information to her 5th grade Girls' Empowerment Club. I will inform them about the Dreams Take Flight scholarship and, hopefully, inspire them to pursue a career in aviation. 

I'm relatively new to the entire world of aviation, so I'm working on networking and becoming more involved. I've recently become an associate member of the Ninety-Nines and a member of the Girls With Wings organization. 

I'm greatly in need of financial aid in pursuing my Private Pilot Certificate. I was working 60 hours a week, in order to pay for my lessons, up until the end of June, when I lost my second job. I'll be working 2 jobs again, beginning July 11th (I just a got hired as a flight dispatcher at Pinnacle Aviation Academy), and working 3 jobs beginning July 14th (I'll be working at the Del Mar race track as a server for the 6 week racing season). I'm working as hard as I can to make my dream of flying come true. 

I've provided a copy of my logbook and will be happy to provide more information if needed. As of today (6/30/12), I have logged a total of 65 hours of flight time and have flown all my required solo cross country and night flights. I still need to take the written exam, prepare for my end of course, do "mock" check rides, and take the actual check ride for my Private Pilot Certificate. These items combined will well exceed the $1,000 scholarship; however, having the peace of mind in knowing that I won't have to worry about the money, will allow me to completely focus on studying and preparing for my check ride. I'm 100% financially independent and money is always a concern for me, especially since my student loans for my Bachelor's Degree are due, as well. I'm progressing as quickly as I can and will continue to move forward until I've reached my overall goal of becoming a commercial or corporate pilot. 

Please note: Meagan successfully passed her checkride on July 21st and became a Private Pilot prior to the announcement of the award. Since expenses were still incurred after the close of the scholarship application window in pursuit of this rating, we are allowing her to apply the funds to training already received (up to $1000). She will still be submitting blog entries on her flight training experiences.

These are the happy beginnings we live for!

From Alaina, a Girls With Wings Spring 2012 Scholarship winner:

"Hello everyone, I'm back with exciting news! Sunday August 12th, I passed my check ride for my private pilot license! I took my exam with Martha Lunken, the editor of a column in the Flying magazine. In our part of town, she is almost a flying legend; Martha is one of those people that it seems everyone in the Ohio piloting community has heard about. 

Overall I would say my exam went very smoothly. I was a little nervous because I was not behind the controls of my Aeronca Champ, but over the past few months the little 150 and I had become well-acquainted enough that I could perform the maneuvers without a problem. Luckily for me, the winds were no greater than 6 knots and were blowing almost right down the runway at Red Stewart Airfield. However, I would say the greatest advantage I had was having Martha as a flight examiner; even though she had previously been part of the Federal Aviation Administration (more commonly referred to as the FAA) I was not intimidated in the least bit--except the fact that I was flying with Martha Lunken. THAT was pretty cool. Having the ground portion of the examination was more like a conversation about pertinent aviation information rather than a grilling for obscure facts and numbers. As for the flying portion, our headsets weren't compatible, but we still got in the air anyways. On our emergency landing check, we probably got within thirty feet of the ground before I could add power again (but no worries, we would have made it safely into the field!). 

Overall, it was a very neat experience. I am also relieved to have wrapped up my training before school started--whew! I wouldn't have been able to do it without Girls With Wings and the support from my friends and family. Thank you so much everyone for making my dreams come true!

Happy Flying!"

The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization.

Natalie's Final Scholarship Essay

The time has arrived - when we read the final essays of the Girls With Wings Spring Scholarship Winners and anxiously await the essays from the Summer Scholarship Winners (starting Sept 1st).

The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization.

This is Natalie's final essay:

Aviation Dreams Do Come True
Written By: Natalie Campana

Never in my wildest dreams would I have awakened on my birthday with this hope and desire to finish my ticket! This is like an Olympic dream for me. I am thankful to God for blessing me with the knowledge, dedication and passion for this amazing accomplishment! I am also thankful for my husband who stood by me, my CFI instructor who is the best in the business, and my family and friends for their faith in me and encouragement to finish this long awaited goal! Every landing, I think about my late grandparents, Nun and Tut, flying TWA. I aim for the perfect landing each time since they always talked about those wonderful landings! In the fifth grade, I visited Pittsburgh International Airport back when you could shop, eat and watch the planes land. It was great since pilots would speak about their passion for aviation. I believe you should never give up on a dream! No matter how old or how tough, you can accomplish all things through God!

Bessie Coleman, "I refuse to take no for an answer."

You practice, practice and practice having faith in your Flight School and determination within yourself. Then, your Certified Flight Instructor signs you off. In a weird way, it is that same feeling when your Mom gives you the keys to the car. You are excited, yet, understand the responsibility, oath and dedication to be safe. You have to remember to always fly right and realize your learning has just begun.

As of August 6, 2012, I earned my Wings to fly, as a Private Pilot. My Private Pilot FAA Checkride was scheduled to start at 1500z (9:00am). Although, the weather at 2G2 was great VFR, the route and destination airport were IFR to Marginal VFR. Everything was ready to go! The preflight fueling was complete to the Pilot Operation Handbook (POH) yet, I kept hoping Weather Briefer could magically make the weather VFR from 2G2 to KFWQ. It did not work out. As I waited an hour to see the updated weather report, I contacted my DPE and we rescheduled for 2200z (5:00pm) since the outlook forecast showed a VFR forecast. During this time, I reviewed the PTS standards, mentally flew in my head and just relaxed. At 2100z (4:00pm), I preflighted again and checked WX Briefer. Everything was a go! Now, it was my turn to showcase my knowledge and skills as a private pilot.

Amelia Earhart, "My ambition is to have this wonderful gift produce practical results for the future of commercial flying and for the women who may want to fly tomorrow's planes."

Now, I am flying the rental Cessna 172S G1000. It showcases the best advancements for general aviation. However, flying, navigating and communicating are still the same in any aircraft. I contacted Pittsburgh Approach for a flight advisory since flying under Airspace Bravo. This is smart flying to Rostraver, Pa. The early evening brought great weather to fly and many were out for their after-dinner flights. I watched a small aircraft fly under me to Delta calling their waypoint to transition for descent. It was a beautiful flight over.

Colonel Mary S. Fiek, "Aim high and follow your dream."

On the Private Pilot FAA Checkride, I was a little nervous. However, my DPE was professional and passionate about aviation. I felt honored to fly with a Captain of an airliner. He followed the PTS standards which I had prepared for this day. There were no surprises or anything out of the ordinary. I had the proper training and preparation. You just cannot be nervous. As a teacher, I tell my students going into competition, “You are ready. You have prepared and have fun.” This advice was given to me by my Certified Flight Instructor. The flight felt like two minutes. The final landing was my favorite, Emergency power off landings. This landing was my first to learn when I started and I just love it, especially adding an emergency descent. My CFI, Phillip Bender's favorite phrase which is so true, "Stabilized approaches make for predictable landings!" I landed, cleaned up the airplane, and followed shut down procedure from the POH. The DPE shook my hand and said, "Congratulations!"

The Flight home felt like a scene from a movie. It was beautiful, bright and amazing that I was no longer titled "Student Pilot"! I flew home using Flight Watch and switched to VFR once at the Ohio River listening to Pittsburgh Approach's directions. Then, I squawked 1200, I decided to circle around my old neighborhood. It seemed more magical today. Then, as I looked to my left, I realized the airport was three miles away and I flew home a private pilot.

At home, everyone was calling, texting or stopping over to hear the great news! As a celebration, I took my future lady aviators out for ice cream at everyone's favorite local ice cream shop. We talked about preflight, flying around the United States, weight and balance, geography, radio traffic and weather. They truly cannot wait to fly themselves.

I want to personally thank Girls with Wings and the 99's Antelope Chapter for making this scholarship possible. My goal is to continue inspiring other future lady aviators through activities hosted at 2G2 to aviation events from FAA, EAA and AOPA. Our EAA Chapter 859 was so fortunate to have guest speaker, CarolAnn Garrett visit 2G2. She flew in with the Mooney that traveled around the world. I invited my little cousins and neighbor twin girls who have a desire to become future lady aviators. We all were inspired by CarolAnn. She had a great multimedia presentation along with her wonderful books detailing in photographs and text from the three trips around the world to fund research for ALS. Her determination and dedication to let nothing stop her inspired me and the future lady aviators to never allow dreams to fade away. A few times I became frustrated. However, there is no great accomplishment that does not have a few bumps in the sky to keep wings level and fly through. At the age of three years old, I watched an airplane fly over my head at this same airport I took off of to become a private pilot. I knew this dream was going to become a reality. Thank you for believing in my aviation dream!

Happy Flying,
Natalie Campana-Lucas

Gabby's Final Scholarship Essay

The time has arrived - when we read the final essays of the Girls With Wings Spring Scholarship Winners and anxiously await the announcement of the Summer Scholarship Winners (August 1st).

The Girls With Wings Scholarship Program provides funds for flight training to selected individuals with a willingness to be superlative GWW role models. Winners show potential to continue her interaction with the GWW organization, via the website and events, so she can assist GWW in encouraging more young girls to have an interest in aviation. Part of the obligation for being awarded the scholarship is to submit at least one picture and an associated journal entry once a month for three months to the Girls With Wings blog to share with others her training, as well as email a final essay summarizing how the scholarship helped her, what she learned and her intent to continue her work as a role model and volunteer for the Girls With Wings, Inc., organization.

This is Gabby's final essay:

Outline about ATIS & ATC

If someone asked me, Which is easier to operate: a car or a plane? I would say a plane but not because it's easier, but because its better! Flying a plane is very fun! I like to experience new things and being in the air is definitely one of them. In fact, that is why I enjoy flying so much. Being in the air is a new thing for me, and the flight is different every time so it makes it that much more exciting! I anticipate it every time I schedule a flight lesson with my flight instructor. I scheduled a lesson for July 30th and of course it was different. My CFI let me speak to the ATC, or air traffic control, for the first time. It was intimidating, but I learned how to do it with his help. I learned how to write down the ATIS which includes wind speed and direction, temperature/dew point, visibility, sky condition, altimeter, and runway(s) in use. I also learned how to tune in to the different frequencies for the airport and to ask for clearance before taxing on the runway and before takeoff.

Smiling after preforming slow flight

After that, the lesson for that day was to practice 90 degree turns and slow flight. The 90 degree turns were pretty easy to do. It gave me more practice with maintaining altitude and keeping the vertical stabilizer at zero! The slow flight was simple and easy to do as well for me. It is just the point of remembering that in slow flight, pitch controls speed and power controls altitude which basically means the way to maintain steady flight changes. We stayed in slow flight until my CFI and I decided to go to a different airport to land. We went to Pine Mountain and landed at their short field airport. It was very small and it did not have a tower, but was nice to land at a different airport for a change. The wind was beginning to pick up, so when we were ready to depart, takeoff was difficult. We really had to focus and I had to know how to handle the situation.We managed to make it back to Columbus airport okay, but when we got there, we realized the wind was picking up there too! So, landing and taxing was difficult as well. The ailerons had to be used during taxing to compensate for the wind to keep the plane from blowing over. While my CFI was pushing the plane back into place, I took the tach and hobbes time and logged it down. Then, we discussed the flight, and I left to go home and study!

Pictures after postflight!

My scholarship reward is now used up. Will this be the end of my flight forever? Of course not! I will keep flying and I will stay with the aviation program as long as possible. I will keep my affiliation with the Girls With Wings Organization and I always blog my progress! I feel very privileged to have been chosen to receive this scholarship from Girls With Wings. Without it, I would have never been able to progress in my dream of flying. It helped me to go to the flight school of my choice and to get one of the best CFI's. I'm almost sure I'll be able to get my private pilot license very soon before I go to college at Embry-Riddle. I learned so much as well. I learned how to do almost all the things pilots do such as safely takeoff and land, speak to the ATC, and to work hard. I have every intention of continuing to be a role model to other girls and a volunteer for Girls With Wings. As mentioned before, I will continue to blog and share my stories and experiences with others. I want to say a special thank you to Lynda Meeks for being a great model for young girls and myself as well! Also, thanks to Alaina and Natalie, who are the other scholarship winners, for sharing your stories which I read and will remember as a great example for me!   Thanks again! 

 

Sincerely,

Gabby Howell

[p.s. Awesome T-shirt, Gabby! - Lynda]