The Islands

I took the following pictures when I was on a trip down to the Dominican Republic. You know the saying, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride?" Well, I guess that is true for me in the literal sense (ha), but also figuratively. The crew usually ends up in an exotic location at night, only to spend the evening getting to and checking into the hotel. I did have enough time the next morning to go for a jog before we flew out with passengers, but no lounging around the beach for me!

Ever wonder why water in the Caribbean has that distinctive range of blue to green colors?

If someone were to ask you what is the color of the ocean, chances are that you would answer that is was blue. For most of the world's oceans, your answer would be correct. Pure water is perfectly clear, of course -- but if there is a lot of water, and the water is very deep so that there are no reflections off the sea floor, the water appears as a very dark navy blue. The reason the ocean is blue is due to the absorption and scattering of light. The blue wavelengths of light are scattered, similar to the scattering of blue light in the sky but absorption is a much larger factor than scattering for the clear ocean water. In water, absorption is strong in the red and weak in the blue, thus red light is absorbed quickly in the ocean leaving blue. Almost all sunlight that enters the ocean is absorbed, except very close to the coast.

According to NASA Oceanography at http://science.hq.nasa.gov/oceans/living/color.html, blue water in the Caribbean Sea looks blue because the sunlight is scattered by the water molecules. Near the Bahama Islands, the lighter aqua colors are shallow water where the sunlight is reflecting off of the sand and reefs near the surface.

Lat Long

This is the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at KPDK (Peachtree DeKalb, GA). On the corner of the building you can see the "lat long" of the building. Due to the increasingly frequent use of GPS in aviation, this information comes in handy for pilots initializing their Flight Management Systems (FMS). They can plug in these numbers so that the GPS can find itself and accurately plot the route to their destination.

What is "lat long" or latitude and longitude?

When looking at a map, latitude lines run horizontally. Latitude lines are also known as parallels since they are parallel and are an equal distant from each other. Each degree of latitude is approximately 69 miles (111 km) apart; there is a variation due to the fact that the earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate ellipsoid (slightly egg-shaped). To remember latitude, imagine them as the horizontal rungs of a ladder ("ladder-tude"). Degrees latitude are numbered from 0° to 90° north and south. Zero degrees is the equator, the imaginary line which divides our planet into the northern and southern hemispheres. 90° north is the North Pole and 90° south is the South Pole.

The vertical longitude lines are also known as meridians. They converge at the poles and are widest at the equator (about 69 miles or 111 km apart). Zero degrees longitude is located at Greenwich, England (0°). The degrees continue 180° east and 180° west where they meet and form the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. Greenwich, the site of the British Royal Greenwich Observatory, was established as the site of the Prime Meridian by an international conference in 1884.

To precisely locate points on the earth's surface, degrees longitude and latitude have been divided into minutes (') and seconds ("). There are 60 minutes in each degree. Each minute is divided into 60 seconds. Seconds can be further divided into tenths, hundredths, or even thousandths. For example, the U.S. Capitol is located at 38°53'23"N , 77°00'27"W (38 degrees, 53 minutes, and 23 seconds north of the equator and 77 degrees, no minutes and 27 seconds west of the meridian passing through Greenwich, England).

Information from http://geography.about.com/cs/latitudelongitude/a/latlong.htm Map is from http://worldatlas.com/aatlas/imageg.htm

Also, Hawker Beechcraft is the company that makes the Beechjet, which is the airplane I fly.

Curtain of Rain

This is a picture taken on the ramp at West Palm Beach, FL. There were numerous cells all over the area (as usual), but in particular, the rain seem to be making a curtain on either side of the final approach course to Runway 9L.

Encouraging anyone to be a pilot...

This is an entertaining, realistic, somewhat cynical view of life as an airplane. Even given all of this, I still love being a pilot!

Flying the Unfriendly Skies with an Airline Crew: Tales from an Aluminum Tube http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/364996/flying_the_unfriendly_skies_with_an.html

In the movies, they always seem to swagger a bit. A hat cocked slightly to the side, shoes polished to a high shine. They move at a steady pace, never looking rushed, always relaxed and followed by a well dressed gaggle of flight attendants, all walking through a brightly lit, impeccably clean airline terminal somewhere. A hushed reverence silences the gate area when they show up, doling out a nod and a smile to the small children who point up at them, maybe a wink for the pretty girl stealing glances at them. And then as suddenly as they appeared, they are gone, disappearing down that long dark jet way. That was your flight crew, ladies and gentlemen, and that old stereotype, like Elvis, has just left the building....

Patterns: Tales of flying... and of life

Patterns: Tales of flying... and of life was written by a Girls With Wings role model, Bette Bach Fineman. Written in a casual story telling style, this chronicle of a woman's journey toward finding herself is very inspiring. Broadsided by her husband's betrayal (can you guess who he was?), she chose to exceed everyone's expectations of what a woman with aviation on her brain can accomplish. Mind you, she did this as a single mom of six kids! This is a very pleasant read of a woman who didn't let her circumstances keep her down. She doesn't dwell on how difficult it must have been to keep her family fed, just on her willingness to take advantage of opportunities that came her way, from mechanic to ferry pilot, flight instructor to artist. If the stories of the amazing flying adventures don't get you, the tales of the kindness of strangers and friends will.

Please visit Bette's website: http://www.bettebachfineman.com/

Shuttle Launch Today!

We flew over the shuttle launch pad today NINE minutes too early! In case you weren't aware, the Discovery shuttle launched today with a woman commander.

NASA Hails Smooth Launch

NASA officials and launch managers were pleased Tuesday following a clean countdown and flawless launch of space shuttle Discovery from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch Director Mike Leinbach said the launch team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center was able to study a potential problem of ice buildup without jeopardizing the shuttle while still launching on time."It was one of the cleanest countdowns we've had since I've been launch director," Leinbach said. Discovery and its seven astronauts have a tight schedule that calls for placing the new Harmony segment to the International Space Station, moving a tower of solar arrays already in space to a new location and overseeing the station crew rotation that will see Discovery astronaut Dan Tani and station resident Clayton Anderson switch places."(There is) just a tremendous set of challenges in front of us," said Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for Space Operations.There won't be much time to savor the liftoff, though, because preparations are already under way to get Atlantis over to the launch pad for a Dec. 6 launch. "This is exactly what the (launch) teams have trained multiple years for," Gerstenmaier said. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

STS-120 is the 23rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station, and will launch an Italian-built U.S. multi-port module for the station. Retired Air Force Col. Pamela A. Melroy will command the STS-120 mission to take the Node 2 connecting module to the station. Melroy, a veteran shuttle pilot, is the second woman to command a shuttle. Marine Corps Col. George D. Zamka will serve as pilot. The flight's mission specialists will be Scott E. Parazynski, Army Col. Douglas H. Wheelock, Stephanie D. Wilson and Paolo A. Nespoli, a European Space Agency astronaut from Italy. Zamka, Wheelock and Nespoli will be making their first spaceflight. Expedition 15/16 Flight Engineer Clayton Anderson will return to Earth from the space station aboard shuttle mission STS-120. That flight will carry his replacement, Daniel Tani, to the station. Tani will return on shuttle mission STS-122.

Attention Aviatrices!!

I am still reeling from something I witnessed yesterday. It was my first day on the road this tour, and my co-pilot and I were holding short of the runway awaiting our takeoff clearance from an airport.

Another airplane was inbound to the airport and we heard it made a radio call announcing that it was intending to land there. First, a little background: There are two sets of regulations underwhich pilots can fly. You can either be under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) or VFR (Visual Flight Rules). Pilots first learn to fly under VFR - think good weather. With time, pilots get their instrument ratings so they can fly in "not so good" weather (ie clouds). Flying under instruments means you have to use all those navigation radios and instruments in the cockpit (and these days usually a GPS) to follow routing given to you by Air Traffic Controllers. There are a lot more rules to know and abide by. It takes a little longer to fly around like this - it's like driving via asphalt roads, via taking short cuts off road.

So, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has dictated what the dividing line is between allowing people to go VFR and IFR - in the interest of safety. You can fly your entire career under VFR, lots of people do. But many pilots have gotten themselves into trouble by thinking they can stay "visual" but get confused in cloudy conditions (pilots must trust their instruments -which is hard for people that rely on seeing the horizon to stay greasy side down) -- think JFK, Jr. These pilots that find themselves in this situation can "declare an emergency" and receive special treatment from ATC -- trained to assist them to safely land.

All right, so this pilot calling into the tower controller at the airport is coming in VFR for whatever reason (it's not a very nice day), but the tower calls her back to say that the airport is no longer VFR. I've talked about ATIS before (the prerecorded weather information pilots listen to on their way into an airport) and the ATIS said she could stay visual (or under the clouds). But the tower said that he was updating the weather, the clouds were lower than the ATIS stated, and they were now IFR. This pilot, in other words, was operating illegally (there was no longer enough room for her to operate under the clouds). She had a few options. The easiest would have been to acknowledge the new weather report and ask to be vectored onto an instrument approach (if she was instrument pilot). If not, she could have asked for a Special VFR (but honestly I don't know if this was an option to operate under reduced weather rules). She also could have declared an emergency. A lot of people are reluctant to declare an emergency, but it is always an option if a pilot is in trouble. You get a little leeway on the rules - you have to file some paperwork to explain yourself to the FAA, but she could have given herself a "pass" to come in and land.

But she didn't. When she told the controller that the weather was reported VFR on the ATIS, the tower told her again that he was "overriding" the ATIS with his updating information (warning #2). So here's where my copilot and I started cringing: She says, on the radio, "I really need to get in there" still looking for the tower to clear her to land visually. And warning #3, the tower repeats the weather and asks her what her intentions are. And here's the WORST part: She says, "I won't tell if you won't tell." It was like watching a train wreck!

Folks, ALL ATC radio transmissions are recorded!! Everyone has access to these recordings, including the FAA which is well within their rights - and obligation - to site this pilot for unsafe operation and confiscate her license. Additionally, the tower controller is obligated to REPORT her actions, and she was asking this guy to risk his license which he did by clearing her to land. If I (or anyone else witnessing this whole mess) were so inclined, they could get her tail number and report her, as well.

When she appeared to us on short final, she turned out to be the pilot for a commuter airline. Which meant she had to have her instrument rating and could have come into the airport on an instrument approach. No problem. Instead, she risked her license, the tower controller's license, a violation for her employer, the safety of her passengers, AND made an embarrassment of herself on the radio!

Now, I am not saying that she is the ONLY one to have ever done something like this. I'm sure a lot of people do this stuff all the time and get away with it. And I'm sure she was under a lot of pressure from her company to "get the job done." But she obviously knew she was wrong. If she loses her license over this, she'll have no one to blame but herself. Was it worth saving the ten minutes not having to shoot an instrument approach?? Was anyone's life in danger because of her actions? Probably not. Clearly she could see the airport and considered herself in a safe position to land. But accepting the role of pilot means sometimes we have to stand up under the pressures from the people (usually employers) standing on the ground safely or passengers who really want to get somewhere who may not understand or care about the inherent risks, reponsibilities and rights of operating an aircraft. Know the rules and abide by them at all times no matter who is watching or listening (and declare an emergency if necessary). Your license to fly and lives depend on it!

Local Lakewood OH Article

My neighbor, Steve FitzGerald, started up a hugely successful community news site. I met him first because his small dog got loose a couple of years ago and kept me company while I planted some flowers. In return, he arranged for me to meet one of his writers last summer for an interview, and this is the result. To read the entire story, please click the link (this way you'll get the benefit of better format and pictures).

http://www.lakewoodbuzz.com/Stories/Lynda%20Meeks-101707-Girls%20With%20Wings-Sarah%20Valek-Lakewood%20Ohio.html


Lakewood's Lynda Meeks Loves Her Job
Her Second 'Job' is Helping More Girls' Dreams Take Flight!
By Sarah Valek, LakewoodBuzz.com Reporter
Lynda Meeks is one of those rare people who loves her job. She doesn't speak about her career. She gushes! When asked what she loves best about her job, Meeks is quick to answer in four words...
“Small office, great view!”
She doesn't work in some cubicle overlooking downtown Lakewood or Cleveland - her "office" overlooks mountains, lakes, skyscrapers and forests.
Lynda Meeks, 38, is a pilot with a private airline. She works an eight days-on and seven days-off schedule, flying around the country as a self-proclaimed “glorified limo service.”
“It's funny, when people find out I'm a pilot, they're like 'Oh really, how long have you been flying?' as if it's a completely new thing.”
Meeks has been flying for 14 years.
“There are so many things to love about being a pilot,” she says. “Sometimes we have to wake up way before the sun comes up, but that only means that in the windows of our airplane we get to watch the sun rise.”
She hopes her enthusiasm for aviation will catch on, especially with young girls. That's why she created "Girls With Wings... Dreams Take Flight."

Lost Nation Airport Airshow

I received some pictures from the Lost Nation Airshow from last summer from a fellow 99 that attended. I know I talked about the airshow before, but I thought you might get a kick out of seeing what a typical outdoor booth for GWW looks like (although this is a bit bigger of a booth - the organizers were very generous).

You can see my friend, Carol, helping me out this day at the show. She is a HUGE supporter of GWW.

Nice reminder of summer, isn't it?

Pilot of the Year

Thank you to my local Ninety Nines, Lake Erie Chapter, for bestowing this title. This annual award recognizes the achievements of a member by honoring her as Woman Pilot of the Year. I am flattered, since I don't seem to make many of their meetings because of traveling for work, but they said since I work as a pilot, they'll let it slide...

Small General Airport in Maine

Here is an airport in Maine we flew to last tour, just as the leaves started changing. What a beautiful day to fly!

I've labeled all of the main (ha, no pun intended) parts of the airport ramp. This is a pretty typical setup at your smaller general aviation airports.

Click on the picture to see it better.

For example, the airport or aerodrome beacon. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

An aerodrome beacon is a beacon installed at an airport or aerodrome to indicate its location to aircraft pilots at night.

An aerodrome beacon is mounted on top of a towering structure, often a control tower, above other buildings of the airport. It produces flashes not unlike that of a lighthouse.
Airport and heliport beacons are designed in such a way to make them most effective from one to ten degrees above the horizon; however, they can be seen well above and below this peak spread. The beacon may be an omnidirectional flashing xenon strobe, or it may rotate at a constant speed which produces the visual effect of flashes at regular intervals. Flashes may be of just a single color, or of two alternating colors.

During VFR weather conditions, the beacon operates dusk to dawn, but during IFR conditions, the beacon stays on constantly regardless of light conditions.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established the following rules for airport beacons:
Flashing rates
24 to 30 per minute for beacons marking airports, landmarks, and points on Federal airways
30 to 45 per minute for beacons marking heliports
Color combinations
White and Green — Lighted land airport
Green alone* — Lighted land airport
White and Yellow — Lighted water airport
Yellow alone* — Lighted water airport
Green, Yellow, and White — Lighted heliport
White, White, Green* — Military Airport
*Green alone or yellow alone is used only in connection with a white-and-green or white-and-yellow beacon display, respectively.
Military airport beacons flash alternately white and green, but are differentiated from civil beacons by two quick white flashes between the green flashes.
In Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E surface areas, operation of the airport beacon during the hours of daylight often indicates that the ground visibility is less than 3 miles and/or the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet. Regardless of the weather conditions, the FAA has no regulation that requires airports to turn the beacon on during the day.
At some locations with operating control towers, Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel turn the beacon on or off with controls in the tower. At many airports the airport beacon is turned on by a photoelectric cell or time clocks and, ATC personnel cannot control them. [1]

Here comes Winter!

Last tour we landed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and although it wasn't yet snowing there yet, it is starting to get cold! As I am writing this entry, the METAR is KJAC 101255Z AUTO 36006KT 10SM CLR M02/M04 A3013 RMK AO1. This METAR, courtesy of the National Weather Service translates into:

KJAC (JACKSON, WY, US) observed 1255 UTC (the time) 10 October 2007 (today)Weather: automated observation with no human augmentation;there may or may not be significant weather present at this time. Winds: from the N (360 degrees) at 7 MPH (6 knots; 3.1 m/s) Visibility: 10 or more miles (16+ km) Ceiling: at least 12,000 feet AGL Clouds: sky clear below 12,000 feet AGL Temperature: -2.0°C (28°F) Dewpoint: -4.0°C (25°F) [RH = 86%] Pressure (altimeter): 30.13 inches Hg (1020.4 mb).

What is a METAR? METAR is the international standard code format for hourly surface weather observations which is analogous to the SA coding currently used in the US. The acronym roughly translates from French as Aviation Routine Weather Report. SPECI is merely the code name given to METAR formatted products which are issued on a special non-routine basis as dictated by changing meteorological conditions. The SPECI acronym roughly translates as Aviation Selected Special Weather Report.

We did see snow along the way.... Which means fall will soon be over! I thought I would include some interesting tidbits about the snow.

15 Things You Never Thought YouNeeded to Know About ... Snowby http://www.sixwise.com/

1. Snow is one of nature's most amazing, and breathtaking, feats. Few other weather systems are capable of causing such fury -- grounded planes, traffic jams, closed schools -- and such beauty -- snow-covered ski slopes, fields blanketed in fresh white powder and, of course, snowflakes falling on Christmas morning -- as snow. Snowstorms hit the United States an average of 105 times a year. Snow is also very interesting, more interesting than you may have thought, and the following facts are a perfect conversation piece to keep close with you during this winter season.
   1. There are an average of 105 snow-producing storms in the continental United States each year.
   2. Skiers have their own "snow language," which was created back in the 1900s to describe different snow conditions. Some of the earlier terms included "fluffy snow," "powder snow" and "sticky snow." Later terms include "champagne powder," "corduroy," and "mashed potatoes."
   3. Hundreds of people die from snow-related causes in the United States each year. Top causes include traffic accidents, overexertion, exposure and avalanches.
   4. The snowiest large city in the United States is Rochester, New York, with an average 94 inches of snow each year.
   5. About 70 percent of the annual snowfall in the United States falls during December, January and February. (Near the eastern Rocky Mountains, however, the snowiest months are often March and April.)
   6. Snow can either muffle or amplify sounds, depending on its surface.
   7. The saying that "10 inches of snow contains one inch of water" is mostly a myth. Ten inches of snow can actually contain anywhere from 0.10 inches to four inches of water.
   8. Snow appears white because snow crystals absorb visible sunlight (which is white) and reflect it from countless tiny surfaces.
   9. Most snowflakes are less than one-half inch across, but they can reach up to two inches across.
   10. It's never too cold to snow, but most heavy snowfalls occur when it's 15°F or warmer (the air can hold more water vapor when it's warmer).
   11. Snow is an incredibly good insulator. Why? Fresh snow typically contains 90 percent to 95 percent trapped air that can barely move around, meaning heat transfer is greatly reduced.
   12. Icicles are more likely to form on the south side of buildings. This happens because snow that is facing south is able to melt during the day, then freeze again at night. (North-facing snow often does not melt because it doesn't get as much sunlight during the day).
   13. Avalanches are most likely to run from December to April.
   14. It's possible, though rare, to have thunder and lightening during a snowstorm (and it's more likely to occur near the coast). A "Nor'easter" is a cyclonic storm that occurs off the east coast of North America. They're known for producing heavy snow, rain and huge waves.
   15. A thick layer of fresh, fluffy snow will absorb sound waves, making sounds less audible. However, as snow ages the surface can become smooth and hard. In this state, the surface will reflect sound waves, making sounds clearer and able to travel farther distances.
   Avalanches are most likely to "run" (slide down a slope) from December to April, but avalanche fatalities have occurred during every month of the year.

Get ready!

Help Wanted

Astronaut Candidate
Read all at http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=62398554&brd=3876&AVSDM=2007%2D09%2D18+00%3A00%3A04&q=astronaut&sort=rv&vw=d&Logo=0&ss=0&customapplicant=15513%2C15514%2C15515%2C15669%2C15523%2C15512%2C15516%2C45575&TabNum=1&rc=5

SALARY RANGE: 59,493.00 - 130,257.00 USD per year
OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, September 18, 2007to Tuesday, July 01, 2008
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0801-11/14
POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time Permanent appointment
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 15
DUTY LOCATIONS: Few vacancies - Houston
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
This announcement is open to all qualified U.S citizens.

JOB SUMMARY:
NASA, the world's leader in space and aeronautics is always seeking outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission demands. Creativity. Ambition. Teamwork. A sense of daring. And a probing mind. That's what it takes to join NASA, one of the best places to work in the Federal Government.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a need for Astronaut Candidates to support the International Space Station (ISS) Program.NASA uses the USAJobs resume as the basic application document. NASA limits resumes to the equivalent of about six typed pages, or approximately 22,000 characters (including spaces). You cannot complete the application process if your USAJobs resume is too long. More information about the NASA application process is also available under the "How to Apply" section of this announcement.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Position subject to pre-employment background investigation
U.S. citizenship is required
This is a drug-testing designated position
Frequent travel may be required
Selectee must pass a pre-employment medical examination

Additional Duty Location Info: Few vacancies - Houston

MAJOR DUTIES:

Astronauts are involved in all aspects of assembly and on-orbit operations of the ISS. This includes extravehicular activities (EVA), robotics operations using the remote manipulator system, experiment operations, and onboard maintenance tasks. Astronauts are required to have a detailed knowledge of the ISS systems, as well as detailed knowledge of the operational characteristics, mission requirements and objectives, and supporting systems and equipment for each experiment on their assigned missions. Long-duration missions aboard the ISS generally last from 3 to 6 months. Training for long duration missions is very arduous and takes approximately 2 to 3 years. This training requires extensive travel, including long periods away in other countries training with our international partners. Travel to and from the ISS will be by Space Shuttle until its retirement in 2010. Following the Shuttle retirement, all trips to and from the ISS will be aboard the Russian Soyuz vehicle. Consequently, astronauts must meet the Soyuz size requirements, as indicated below. Additional information about the position can be found at www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/astronauts.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Here we sit in New Jersey...

We had a maintenance problem arise when we were taxiing out to the runway with passengers on board. When we got back to the ramp, another aircraft and crew was called to take them instead, so the other pilot and I had to take the passengers' bags from our baggage compartment to the other. Needless to say, we got SOAKED! This is not usually what people think about when they imagine the life of a pilot. It's just part of what we call, "Living the Dream!"

Volunteer Opportunity on November 4th.

Women Take Flight, Past and Present at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT

Women Take Flight is an opportunity for girls to meet remarkable women who have pioneered careers for women in aviation and aerospace. Presentations are made throughout the day featuring the experiences and achievements of these women. Actresses take the roles of early aviation pioneers and bring history to life through theatrical presentations. All of this takes place amongst the unique collection of aircraft of the New England Air Museum. A food vendor and gift shop are on the premises. Visitors will receive a souvenir brochure with biographies of the participants. The group rate for groups registering by October 26, 2007 is $5 per person.

Presented by the New England Air Museum in collaboration with the Ninety-Nines.

Alphabetical list of participants: Patricia L. Beckman, (Navy Ret'd Commander/Flight Officer/Boeing Flight Test Navigator), Mary Burns (Captain US Air Force, flew F-15 in Iraqi Freedom), Susan Chambers (Corporate Pilot), Cindy Doane (Helicopter Test Pilot), Kinda Eastwood (Air Force Mechanic/Pratt & Whitney Field Service Engineer), Honey Fulton Parker (sister of Dorothy Johanna Fulton, an original WAF of WWII), Nathalie Hacken (Commercial Pilot), Patricia Harmon (Pratt & Whitney Engineer), Kiran Jain (Director of Marketing of Bradley International Airport), Marilyn Pearson (FAA Aviation Safety Inspector and aerobatic pilot), Tammy Richardson (Bessie Coleman Reenactor), Kim Schlichting (Skydiver), Cindy Smith (aeronaut), Sheila Thompson (C130 Navigator), Connie Tobias (Harriet Quimby Reenactor and commercial pilot), Wendy Trudeau (Skydiver), Terry VandenDolder (Air Force/Commercial Pilot), Kathy Wadsworth (Aeronaut)

Program

10:00 Museum opens with women at their stations in the Military Hangar. Stations will be open 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:30.
Touch Screen Program, Women In Aviation Kiosks in exhibit halls

10:45 Reenactor Presentation Tammy Richardson as Bessie Coleman, the first African American aviatrix, and Connie Tobias as Harriet Quimby, the first licensed female pilot

12:00 Showing of the film, Blue Horizon, The Women AirForce Service Pilots of World War II - ArtReach-International Education Center

1:00 Education Center Presents

2:15 Education Center Presents Honey Parker Fulton presenting the life of her sister Dottie Fulton, an original WAF

3:30 Panel Discussion (Cindy Doane, Marilyn Pearson, Connie Tobias, Terry VandenDolder). Moderated by Commander Trish Beckman, USN (retired)

5:00 Museum Closing

Location = The New England Air Museum is located on the grounds of Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT. Please refer to the museum website for directions, http://www.neam.org./

Volunteer opportunities = Any women in aviation who would be interested in participating in this year's event can contact me directly, Caroline d'Otreppe, Director of Educational Programs, New England Air Museum, caroline@neam.org, (860) 623-3305 ext.13.

For more information = Caroline d'Otreppe Director of Educational Programs, New England Air Museum (860) 623-3305 ext.13, caroline@neam.org
Flyer and Press Release available at http://www.girlswithwings.com/Calendar.html.
Website = http://www.neam.org/

The October eZine has been published!

An interesting study was mentioned in this month's Girls With Wings eZine: http://www.publicagenda.org/importantbutnotforme/index.cfm It was included because it supports the Girls With Wings Mission: Using Aviation to Entertain while we Educate Young Girls about their Limitless Opportunities. http://www.girlswithwings.com/news.html

Important, But Not for Me: Kansas and Missouri Students and Parents Talk About Math, Science and Technology Education
Alison Kadlec and Will Friedman with Amber Ott

There is growing consensus among the nation's business, government and higher education leaders that unless schools do more to train and nurture a whole new generation of young Americans with strong skills in math, science and technology, U.S. leadership in the world economy is at risk. But our new report concludes that Kansas and Missouri parents and students didn't get the memo.

A recent study finds just 25% of Kansas/Missouri parents think their children should be studying more math and science; 70% think things "are fine as they are now." The report also explains why parents and students are so complacent in this area and what kinds of changes might be helpful in building more interest in and support for more rigorous MST courses. The report goes on to say,

While parents and students have a measure of appreciation for the role Science, Math and Technology will play in the future world of work, this appreciation remains thin, and relatively few seem to absorb the implications in a personal sense. Most parents do not see improving math, science and technology education as a top challenge facing their local schools, and most students do not come to these subjects with a strong sense of motivation and interest. There remains, in other words, a considerable "urgency gap" between leaders and experts on the one hand and parents and students on the other. Leaders need to make the cast that more advanced study in math, science and technology is now essential for all students -- not just a select few. They also need to think boldly and creatively about way to engage parents, students and teachers in increasing student interest and success in these critical subjects.

Read the full report at http://www.publicagenda.org/ImportantButNotforMe/pdfs/important_but_not_for_me.pdf

Last minute scholarships!

San Diego 99s: One $1,000 award to help fund Private Pilot training.
Applicant must (1) be a female San Diego County resident, (2) have passed the written test, (3) have a current student medical, and (4) soloed. There is a 90 day limit to apply funds towards training. The completed Student Pilot Application must be postmarked no later than September 30th. Download an app and get it postmarked ASAP- http://www.sws99s.org/section/pdf/SD99s2006-07SCHOLAR.pdf

The SD chapter also has a deadline for two more $1,000 awards on Dec 31st. http://www.sandiego99s.org/

The Coyote Country chapter 99s has two $1,000 awards. Deadline October 5th. Info & app- http://coyotecountry99s.googlepages.com/flightscholarships

The Santa Barbara 99s scholarships helps a female student pilot affiliated with the 99s in the SoCal area complete her Private Pilot Certificate and a certificated pilot obtain an advanced rating or certificate. Amount $500-2,500 Deadline Oct 15th Info & app- http://www.sws99s.org/section/pdf/SBApp07.pdf

Pass this along to those who need it as time is running out!

Runway Closure

This picture was taken at PNE: Northeast Philadelphia Airport. This is a view across the ramp (airplane parking lot) to the approach end of one of the runways. You can be pretty sure we landed on the OTHER runway!

Here is how the airport is displayed on the official airport diagram.

I took the picture standing on the southern portion of the airport, looking at runway 33. This runway was currently closed, and construction crews had placed a HUGE lighted "X" on the end of the runway - so there is no confusion: DO NOT LAND HERE!!

According to the Airmen's Information Manual: Closed or Temporarily Closed Runway and Taxiway Markings
d. Marking and Lighting of Permanently Closed Runways and Taxiways. For runways and taxiways which are permanently closed, the lighting circuits will be disconnected. The runway threshold, runway designation, and touchdown markings are obliterated and yellow crosses are placed at each end of the runway and at 1,000 foot intervals. (See FIG 2-3-22.)

BUT FOR

e. Temporarily Closed Runways and Taxiways. To provide a visual indication to pilots that a runway is temporarily closed, crosses are placed on the runway only at each end of the runway. The crosses are yellow in color. (See FIG 2-3-22.)
1. A raised lighted yellow cross may be placed on each runway end in lieu of the markings described in subparagraph e,Temporarily Closed Runways and Taxiways, to indicate the runway is closed.

2. A visual indication may not be present depending on the reason for the closure, duration of the closure, airfield configuration and the existence and the hours of operation of an airport traffic control tower. Pilots should check NOTAMs and the Automated Terminal Information System (ATIS) for local runway and taxiway closure information. http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/Chap2/aim0203.html.

The NOTAM for this situation would read something like this (PNE's runway is now open - so I'm using Cleveland's NOtice To AirMen, or NOTAM): A1678/07 (CLE 07/206) - RUNWAY CLOSED RWY 06R/24L CLOSED 20 JUL 03:00 2007 UNTIL 18 OCT 09:00 2007.

If a pilot doesn't check the NOTAMs or listen to the ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)...

a continuous broadcast of recorded noncontrol information in busier terminal (i.e. airport) areas. ATIS broadcasts contain essential information, such as weather information, which runways are active, available approaches, and any other information required by the pilots, such as important NOTAMs. Pilots usually listen to an available ATIS broadcast before contacting the local control tower, in order to reduce the controllers' workload and relieve frequency congestion.

...then the pilot would fly past this big "X" onto a runway with possible construction vehicles and ongoing repairs or painting being done. This is what we pilots would call "a bad day."

GWW Makes the News

Happy News! Girls With Wings had a great time at the International 99s Conference in Denver - and even made (briefly) the local news. Follow the link below to hear about Emily Warner, the first woman to become a commercial airline pilot in the United States. Click on the Video: A local woman and an organization encourage women to fly, 9News 6 a.m., 9/20/07, which shows the "Yes, Girls Can Fly! Tee and also Cindy Jacobs' daughter, Sophia, who was being a great helper handing out our brochures. She sure is a cutie - and loves to wear her Girls With Wings tees...

http://www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=77627

The Passing of My Pet

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved cat, Squeaky. She developed kidney disease and was clearly suffering the ill effects, so I helped her on her way to a more restful place last month.

Being on the road so many days in a row, it was such a joy to have her welcome me home after my trips. I had adopted her and her brother, Mr Grizzley, when I was stationed in Germany, and as my bilingual companions traveled the world with me, they became much like my children.

Squeaky was 14 years old, but up until a few months ago, she still thought she was a kitten. She drove me crazy being always underfoot, but I would now give any thing to trip over her in the kitchen as she waited for me to drop a morsel of food. Toward the end she was rapidly losing weight, doing nothing more than sleeping in a closet all day, but it was the hardest thing I ever had to do to let her go. I miss her terribly.

First Lady of the Air

Kathleen Winters asked me to read her book about Anne Morrow Lindberg, First Lady of the Air. I was honored by the request, and am awed by her thorough research into Anne Lindberg's role in the Golden Age of Aviation.

We have heard so much about a few key figures of this time (1920's-30's), notably Amelia Earhart and Anne's own husband, Charles Lindberg (Lucky Lindy), that it's easy to forget all of the other contributors to the development of aviation as we know it today. The International Organization of Women Pilots began in 1929 with 99 of the 139 licensed women pilots, most of whom we've never heard of. Anne was one of the ones who didn't join, but that shouldn't lessen the impact of her flying career.

Although she believes nothing she did was all that special, I felt an extreme amount of respect for the trips she so bravely embarked upon. It is wonderful to read a story that is able to inform about early pilot training, licensing, navigation, and airplane design with the additional benefit of Anne's own story, and her quiet and self-effacing contributions to her more visible husband's success.

She and her husband were key figures in mapping potential airline routes over uncharted regions of the world, and tales of these trips and the hardships they endured are riveting. Her husband once responded to a fellow pilot's criticism of flying with his wife over Northern Canadian routes by saying, "You must remember that she is crew." Anne, overhearing this, thinks, "Have I then reached a stage where I am considered on equal footing with men?" As many female pilots today can affirm, this is the highest form of praise and is highly valued nearly 80 years later.

Her story proves that we women in aviation "pioneers" are collectively charged with advancing the knowledge the general public receives (and benefits from) about women pilots. It wasn't Anne's way to seek the spotlight, but that doesn't make her achievements less worthy of praise. Throughout her many adventures, her nagging doubt of her abilities and contributions, of being able to meet the standard that had been set for men, led her to find herself and what was most valuable: her family and her writing. Toward the end of her flying career, she reluctantly agrees to a trip to Russia to survey its aviation industry, because, as she writes in her journal, "If nothing else, she thought her children - and all children - may benefit from seeing their parents take on adventures that proved they weren't frightened of life." As they say, nothing worth doing is ever easy.

http://www.kathleenwinters.com/

This is a picture of a VOR (I think this is in Albany, NY).
This is a little difficult to see because of the streaks from the polarized window on the airplane, but I thought it would be a good way to show what these things are that you see way out in the middle of the airport.

A VOR, short for VHF Omni-directional Radio Range, is a type of radio navigation system for aircraft. VORs broadcast a VHF radio composite signal including the station's morse code identifier (and sometimes a voice identifier), and data that allows the airborne receiving equipment to derive the magnetic bearing from the station to the aircraft (direction from the VOR station in relation to the earth's magnetic North). This line of position is called the "radial" in VOR parlance. The intersection of two radials from different VOR stations on a chart allows for a "fix" or specific position of the aircraft.


Developed from earlier Visual-Aural Range (VAR) systems the VOR was designed to provide 360 courses to and from the station selectable by the pilot. Early vacuum-tube transmitters with mechanically-rotated antennas were widely installed in the 1950s, and began to be replaced with fully solid-state units in the early 1960s. They became the major radio navigation system in the 1960s, when they took over from the older radio beacon and four-course (low/medium frequency range) system. Some of the older range stations survived, with the four-course directional features removed, as non-directional low or medium frequency radiobeacons (NDBs).


The VOR's major advantage is that the radio signal provides a reliable line (radial) to or from the station which can be selected and easily followed by the pilot. A worldwide network of "air highways", known in the US as Victor (for VHF) Airways (below 18,000 feet) and "jet routes" (at and above 18,000 feet), was set up linking the VORs and airports. An aircraft could follow a specific path from station to station by tuning the successive stations on the VOR receiver, and then either following the desired course on a Radio Magnetic Indicator, or setting it on a conventional VOR indicator (shown below) or a Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI, a more sophisticated version of the VOR indicator) and keeping a course pointer centered on the display.


VORs also provided considerably greater accuracy and reliability than NDBs due to a combination of factors in their construction -- specifically, less course bending around terrain features and coastlines, and less interference from thunderstorms. Although VOR transmitters were more expensive to install and maintain (as was the airborne equipment, initially), today VOR has almost entirely replaced the low/medium frequency ranges and beacons in civilian aviation . . . and is now in the process of being supplanted by the Global Positioning System (GPS). Because of their VHF frequency, VOR stations rely on "line of sight" -- if the transmitting antenna could not be seen on a perfectly clear day from the receiving antenna, a useful signal would not be received. This limits VOR (and DME) range to the horizon -- or closer if mountains intervene. This means that an extensive network of stations is needed to provide reasonable coverage along main air routes. The VOR network is a significant cost in operating the current airway system, although the modern solid state transmitting equipment requires much less maintenance than the older units. Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VHF_omnidirectional_range

Cape Cod

I know, I know. The reflection on the window made it tough to see.

The Answer is: Cape Cod!

The Cape is an arm-shaped peninsula nearly coextensive with Barnstable County, Massachusetts and forming the easternmost portion of the state of Massachusetts, in the Northeastern United States. The Cape's small town character and beachfront brings heavy tourism during the summer months. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Cod


Although the Cape was originally connected to the mainland, the Cape Cod Canal, which opened in 1914, effectively transformed Cape Cod into a large island. Three bridges span the canal from the Massachusetts mainland to the Cape. Vehicles can cross onto the Cape via the Sagamore Bridge and the Bourne Bridge; the other is a railroad bridge.

Can you name this Geographic Feature?

Holding short...

Here is a picture of airport markings on a taxiway coming up on a runway. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: A taxiway is a path on an airport connecting runways with ramps, hangars, terminals and other facilities. A runway (RWY) is a strip of land on an airport, on which aircraft can take off and land. Runways may be a man-made surface (often asphalt, concrete, or a mixture of both) or a natural surface (grass, dirt, or gravel).

(p.s. I think airports are gorgeous at night - but it makes it difficult to take pictures)

Pilots must have permission from Air Traffic Controllers to move anywhere on the airport surface. We call Ground Control and let them know when we want to taxi to the runway. When we are close to the departure end of the active runway, we switch to the tower control frequency to get clearance to enter the runway and hold in position or to immediately takeoff.

There has always been trouble with pilots missing these markings and entering an active taxiway or misreading them (you have to "dash" across the dashes to get off the runway) and becoming a hazard to someone taking off. During low visibility conditions, some airports have lights that draw attention to these makings.

A great description of what I'm talking about is from The VATUSA Training Department, which exists to:
Work in conjunction with ARTCC's to select and maintain Training Administrators.
Establish a set of training guidelines, to ensure all members are held to the same standards.
Establish and maintain study guides for member use.
Establish and maintain written examinations, to ensure all members are at the same level.
Work In Conjunction with the ARTCC's to develop an all-inclusive ARTCC specific training program. http://www.vatusa.org/training/index.html

Ground Control is responsible for the airport "movement" areas, or areas not released to the airlines or other users. This generally includes all taxiways, holding areas, and some transitional aprons or intersections where aircraft arrive having vacated the runway and departure gates. Exact areas and control responsibilities are clearly defined in local documents and agreements at each airport. In the real world any aircraft, vehicle, or person walking or working in these areas is required to have clearance from the ground controller. Ground control is vital to the smooth operation of the airport because this position might constrain the order in which the aircraft will be sequenced to depart, which can affect the safety and efficiency of the airport's operation. In real-life, Ground Control and Local Control (TWR) are located next to each other in the Tower Cab. They can communicate by visual signals or simply speaking to each other. They control aircraft based primarily on what they see out the windows.

The Airplane Owners and Pilots Association puts out Safety Advisories to help pilots with critical safety issues. If you'd like to read more, their flyer can be read here: http://www.awp.faa.gov/ops/runway_safety/education/safety%20advisor%20towered%20airports.pdf

The Girls With Wings eZine

Just in case you didn't know...

Every month I put out a newsletter filled with all of the lastest news for GWW - new merchandise, requests for speakers, etc. September's is posted here.

If you would like to receive the newsletter, please sign up here. And don't forget: If you use spam filters to protect your in box, please take a moment right now to add this message's "from" address (GirlsWithWings@veryimportantpilots.com) to your e-mail address book, spam software whitelist, or mail system whitelist. This will help ensure that you receive the newsletter and that your e-mail software displays HTML and images properly.

Please let me know if you're having any difficulties getting the eZine!
Thanks,
Lynda

My Inspiration(s)

I am asked all the time why I am inspired to spend all of my free time on "Girls With Wings." After all, I have no children of my own.... This just means I want the best for all girls - three in particular!

My sister has given me the gift of three wonderful nieces, who are always featured in the GWW brochures and webpages. I spent a wonderful holiday weekend with them, and have included a picture of Marie Elise, who will turn two on the 14th.

I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day and that you enjoy your "Labor of Love" as much as I do!

Blue skies,

Lynda

Novel about a "novel" female airline pilot!

If you're like me, you love to kick back and read a good book. I'm a big fan of mystery/murder/mayhem novels and have found the perfect use for them: If I have a LOT to do (which is per the usual) I can justify reading a book if I do just one thing after every chapter, ie unload the dishwasher, answer one email, etc. Normally the "one" thing turns into 2 or 3, so it's a way to motivate me to complete all those small chores when I'm overwhelmed.

I received the following email and am happy to say I can recommend the following book told to me by the author. The book is available for download or hard copy. I loved it, especially all of the airline/airplane references and especially the nod to Kara Hultgreen, the Navy pilot who perished off of a carrier a few years back. It does have some mature references and rough language, just so you know.

Dear Ms. Meeks:

I came across your “Very Important Pilots” and “Girls With Wings” websites through a link on Capt. Meryl Getline’s “From The Cockpit” homepage. Although I’m neither a girl nor an active pilot, my interests in flying as well as gender equity issues go back many years. Your websites and related blogs are valuable resources for leveling the playing field in aviation, and I wish you great success with them.

My reason for writing is to introduce you to a novel I’ve written, one of whose themes is female empowerment both in and out of an airplane cockpit.

Medusa’s Daughter is the story of Holly MacLaren, a captain for Honolulu-based Mahalo Air Lines. Before joining Mahalo, she was one of the Navy’s first female F/A-18 pilots—and she remembers well the sexism that was rampant in the strike-fighter community of the 1990s. Since leaving the Navy, she has married and divorced a country music star, become a happy and successful Boeing 737 driver, and handled all the challenges of being a good single mom. So when she suddenly starts having panic attacks, she’s at a loss to know why, or how to make them stop.

Holly’s daughter, Skye, sees things other six-year-olds don’t—though she can’t decipher much of it. The gift gives her a hazy awareness of her mother’s problem. Soon it will make her a reluctant witness to worse things that lie over the horizon.

A panic-induced car crash puts Holly’s flying on hold. While she waits for her physical injuries to heal, she turns to a psychiatrist, Dr. Patrick Henry Katayama III, to find the cause of the attacks. Regressive hypnotherapy reveals a number of past lives, each ending in tragedy. In her last incarnation she was Ensign Robert Dean Strawn, the victim of an unsolved murder aboard the USS Arizona. The crime took place the night of December 6, 1941 .

Several weeks after this revelation, Holly’s therapist vanishes, and signs point to another homicide. Then she finds herself stalked by a wealthy U.S. Senate candidate—a man with apparent ties to both Ensign Strawn and his killer! As Holly and Skye struggle first to understand this threat and then to face it down, their efforts take them on a spiritual journey—and a search for the truth behind one man’s heroism at Pearl Harbor .

This book is what I would call suspense with a sense of dark humor—and also women’s fiction. My hope is that you might take a look at it and, if you feel your readers could benefit from its message, put a link to it on your website(s).

Maybe you could start with just the first two chapters (11 pages), which are available here: http://www.lulu.com/browse/preview.php?fCID=690706

.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Mike Boyd

The worst thing about the Beechjet...

Hi All,


I get asked on the road all the time from my fellow pilots: How do I like the Beechjet (compared to the Citation I was flying)?


I have to admit it, I enjoy it. We never had to worry about exceeding the maximum airspeeds in a Citation, so it's nice to not be called a "Slow-tation" anymore.


One of the things I don't like about the Beechjet is the nose pin. This airplane can't be towed (see previous discussion about tugs) with it in, or it will damage the nose gear assembly. BUT the airplane cannot be taxied without it (Woe to the pilot who forgets to put it back...).


Removing and replacing it involves putting a pin through three holes that must line up exactly. The easiest way to do this is to just sit your butt down (hopefully it's not raining) and tug on one side of the tire until these holes line up - it may require you to push with your foot on the other side! Back and forth, push a little, pull a little, over and over until you can get the pin all the way through.

Needless to say, you definitely need to wash your hands after this procedure!

Whirly Girl Scholarships

Since, I myself am a helicopter pilot and Whirly Girl #1214, I'd like to put in a plug for the Whirly Girls - International Women Helicopter Pilots.

They are a diverse group of women spread throughout the world with one glorious thing in common – they hold licenses to fly helicopters.The Whirly-Girls organization is a non-profit 501(c)(3), educational and charitable organization dedicated to advancing women in helicopter aviation through the industry’s largest pool of annual scholarships while providing women helicopter pilots a forum for the exchange of information and opportunities. Membership is open to all women around the world who are rated helicopter pilots. As of 2006, there are more than 1,430 Whirly-Girls from 45 countries.

Scholarships which will be awarded at Heli-Expo in February 2008:

Whirly-Girls Helicopter Add-on Fight Training Scholarship

FOR FEMALE PILOTS RATED IN AIRCRAFT OTHER THAN HELICOPTERS. This scholarship, funded by the WGSF, is provided this year in memory of Bob Vetter, WG Auxiliary member and husband of Bev WG #459. It provides $6,000 to assist a certificated female pilot, who does not currently have a helicopter rating, in earning her add-on helicopter rating. Applicant will be evaluated for evidence of intent to work in the helicopter industry.

Bell Helicopter Flight Training Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by Bell Helicopter Textron and will give a Whirly-Girl the opportunity to attend the Bell 206 Turbine Transition Course at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy in Fort Worth, TX, USA. The award includes ground and some flight training. Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year by the time she is awarded the scholarship (Feb. 24, 2008).

American Eurocopter Flight Training Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by American Eurocopter, will give a Whirly-Girl the opportunity to attend an AS350 Turbine Transition Course at the American Eurocopter Factory School in Grand Prairie, TX, USA. Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year by the time she is awarded the scholarship (Feb. 24, 2008).

Robinson Helicopter R22/R44Safety Course and R44 Scholarship

This scholarship, sponsored by Robinson Helicopter, provides a Whirly-Girl currently flying Robinsons the opportunity to attend the Safety Course and build R44 time. Robinson provides this 3-1/2 day course in Torrance, CA, USA, including 5 hours of R44 flight time. The course includes 2-1/2 days of classroom instruction, awareness training, SFAR 73, in the R22 and R44 helicopter systems. One day is devoted to maintenance, pre-flight inspections, and flying with an experienced RHC pilot. The course is open to any rated helicopter pilot who has at least 3 hours in the R22 or R44 helicopter. This course is required by most insurance companies and serves as a CFI refresher. Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year by the time she is awarded the scholarship (Feb. 24, 2008).

Flight Safety International Instrument Refresher Course Scholarship

Sponsored by Flight Safety International, this scholarship is awarded to a Whirly-Girl who possesses a Helicopter Instrument Rating. Flight Safety is offering this course to a career minded individual who is seeking employment or has a position that requires an instrument rating for which an instrument recurrent check ride is a plus for the pilot position. The course consists of 12 hours of academic training and 6 hours of simulator instruction in a multi-engine( Bell 212, 222, 230, 412, and S-76). This four day course can be conducted either in Hurst, TX, USA or West Palm Beach, FL. USA Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year by the time she is awarded the scholarship (Feb. 24, 2008).

Whirly-Girls Memorial Flight Training Scholarship

This new scholarship is provided by the WGSF, Inc, and now combines the Phelan International and Doris Mullen Flight Training Scholarships. This scholarship provides $6,000. and is given in memory of our founder, Jean, and her husband Jim Phelan, along with the memory of Doris Mullen who lost her life in a Fixed Wing accident in 1968. This scholarship provides ANY Whirly Girl a chance to UPGRADE her current rating. (typically toward Commercial, Instrument, Instructor, ATP, Long Line or Turbine Transition Training to be added to her present helicopter ratings.)
Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year by the time she is awarded the scholarship
(Feb. 24, 2008). Also, proof of foreign citizenship if training in the US.

Vortex Helicopter Scholarship

This scholarship is for up to $4,000 in flight training. It is provided through the generosity of Joe and Mary Sheeran. The applicant should be pursuing a career as a professional helicopter pilot; a WG that has already held her first flying job, fixed wing included, does not qualify. She may not have over 300 hours total helicopter time. Flight time restrictions may be waived for pilots in the National Guard or Reserve that need civilian ratings. The scholarship may be used to gain additional flight time to meet insurance requirements, or toward any rating above the private pilot certificate. Training will be given at the new Vortex facility in New Iberia,
Louisiana, USA near the Acadiana Regional Airport and is given in an R22
helicopter. The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a
member for no less than one year by the time she is awarded the scholarship
(Feb. 24, 2008).

Northeast Helicopters Flight Services, LLC. Scholarship

This scholarship is for up to $4,000 in flight training. It may be used for re-currency, to gain additional flight time to meet insurance requirements, or an advanced helicopter rating in the R22. The applicant should be pursuing a career as a professional helicopter pilot. This scholarship is provided through the generosity of John and Rhonda Boulette of Northeast Helicopters Flight Services, LLC, in Ellington, Conn., USA. Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year by the time she is awarded the scholarship (Feb. 24, 2008)

Scholarships Application Rules: You can download the application by clicking on one of the links at the end of these instructions. If you use the Word version, please reposition lines so it is readable when you print it out. For some scholarships, Applicants must be a Whirly-Girl in good standing for one year prior to receiving the award on Feb. 24, 2008.

Application must be TYPED.
All the questions on the form must be answered.
Application Questionnaire must be answered completely.
The deadline for submission is Oct. 1, 2007.
Winners must agree to abide by all Scholarship rules.
Scholarships must be used within one year of receipt of scholarship, in accordance with the terms under which they were awarded.
Applications must include all of the following:
A clear COPY of your PILOT'S LICENSE
A clear COPY of your
CURRENT MEDICAL
A recent photo to be used in publications must be included
A Non-refundable Application Fee of US $30.00 must accompany the application
(check, money order, Visa, MasterCard)
THREE CURRENT LETTERS of recommendation from individuals such as employers, friends, flight instructors, or Whirly-Girls that can attest to your experience, qualifications, work history, work ethic, and/or financial need.
A detailed budget outlining how the applicant will meet the financial requirements not covered by the scholarship (travel, accomodations, supplies, meals, ground school, etc.) for each scholarship applied for.
A fully completed application form for each scholarship applied for.
For non-US residents, proof of foreign citizenship.

Ninety Nines Scholarships

More scholarship info:

This time for the Ninety-Nines. The organization came into being November 2, 1929, at Curtiss Field, Valley Stream, Long Island, New York. All 117 American female pilots had been invited to assemble for mutual support and the advancement of aviation. Louise Thaden was elected secretary and worked tirelessly to keep the group together as we struggled to organize and grow until 1931, when Amelia Earhart was elected as first president and the group was named for the 99 charter members. (I am a member of this organization, as well as Women in Aviation - from yesterday's post.)

The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships & Awards

For More Information: Contact AEMSF Chair Dr. Jacque Boyd at AEChair@Ninety-Nines.org or 505-377-3166.

The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships

These are the primary scholarships offered by the Fund to deserving 99s Members who are licensed pilots in need of financial assistance to progress toward a specific goal of qualifying for or advancing in an aviation-related profession or charitable cause. There are four separate applications in order to accommodate the most common types of requests. The Applicant should use the application form most appropriate to her circumstances and goal. 2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship & Awards Fact Sheet

Flight Training Scholarship: Fully paid scholarship to complete an additional pilot certificate or rating or pilot training course. Examples: Multi-engine rating, commercial certificate, KingAir competency or qualification training. Note: Excludes jet type rating.
Requirements: Must be a current pilot with the appropriate medical certificate, and must be approaching the flight time requirement for the rating or certificate, if any.

Jet Type Rating Scholarship: Fully paid scholarship to complete type rating certification in any jet aircraft. Examples: Cessna Citation, Boeing 737. Requirements: Must be a current Airline Transport Pilot with a First Class medical certificate, or non-U.S. equivalent, and at least 100 hours multi-engine flight time or combined multi-engine and turbine time.

Academic Scholarship: Up to $5000 scholarship towards college degree in aviation or aerospace. Students may re-apply for continuing support through graduation. Examples: Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree in fields such as aerospace engineering, aviation business management, air traffic management, or professional pilot. Note: Flight training may be included if integral to curriculum. Requirements: Must be currently enrolled. Associates or Bachelors degree students must have cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.

Technical Training Scholarship: Fully paid scholarship to complete an aviation or aerospace technical training or certification course. Examples: Airframe and/or Powerplant Mechanic certificate, Dispatcher certificate, Air Traffic Control training program, government or manufacturer's safety training, specialized training or certification course. Note: Excludes any flight training and any technical training that is part of a college degree program.

Procedures & Deadline: Each Applicant who belongs to a Chapter needs to request a recommendation from her Chapter. Each Chapter Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair should set her own deadline for members to submit scholarship applications, and must promptly return original applications with the completed 99s Recommendation to the Applicants. The original application (including 99s Recommendation for Applicants belonging to Chapters) must be submitted by the Applicant to her Section Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair by DECEMBER 1. Application forms: The files below may be downloaded or printed or filled out while online. If you choose to fill out the form while online, you must complete the entire form and print it - file cannot be saved with your entries.
2008 AE Flight Training Scholarship Application
2008 AE Jet Type Rating Scholarship Application
2008 AE Academic Scholarship Application
2008 AE Technical Training Scholarship Application

Applicants should also download or print these files:2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship & Awards Fact Sheet

2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Applicant Instructions & Checklist2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair Instructions & Checklist

AE Research Scholar Grants

The 99s Amelia Earhart Memorial Research Scholar Grant is given to provide a work environment in which established scholars and scientists can add to the world's knowledge of women in aviation and aerospace. It is the desire of The Ninety-Nines, Inc. to contribute to:
The documented history of woman's place in the development and furtherance of aviation and aerospace. Documenting and fostering the leadership role of women in all facets of aviation including social, economic, engineering, historical, political, etc. The expansion of human knowledge in areas of specific differences faced by women in aviation: as pilots, as engineers, as administrators, in military aviation, etc. Special disciplines applied to these problems could include, but not be limited to: history, sociology, psychology, biology, economics, business administration, human engineering, ergonomics, etc.

The grant may be used in conjunction with other research activities such as: completion of research requirements for an advanced degree or matching funds with other grants to fund a program larger than either grant could sponsor independently.
Information on the AEMSF Research Scholar Grants, including eligibility requirements, application process, and deadlines, may be obtained from Dr. Jacqueline Boyd, Chair, AEMSF Research Scholar Grants, AEChair@Ninety-Nines.org.

New Pilot Awards

The New Pilot Award is the award given to Future Woman Pilot 99s Members with a need for financial assistance to become licensed pilots. We've expanded the scope of this award to provide up to $1500 toward completion of the Recreational Pilot, Sport Pilot, or Private Pilot certificate, or non-U.S. equivalent, in any aircraft. Requirements: Must be a Future Woman Pilot Member of The 99s - there is no length of membership requirement. Must have soloed, and, if required for the pilot certificate sought, must have a current medical certificate and must have passed the written exam. 2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship & Awards Fact Sheet
Procedures & Deadline: Each Applicant who belongs to a Chapter needs to request a recommendation from her Chapter. Each Chapter Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair should set her own deadline for members to submit scholarship applications, and must promptly return original applications with the completed 99s Recommendation to the Applicants. The original application (including 99s Recommendation for Applicants belonging to Chapters) must be submitted by the Applicant to her Section Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair by APRIL 1. Application form: The file below may be downloaded or printed or filled out while online. If you choose to fill out the form while online, you must complete the entire form and print it - file cannot be saved with your entries.
2008 New Pilot Award Application

Applicants should also download or print these files:2008 New Pilot & Maule Award Applicant Instructions & Checklist

2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship & Awards Fact Sheet2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair Instructions & Checklist

The Maule Tailwheel Training Award

We are pleased to announce that the Maule family has once again donated a Maule Tailwheel Training Award! Please show your appreciation by visiting the Maule family at www.MauleAirInc.com and www.MauleFlight.com. The Maule Tailwheel Training Award is for ten (10) hours tailwheel flight training at Maule Flight, Inc., in Moultrie, Georgia, USA, with an estimated value of US$1700. Requirements: Must be a 99 with at least one year of membership and with the financial ability to pay for travel, food, and lodging expenses during training. Must be a U.S. citizen, and be current and qualified as a pilot with the appropriate medical certificate, but with NO previous tailwheel experience as pilot. Must be willing to spread word on the joys of tailwheel flying to the aviation community.
2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship & Awards Fact Sheet
Procedures & Deadline: Each Applicant who belongs to a Chapter needs to request a recommendation from her Chapter. Each Chapter Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair should set her own deadline for members to submit scholarship applications, and must promptly return original applications with the completed 99s Recommendation to the Applicants. The original application (including 99s Recommendation for Applicants belonging to Chapters) must be submitted by the Applicant to her Section Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair by APRIL 1.
Application form: The file below may be downloaded or printed or filled out while online. If you choose to fill out the form while online, you must complete the entire form and print it - file cannot be saved with your entries.

2008 Maule Tailwheel Training Award Application

Applicants should also download or print these files:2008 New Pilot & Maule Award Applicant Instructions & Checklist2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship & Awards Fact Sheet2008 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Chair Instructions & Checklist


Other Scholarships

Reaching beyond The 99s Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships, scholarships both large and small are sponsored by 99s Sections and Chapters. Eligibility requirements vary considerably, so we recommend a thorough review of all scholarships listed.
Scholarships Offered by 99s Sections and ChaptersScholarships Offered by Other Organizations