Girls With Wings really Flies!

Girl With Wings Jill Long features the GWW logo on her Pitts airplane.

A Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Jill “Raggz” Long has been flying since she was 16. Her dream of flight can be traced to an airshow she attended at the age of six, where after seeing the performers, she proudly declared, “That’s going to be me!”

The only woman to be selected to cross-train into the A-10 “Warthog” or “Tank Killer” after six years in the KC-135 Stratotanker, she has accumulated over 3000 military flight hours and 50 combat missions in the Global War on Terrorism. Born in Michigan and raised in Oregon, Jill lives with husband, Chuck, in Wichita Falls, TX, and is stationed at Sheppard AFB as the 80th Flying Training Wing Director of Staff and a T6 Texan II instructor/evaluator pilot charged with training future combat pilots at Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT), as well as pursuing her personal dream of flight by performing in airshows in her Pitts S2B “The Ragged Edge,” inspiring millions each year, and encouraging young and old alike to follow their dreams!

Jill avidly shares her experiences as a military combat fighter pilot, instructor/evaluator pilot and airshow performer. Equipped with Finance, Business Administration & Marketing Bachelor’s degrees, and a Master’s in Management, she is living proof that no matter what path a person takes… with vision, passion and commitment they can SOAR! She and her husband Chuck partnered their airshow business with inspirational/educational programs including US Space and Rocket Center’s Space Camp and Aviation Challenge, and the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Women Soar and Young Eagles. Jill was the recent winner of the Air Education and Training Command’s 2008 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Role Model Award.

She often states, "You don’t have to be the smartest person, or the most talented… you just have to believe in yourself, and you’ll find the strength to follow your dreams. Programs such as EAA’s and US Space and Rocket Center’s help young women and men find that strength and develop key lessons for life! We need to emphasize avenues that reach out to and encourage people to aim for the stars and follow their own dreams."

View Jill’s website and airshow schedule at and follow YOUR dreams!

Scholarship Information

Earlier I published a blog entry about several scholarships that I had seen that were available to folks interested in aviation. I received a comment to that post that I chose not to publish: "hi,linda,how can i get scholarship to study piloting/aeronautacal engineering,am a male in [a foreign country],pls lets chat on ymsger" The message also included this person's email address and personal blog, which I won't print to protect his privacy.

It's great that so many people want to get into flying; that's what Girls With Wing is all about, right? But recently I updated my scholarship page on the GWW website to reflect the frustration I have with messages being sent to me that say little more than the above comment. 'Course, misspelling my name earns 0 points!

This is not because I think I'm special and deserve special treatment. This is a basic fact of life. Ever hear the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression?"

There are a lot of my opinions on my scholarship page that I had some reluctance posting because I don't want to turn anyone away from the organization. However, after numerous times of people firing off short impolite emails, I couldn't resist. If you are an individual looking for financial aid or guidance, Please, please, please! take any and all communications seriously. In other words, be polite and use proper grammar and spelling (especially the name of the organization!). Tell the recipient a little bit about you and what specifically you are seeking. I am a pretty busy woman (if you read this blog you'll know this) and do not have time to find money for everyone. You can do a google search on aviation scholarships just as well as I can.

When you find something you are interested in/may qualify for, read the information carefully and then if you have further questions, contact the organization. The vast majority of emails to me miss the two MAJOR characteristics of the GWW scholarship: it is announced in August, and there is no official application form. When I get an email asking about either of these, I know the sender is not really interested in the GWW scholarship, they are just firing off emails. That's fine if you make a base template and personalize it to the specific organization - keeping in mind all of the requirements of that application.

Be considerate and conscientious. Aviation is a small community, where "who you know" plays a major role. You need to make good impressions on people and maintain thos relationships.

Read more of my advice at http://girlswithwings.com/scholarshipinfo.html.

Send Your Name to the Moon Aboard LRO!

The Send Your Name to the Moon Web site enables everyone to participate in the lunar adventure and place their names in orbit around the moon for years to come. Participants can submit their information, print a certificate and have their name entered into a database. The database will be placed on a microchip that will be integrated onto the spacecraft. The deadline for submitting names is June 27, 2008.

"Everyone who sends their name to the moon, like I'm doing, becomes part of the next wave of lunar explorers," said Cathy Peddie, deputy project manager for LRO at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "The LRO mission is the first step in NASA's plans to return humans to the moon by 2020, and your name can reach there first. How cool is that?"

The orbiter, comprised of six instruments and one technology demonstration, will provide the most comprehensive data set ever returned from the moon. The mission will focus on the selection of safe landing sites and identification of lunar resources. It also will study how the lunar radiation environment could affect humans.

Credit: NASA/GSFC LRO will also create a comprehensive atlas of the moon's features and resources that will be needed as NASA designs and builds a planned lunar outpost. The mission will support future human exploration while providing a foundation for upcoming science missions. LRO is scheduled for launch in late 2008.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is being built at Goddard. The mission also will be managed at the center for NASA's Explorations Systems Mission Directorate in Washington.

Send Your Name to the Moon is a collaborative effort among NASA, the Planetary Society in Pasadena, Calif., and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md.

AOPAs ePilot Training Tips

If you are an aviation enthusiast but not yet a member of AOPA, the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association, here's another reason to consider it (besides the fact that membership is only $39/yr).

AOPA puts out a Pilot Training Tips email that often includes aviation scholarships and training opportunities. Today's had three that I found of interest:

EXPLORER POST GETS TEENS INVOLVED IN AVIATION
When you're passionate about something, you want to share that passion with the world. For many pilots that means telling friends about aviation or taking them for rides. But for Darren Large, it means something bigger. Large started an Aviation Explorer post at Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey where he serves as the projects and grants administrator. The program helps young people ages 15 to 20 who are interested in aviation explore career options and develop an understanding of the field through firsthand experiences. See the complete story on AOPA Online.

PASTOR USES AVIATION TO HELP AT-RISK YOUTH
A pastor in Waukesha, Wis., is using aviation as a tool to reach out to at-risk teens in his congregation and community. Pastor Jerome Spencer of the New Beginnings Ministry has recruited Milwaukee-area pilots as mentors, obtained a grant to cover some equipment and supplies, and worked a second job to get the program aloft, according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Participating students take ground school in a donated hangar at Waukesha County Airport and work toward completing the private pilot knowledge test. Three participants have passed the test. "What has made this program work is the care and love of the Waukesha community coming alongside and saying 'I'll help,'" Spencer said.

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA FLIGHT ACADEMY READY FOR TAKEOFF
The University of Oklahoma's Sooner Flight Academy will sponsor several aviation camps for children ages 4 through 18. The camps will kick off in June, and sessions will run through August. The programs promote aviation and teach practical application of math and science. Some camps include flight time. All activities take place at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. For more information or to apply online, see the Web site.

Register at www.AOPA.org.

Looking for something to do this summer?

The Summer Academy

Embry-Riddle's Summer Academy programs are residential programs at the Daytona Beach campus that introduce the technology of today to the aviators and astronauts of tomorrow. Students live in on-campus dormitories under the supervision of approved chaperones and share their initial experience of university living with other young people their age.

Summer Academy Programs

Aerospace I (ages 15-18) This course is designed to foster a basic understanding of space and space technology. The program is filled with hands-on activities and labs, classroom interaction, and exciting, fun-filled trips!

Aerospace II (ages 16 - 18) Prerequisite: Aerospace I For students ages 16 - 18, this course further encourages the interest of space-related fields, the space program, and the aerospace industry worldwide.

Flight Exploration (ages 12 up) Developed for students ages 12 to 18, Flight Exploration is a structured introduction to flying and flight training. Choose from one of our sessions offered from June 13 through July 30.

Aviation Voyage (ages 13 - 18) Prerequisite: Flight Exploration - Residential, for students ages 13 - 18. This program was devoloped for students who want to continue their flight training and work towards their first solo flight in the aircraft.Sun Flight (ages 15 up)Sun Flight offers three programs: first solo flights; private pilot license or custom flight training.

Aviation Career Exploration Participants will learn about the varied career fields involved with aviation and aerospace: Air Traffic Control, Meteorology, Engineering, Human Factors, Space technology, and Flight.

Generations Generations is an opportunity for parents and grandparents to experience aviation with their child or grandchild. Together, the two of you will share the experience of exploring the different realms of aviation.

Aviation Discovery for Women For female students ages 15-18, this program offers the opportunity to explore an interest in aviation and aerospace. Participants will learn more about fields such as Flight, Meteorology, Maintenance, Engineering and many more.

Click here to contact the Summer Academy office

FRENCH CONNECTION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In the interest of continuing my mission of getting the word out that there are many many scholarships out there, I give you:



THE FRENCH CONNECTION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Daniel Heligoin and Montaine Mallet together formed French Connection Airshow for over 26 years. Their 180 hp Cap 10Bs were stock other than the smoke system. Montaine was a former aeronautical engineer who studied aerobatics with Daniel, who was originally a glider pilot, French Air Force fighter pilot and French Unlimited Aerobatic Champion. The couple met while working at Avions Mudry, makers of the Cap airplane, and the pair were the American distributors for the aircraft. In their air show performances, Mallet led routines and Heligoin followed just four feet from her wingtip. The French Connection is recognized for flawless mirror formations, the Fleur de Lys and their signature musical aerial ballet. Following their deaths during a practice session in May of 2000, family members, friends and fans worked together to create a memorial fund that could be used to give, as Daniel would say, "the gift of wings."

Besides being premier airshow performers, the French Connection operated an aerobatic flight school from the time they first arrived in the United States. They demanded the same precision and perfection in their aerobatic flight instructors as they demanded in themselves. They spent considerable time training their flight instructors the art of teaching aerobatics. They both felt that only if their flight instructors were highly skilled in aerobatics and communication could they pass on, not only basic aerobatics, but the more advanced levels as well.

The French Connection Memorial Scholarship is seeking a male and a female flight instructor who need financial help acquiring aerobatic training so he or she can do a better job teaching or to seek a position giving aerobatic instruction. Together, the French Connection Scholarship Committee and the recipient will select the aerobatic flight school or instructor, to ensure the level of instruction received will reflect the high standards Daniel and Montaine strived for.
Visit Fred Robbins' French Connection Memorial web pages

Qualifications: The recipient must be a certified flight instructor (CFI), and must use the scholarship for aerobatic flight training. Scholarship Amount: $1,000.
Download the application form(right-click link and select "Save Target" from the popup menu)French Connection Application
Follow the submission instructions on the application form carefully.Return completed applications to:scholarships@icasfoundation.org
Applications received by July 1st are considered for this year's award

If you know of any scholarships, please post them on the Girls With Wings Message Board.

The May Girls With Wings eZine

The May eZine is here! For easier viewing.


The video taken at this year's Women in Aviation Conference has made it on to the site. Thanks to all of the enthusiastic attendees that stated their love for aviation on the record (or DVD, as it were). Thank you to GWW Kim for filming and editing. You, too, can submit a video of yourself to add to your bio, just email it to me. (Kim has a video of her solo on her bio...!)


My home state of Ohio may have designated May 7th as a day to recognize the importance of aerospace, but for Girls With Wings, every day is a day to increase awareness of aviation, aeronautics and aerospace! Aerospace: the science, technology and industry associated with aircraft, missiles, satellites and spacecraft.

For those of you that read my blog you know I will be celebrating this particular day (and the rest of May) by completing my Citation X training with my new employer, NetJets. If you haven't been hearing from me so much lately, it's because I've been studying. Read some tips on how to study a new airplane. The reality of a pilot's quest for continuous personal and professional improvement (or to fly new airplanes) is a topic I always bring up in my presentations to young girls. Life as a pilot is rarely boring! And it's those especially "exciting" times we train so hard for.


Congratulations are in order for GWW Becky , who just received news that she is the recipient of the Chris Hanley Memorial Scholarship for $1500 worth of flight training so can continue her progress towards her private license. Kudos also on that successful cross-country! Tell us if you hear of any scholarships.




New Item
Plane Pillows - we know you love airplanes, now you can snuggle with them!


Play the GWW game (http://www.girlswithwings.com/funpages.html)!
Install the GWW Screensaver (http://www.girlswithwings.com/funpages.html)!


Coming Soon
Families With Wings, or "How to be a great wife, mother, and woman as well as a successful pilot." Email with your input.

Uh, what?

I forgot to use these pictures after I came back from the Women in Aviation Conference in San Diego. My cousin and his family and I went to the Aviation museum there and I saw my first Ford Tri Motor close up.

Well, somewhat close up. It was mounted at the top of the room....

What I could see whas that this was obviously a flight control cable arrangement. How do I know? Because you can see the cables running from the cockpit back to the flight controls!

According to Wikipedia: All models had aluminum corrugated sheet metal body and wings. However, unlike many aircraft of this era, extending through World War II and later, the aircraft control surfaces were not fabric covered, but were of corrugated aluminum. As was common for the time, the rudder and elevator were controlled by wires that were strung along the external surface of the aircraft. Similarly, engine gauges were mounted externally, on the engines, to be read by the pilot looking through the windscreen.

The Ford Trimotor, nicknamed The Tin Goose, was an American three engine civil transport aircraft first produced in 1925 by Henry Ford and continued until June 7, 1933. Throughout its lifespan a total of about 200 aircraft were produced. It was popular with the military and was sold all over the world. Unlike his famous cars, trucks and farm tractors, Ford did not make the engines for these airplanes.

As of 2007, there are 18 Ford Tri-motors in existence, five of which are flyable: N1077, N414H, N8407, N9612 and N9651. Others are in museums. One such aircraft resides at the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan.[4] A second is located at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.[5] A third is at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.[6] As mentioned above, the oldest flying Ford Trimotor is Greg Herrick's 1927 4AT-A, Serial No. 4, C-1077.[2] It is based at Greg's Golden Wings Flying Museum [7] near Minneapolis, Minnesota.


It is a beautiful airplane though, isn't it? It was flown by Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart among many others; makes me reminisce for those romantic times...

Going Green

I've got an older sister who lives on a organic farm for whom "reduce, reuse, and recycle" isn't a trendy mantra, it's the way she has been living her life for years. I was kinda green, but not really into it until I saw The Story of Stuff, and really started learning about the three R's myself. I'm trying to use Freecycle to the best of my ability, asking myself if I really need something or just want it, and trying to recycle as much as I can. You wouldn't believe all of the "stuff" that comes off an airplane at the end of a flight. Cans, bottles, cups, glasses, plasticware and newspapers, all easily recyclable items, end up in one garbage bag and thrown in a bin. I usually carry in the papers to the FBO to ask if they recycle, and the answer is usually a disbelieving "No, they don't do that here." Well, it doesn't take much for one person to put aside a box for papers. It doesn't have to be a corporate decision. BTW, the only FBO I've seen with extensive recycling bins was the FBO at Kansas City Metro. Unfortunately, since I wasn't aware of this, everything had already gone in the general garbage bin. If we knew to expect this at every FBO, we could plan on separating...



Ok, so why am I talking about this Well, I kinda feel like I'm being hypocritical recycling a few newspapers off of an airplane that burns a couple thousand pounds of jet fuel on a two hour trip. If held personally responsible for these carbon emissions, I would never be able to make it up! With Earth Day just a few days ago, I was happy to hear there is a lot of attention being paid to such emissions. There was just The 3rd Aviation & Environment Summit 2008 (22-23 April) in Geneva, Switzerland, where the aviation industry has been working together relentlessly to further limit its environmental impact. Their vision is to achieve carbon neutral growth and to eventually become carbon-free. This vision is supported by a four-pillar strategy based on technological progress, infrastructure enhancements, operational improvements and suitable economic instruments. Additionally, that site links to http://www.enviro.aero/, which will tell you everything you ever needed to know about aviation and climate change:

This website is an initiative of the commercial aviation industry. There are many myths and untruths about aviation’s impact on the environment. The aim of this website, developed by the commercial aviation industry, is to set the record straight. We recognise that aviation has an environmental impact and is a part of the problem. Aviation is also determined to be a part of the solution – and we are committed to doing everything we can to limit aviation’s impact on the environment. As an industry, we are taking a great many practical measures to limit our emissions. Each part of the aviation industry from airlines to airports to air navigation services providers to manufacturers is playing an important role. The pages throughout this site will show you the many initiatives and developments underway.

Here are the Questions answered on the site:
What is aviation’s contribution to climate change?
Isn’t it true that emissions at altitude have a far greater impact on the environment?
What is a contrail? What is their effect on climate change?
Do aircraft take the most direct route between point of departure and destination?
Can aircraft use biofuels or alternative fuel sources?
What are aircraft manufacturers doing to improve aircraft technology and design?
Are aircraft engines improving?
Isn’t travelling by train better for the environment than flying?
How does carbon offsetting work?
Is airport and airline waste recycled?
Why do we taxi for such a long time?
Why do we often circle for so long before we land?
Which form of transport contributes the most to climate change?
What sorts of things can I do to limit the climate change impact of my flight?
What is the EU emissions trading scheme, and how does it work?
How are quotas for emissions allocated under an emissions trading scheme?
What does the aviation industry think of its inclusion in the European emissions trading scheme?
Will green taxes help reduce emissions?
Should I be flying less?
Why don’t you pay fuel tax?
What is the aviation sector doing to reduce its impact on the environment?
How often do EU airlines renew their fleet?
Does an aeroplane create more greenhouse gases during take-off?
What is the impact of reducing the weight of aircraft on the emissions they produce?
What role does air transport play in transporting supplies across the world?
Should “food miles” be used as a way of measuring the environmental impact of transporting cargo?
What impact does air cargo have on the third world?

Continuous training and improvement

I've been doing a number of career days and school presentations that had been set up before I got this new job at NetJets. It is time to buckle down and get studying. Got to know those memory items, limitations, SOP call outs and flight profiles.

I have such fun talking to kids from 1-12 grade. (In the picture I am explaining how the flight controls in a helicopter work!) One thing I try to get across to the kids is that even though I didn't consider myself very good at math or science - I have a BA in History - these are things I have to know to be a pilot. It's a great motivator to know you will be able to go fly if you just get through the basic building blocks. So don't rule out any careers just because there's an aspect of it you don't like. The rewards will be great.

Also, the most rewarding jobs require you to go through recertification training to keep your knowledge fresh. I have to do checkrides occassionally to prove I still know what I'm doing. And again, I have to go through training every time I start a new job or learn a new airplane.

Ok, that's it. Time to study. I'll be back!

p.s. If you are in the Northeast Ohio area and would be interested in having me present to your school, girl scout troop, etc., email me.

Survival Training

Yesterday during training we pilots practiced the use of the survival raft. Despite using it in a YMCA pool - which is so unlike the stormy, dark, choppy water that we'd probably find ourselves using it - it still is good that we get some hands on experience.

There are numerous articles on the internet about "airplane ditching," but here is AOPA's take on it (AOPA is the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association).

Bottom line

... statistics show that most ditchings are successful. By one count, 88 percent of all ditchings were survived. Other statistics show a 92-percent successful egress rate. A recent search of NTSB data from 1983 to 1999 shows that there were 143 ditchings on record, and that only 20 of them involved fatalities. Most of those fatalities happened in open-ocean, cold-water environments.

You hear a lot of lore and yarns about ditchings. Most involve fairly tame outcomes. Many times, an airplane will simply settle nose-low, float long enough for everyone aboard to safely escape, then rescue comes shortly thereafter. Then you hear about the pilot who sat on the wing of his ditched airplane for half an hour, and who never even got wet. Those stories are reassuring.

But don't let the statistics lull you too much. Airplanes over water have disappeared without a trace. Airplanes have skipped, then suddenly plowed under, never to be seen again. In a recent ditching northeast of Maui, Hawaii, a Cessna P210 pilot radioed that he was losing oil pressure and was going to ditch. A U.S. Coast Guard ship was in the area, and an officer reported that the airplane skipped off one swell, hit another, then nosed down. Although the airplane remained afloat for some 45 minutes, the airplane's doors never opened, and the pilot never came out. A full accident report is pending.

So never take a ditching for granted. The basic, much-abbreviated keys to survival have been outlined above. More information is available in the Aeronautical Information Manual and other government publications. Attending water-survival seminars, preparing yourself with a positive mental attitude, and carrying the right equipment remains the best and only way to prepare for the rare chance that you'll have to perform a "water landing." That, or buy a float-equipped airplane.

There is also a hugely informative article on AvWeb. They add:

But, what if you only consider open ocean or cold water ditchings where the waves are bigger, hypothermia becomes a bigger problem, and rescue can be far away? Is it hopeless? We know of a number of highly publicized instances where pilots ditching in the North Atlantic survived, which immediately disputes the statements quoted at the top of this article. Moreover, Bertorelli found, "22 blue water ditchings ... there were four fatalities in this group of 22, for a survival rate of 82 percent, not too much worse than it is for coastal or inshore ditchings." So, even the worst possible circumstances don't make that big a difference in the survival rate.

Brenda's Journal Entry

Brenda posted a journal entry today that brings up a good point!:

It is so hot in San Jose! It has been really hot this entire weekend. But that means there's clear skies, which also means nice flying! I just got back from my flying lesson and it was great. My instructor said he was "impressed". That made me happy! We did slow flying in which I pulled the power all the way out to idle and I kept the same altitude while turning. I also practiced a little bit of stalls and steep turns! Those were fun! I had to make 45 degree turns on both ways and kept the nose up because the nose tends to go down during a turn. I also had to turn back to my original heading and still have maintained my altitude. It was great! I was being clumsy this morning....I spilled my Orange juice on myself, and tripped a couple of times and and bruised my pinky while pushing the plane out with the tow bar, so now I have a big fat bruised funny looking pinky! ouch! But you know what, I love it...it was part of flying. I showed off my bruised pinky to everyone at the flying club, haha, I was proud of my bruise! I woke up at 8am (which is REALLY early for me) to get to the airport and get prepared before my scheduled lesson which was at 10am....my instructor has me do weight and balance EVERY time we go up flying, and I can see that I do get better at it as I do it more often. I concluded that the reason why I was being so clumsy this morning was because I didn't get enough sleep! Sleep is SO IMPORTANT! The reason why I didn't get enough sleep was because last night I worked an 8 hour shift over night at the mall, ended up getting out at 4am this morning and.....I slept for about 4 hours in total. I'm glad though, that even though I was being clumsy the entire morning I was able to focus on what I was doing while flying. It was fun...but now I'm going to take a nap because tonight is another long night at the mall. I would like to hear any stories from anyone about a clumsy day, I'm sure it happens often....right?!?

Answer Brenda.

So what about this fatigue (the "official" name for being tired)? We have been discussing this issue at my new job, because it is such a big deal. The pilots need sleep to fly safely, but the airlines need to get their flights done. It is so important to strike the perfect balance (or as close to perfect as possible). It's not just one short night that can do damage - it also concerns whether or not that sleep deficit is recovered in a timely manner:

SLEEP AND SLEEP LOSS
Sleep is a vital physiological function. Like food and water, sleep is necessary for survival. Sleepiness results when sleep loss occurs. Like hunger and thirst, sleepiness is the brain's signal that sleep is needed. “Sleep loss” describes the phenomenon of getting less sleep than is needed for maximal waking performance and alertness. If an individual normally needs 8 hours of sleep to feel completely alert, and gets only 6 hours of sleep, 2 hours of sleep loss has been incurred. Sleep loss over successive days accumulates into a “sleep debt.” If the individual needing 8 hours of sleep gets only 6 hours a night for 4 nights in a row, an 8 hours sleep debt has been accumulated. The negative effects of one night of sleep loss are compounded by subsequent sleep loss. Sleep loss and the resultant sleepiness can degrade most aspects of human performance. In the laboratory, it has been demonstrated that losing as little as 2 hours of sleep can negatively affect alertness and performance. Performance effects include: degraded judgment, situation awareness, decision-making, and memory; slowed reaction time; lack of concentration; fixation; and worsened mood. Other effects are decreased work efficiency, degraded crew coordination, reduced motivation, decreased vigilance, and increased variability of work performance. The brain is programmed for two periods of maximal sleepiness every 24 hours from about 3-5 AM and 3-5 PM (3).

Read the rest of this informative article here.

I'm in training!

I have started a new job! I am in indoctrination right now, getting to know the policies and procedures for my company. Next month I will begin flight training on a new aircraft, the Citation X.

Learn a little about it here:

The Cessna Citation X (X as in the Roman numeral for 10, not the letter) is a medium-sized business jet aircraft and it is the fastest business jet and fastest currently flying civilian airplane in the world, traveling up to Mach 0.92 (703 mph). The Citation X is powered by two Rolls-Royce turbofan engines and is built by the Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas. The Citation brand of business jets encompasses six distinct "families" of aircraft, one of which is the X, as it was a completely new design, not a derivative of earlier Citations.

Taking myself up on my own advice, I am already trying to study for the eventual training. The usual term for learning a new aircraft is "drinking from a firehose." There's always a lot of information coming at one very quickly, and it's a struggle to keep up. The more I know going in, the better!

The April Girls With Wings eZine

Click to view in html: http://app.e2ma.net/campaign/193ebe95627e73dc80f6e9622d1617a8

Thank you WIA Conference Attendees! This is GWW's third year at the annual Women in Aviation event, and it gets better every time. There was a lot of positive energy 'round the colorful "Yes, Girls Can Fly!" tees, which I attribute directly to the enthusiasm and energy of the volunteer staff, shown at right. We enjoyed meeting all of the visitors to our booth and look forward to seeing you at future events, like Oshkosh.

In this life we cannot always do great things. We can only do small things with great love.-Mother Teresa

I need your help, as a volunteer or to advise me on how to reach out to more girls' groups. Please email me with your ideas.

The Girls With Wings Program is nearing completion. In less than a year, I will have spoken to nearly one thousand girls! I am always on the lookout for potential certified GWW Reps.
Presentations / Date
Girl Scouts at NASA 21-Oct-06
Brownies at NASA 17-Nov-07
Harrison Elementary 7-Feb-08
Girl Scouts in N. Olmsted 4-Mar-08
N.Ridgeville School 19-Mar-08
Gesu Catholic School Career Day 4-Apr-08
Cuyahoga Community College 19-Apr-08
Saint Joseph Career Day 21-Apr-08
Holy Name Elementary 22-Apr-08
Lakewood Library Program 3-May-08
Lakewood Recreation Center 5/31, 6/28

Flyabout - a documentary from Monika, one of our new Girls With Wings. This is the heartfelt, personal story of a young woman who gets a pilot's license, inspires her father to do the same and, together with him, follows her dream to fly a plane around the continent of Australia. Her introduction to the Aboriginal Walkabout brings on the realization that piloting the plane won't be the hardest part of the trip.
I give it a thumbs up, way UP! - Lynda.

Flyabout is available in the GWW store.

Hey Rotor Heads! Paul Berriff, a British Television Producer/Director, is developing a major television series about women helicopter pilots. They are looking for women in action professions like law enforcement, firefighting, coastguard, etc. Total hours flying is no issue. The series will be 6 x 60 minutes for USA Primetime, UK, European and stations around the world. The programs will promote female pilots as role models and also have a high educational content. Interested?

1st Time in the Girls With Wings Store: Girls or Ladies Visor.

Please visit the Message Board to see all of the new posts. After signing in, you can select "View posts since your last visit" to easily catch up.

Touching History: The Untold Story of the Drama That Unfolded in the Skies over America on 9/11 by Girl With Wings Lynn Spencer.

New Girls With Wings:
Kim: When aviation presented it to me, I took it and ran! My parents were very supportive. I think my mom is really proud that I'm in a male dominated field.

Gabrielle: I just received my Private Pilot's license on March 6th and the day I took my mother flying is a day I will never forget!

Who's the boss?

Don't get me wrong, airplanes with no autopilot can always be trimmed - a poor person's autopilot! On the ailerons, elevators and rudder (the three flight control surfaces) there are often "trim tabs." Using wheels inside of the cockpit, a pilot can trim their airplane so that it flies straight and level. That's fine as long as you want to just fly straight and level. What about turns, climbs and descents, etc? More sophisticated airplanes (or at least avionics packages) can practically do an entire flight from start to finish. Unfortunately, it can cause a pilot to become lazy. It takes good control touches to level out at an altitude and adjust the power simultaneously so passengers don't even realize it's being done. Also, pilots must monitor the autopilot - since it's only as good as what's entered in there (just like any computer: garbage in, garbage out).

Ultimately, what the airplane does is ultimately the responsibility of the pilot in command (PIC). If the autopilot isn't programmed correctly, the airplane could fly the incorrect routing. If this creates a problem with air traffic control, the pilot could get "violated:" like getting a traffic ticket for pilots. It's no excuse to say that it's the autopilot's fault. The PIC must operate the airplane safely and correctly, and that includes the operation of the autopilot.

For example, say a pilot isn't able to complete an instrument approach into an airport and she has to execute the missed approach. Since she studied the missed approach in case this happened, she knows that she must fly straight ahead until 1000 feet above ground level (agl) and then turn left to a 300 degree heading, then climb to 2000ft agl. If she didn't program in a climb to 2000ft, the airplane may level off at 1000ft. As soon as the pilot realizes that the airplane isn't climbing to 2000ft, she MUST correct this - whether it is to quickly reprogram the autopilot or to disengage the autopilot to do what she is required to do. This is something that is looked for on checkrides: does the pilot have an awareness of where she is, where she's going and is she ready to make corrections immediately (some people will look at the autopilot in confusion, saying, "what's it doing?" until it's too late - hopefully busting the checkride will be the only consequence). Yes, it is said that pilots are almost now just "systems managers!"

I saw a great example in AvWebFlash:

Short Final

Overheard in IFR Magazine's "On the Air"

I was doing practice approaches when I heard approach control contact another aircraft on a similar mission:

Controller:"N1234, what are your intentions after this approach?"

N1234:"I'll be missed approach, and I'd like vectors to the ILS 36."

Controller:"Missed approach instructions: Climb to 2800 and direct to the VOR."
[... sometime later ...]

N1234:"Approach, N1234 is missed approach direct to the VOR. Request vectors for the ILS 36."

Control:"Turn right to 1-1-0 degrees, vector for the ILS. Maintain 2800 feet. I'm showing you at 3400 feet."

N1234:"Descending to 2800. I'm sorry. I'm having a discussion with the auto-pilot as to which of us is actually pilot-in-command."

John Steinervia e-mail


Autopilot is great - although I have flown airplanes without an autopilot, nothing beats cruise control on long flights!

Flying and Pregnancy

I know I haven't been posting lately. My employer is keeping me busy flying!

I did receive an email from someone asking:

I have a good question to ask you, I dont know if you might know the answer to it but here it goes. One of my aunts was telling me today that she heard on the news that many women pilots have to face a decision on wether they want to be pilots or be a mother, reason being because they were saying that studies show that when a women flies in high altitudes it messes up their menstrual cycle and when this happens it cuts down their chances to be mothers to 50%. Is this true? Im curious to know if its true and why I have never heard this before. I kind of dont believe it but then again i dont know.

I did a little quick research (I'm a pilot, not a doctor), and have posted what I found. Do you have any experience being a pilot and pregnant? Visit the message board and let us know.

Today's Quiz

While I was in San Diego for the Women in Aviation conference, I went to the San Diego Air and Space Museum. There, I came across this display for Jacqueline Cochran.

From the WASP on the Web (the source for information on the Women's AirForce Service Pilots):

JACQUELINE COCHRAN: Founder and Director of the WASP.
Rags to riches doesn't even begin to describe her story. As her husband describes the picture below, it's "the little girl in the center surrounded by some of the women she made herself into during her lifetime." From barefoot girl stealing chickens to decorated pilot dining with kings, queens, presidents, pashas and premiers, Jacqueline Cochran was truly one-of-a-kind. She went from sweeping up the beauty parlor to founding her own successful cosmetics company. She worked as a shampoo girl and a dancer, had a audience with the Pope, was best friends with Amelia Earhart and was founder and
Director of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots--the WASP. She played poker with Jimmy Doolittle, was the first woman to enter Japan after World War II,
witnessed General Yamashita's surrender in the Philippines and the trials at Nuremberg, and flew to England and convinced General Eisenhower to run for
President (and she was a Democrat!).

But here's the quiz part. Do you see the shiny items in the bottom left of the top picture? Here's a closer view. They're a pair of brass, strap-on, ... well, whats? They look like they are put on over the heels of boots, with a protusion in the back with slots as if to fit over something. My cousin, who is really into aviation, though not a pilot, had not a clue. I thought they might be for flying high performance aircraft - so that during manuevers the pilot's feet wouldn't slip off the pedals.

Any insight, anyone?

Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum

I just heard about this Compton, CA, organization because of some of their students making a world record:

On March 15. 2008 TAM's young pilots will break more world records in Aviation. Witness this event. For the press release on this event or to read more about these young pilot's historical attempt, Click Here »

But there's more at Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum:

Learn To Fly At The World's First Non-Profit Flight School

Imagine, if you will, The Ultimate Flight School. The "Top Gun" of civilian flight training where you receive the best instruction in the industry while helping a child to achieve their dream of becoming a pilot. Boy have you come to the right place!!

We have brought together all of the proper elements to provide you with the most thrilling, rewarding, and complete aviation experience possible. We think the combination of seasoned professional instructors, clean, well maintained equipment, a wide variety of standard & exotic aircraft, state of the are facilities, and a staff that is focused on the same goal of providing excellent customer service is the right one for unparalleled satisfaction.The Aero Squad is based at Compton Woodley Airport, 961 West Alondra Blvd., Compton, CA, 90220. Click here for directions This school is a branch of Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational institute that integrates youth mentoring with aviation, community involvement, outreach and social action. The museum is a dynamic integral part of the community serving the children, young adults and their families.

The Aero Squad is designed to fill the needs of potential pilots all across the United States and we will be opening new locations in towns across the country. All of the locations operate under one central management team who all share a passion for satisfied customers and helping the young adults of our communities.

There is also a mentoring program, Positive Vibrations Youth Mentoring Program

A Different Kind of Outreach Program; Positive Vibrations is a unique youth mentoring program that utilizes positive and constructive initiatives to teach and assist parents and teachers to motivate and inspire youth to reach their maximum potential.

Community Outreach

I am on my way to go give a presentation at a local (Cleveland suburb) elementary school. As a professional pilot, I enjoy speaking to girls about what I do and why I love it! I hope to inspire girls to consider all of their available opportunities (not just flying). At the Women in Aviation conference we put together a little video of other women talking about the same things - it will be on the website soon.

However, if you are in the Northeast Ohio area and interested in a Girls With Wings presentation (or elsewhere in the country I can locate a volunteer - like the two other pilots in this picture - willing to speak), please contact me.

Thank you!

The Women in Aviation Conference

Once again, I am humbled by the willingness of others to help me pursue the mission of Girls With Wings. You have not heard from me lately because I don't like to announce when I'm out of town, but I am just returning from the Women in Aviation Conference in San Diego, CA. My group of volunteer workers (from left to right) are: Monika, who I am now coordinating with to promote her documentary, "Flyabout," an inspirational tale of her 30 day trip around Australia in an airplane. Then Adrienne, a Continental Airlines pilot; me; Dave, Kim's boyfriend and charter pilot; Kim, future C5 pilot and USAF Officer; and Kristina, pilot and loving mom of a GWW model!

This was truly the best WAI conference I've been to yet. I don't know if it was an East Coast v. West Coast thing (it was sunny but still cold for CA!), but there was a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm here. Thank you to all that stopped by the booth to talk and who also purchase GWW merchandise to help fund the GWW website and program. Thanks also to my cousin Mike and his family for helping me with merchandise shipping and receiving - at their house - and getting me back to the airport.

A 1st: the Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to a woman

I couldn't let this pass by - given it's the month of the woman!

Michelle Goodman's Historic Distinguished Flying Cross

For the first time, the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) has been awarded to a woman, Flight Lieutenant and helicopter pilot Michelle Goodman, 31, of the Royal Air Force. Flight Lieutenant Goodman earned the medal by last June flying her Merlin helicopter through heavy fire and mortar rounds into the center of Basra, Iraq, at night to rescue a seriously injured soldier. She flew at 160 mph at very low level across a hostile city using night vision goggles; her aircraft was hit with enemy fire and she executed an approach and landing at an unfamiliar landing site that was taking mortar fire and shrouded in swirling dust. Goodman kept the aircraft on the ground for a full five minutes as her crew retrieved the injured rifleman. She then flew her aircraft, which detected a missile threat and automatically launched countermeasure flares, through a path covered very closely with friendly artillery fire to distract enemy forces. Flight Lieutenant Goodman could have elected not to take on the mission at all, determining that it required too much risk, "But if it was me lying down there," she told The Daily Mail, "I'd like to think there was someone prepared to come and get me."

The aircraft touched down at a British Field Hospital 14 minutes after launch. Before the flight, Goodman had asked her crew if they were up to the task and they agreed. Without Goodman's leadership, and her Incident Reaction Team, the wounded man would have died within 15 minutes. Goodman has completed three tours in Iraq. The DFC is one of the highest military decorations offered, below only the Victoria Cross and Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

The heroism gives me goosebumps - for all of the troops. They are always in my thoughts.

Happy International Women's Day!

I couldn't let this day go by - a special day within Women's History Month (and yes, there is an International Men's Day!).


India is celebrating with an all women flight on International Women's Day
--> All women flight on International Women's Day-->
Sat, Mar 8 08:16 PM
Chennai, March 8 (IANS) On the occasion of the International Woman's Day, an all women-operated Air India flight left Chennai Saturday for Colombo. A press statement here said captain M. Deepa and Flight Officer N.R. Veda Bakavati flew flight number IC 573/574 to the Sri Lankan capital. Besides Deepa and Veda Bakavati, airhostesses Upasana, Nancy, Shreyas, Dhanpreet and Maya completed the all female crew who greeted the woman passengers on the flight with rose buds to mark the day.

There is a website devoted to International Women's Day. Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. While there are many large-scale initiatives, a rich and diverse fabric of local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

Special Messge for Ohio High Schoolers/Aviation Enthusiasts

Date = Wednesday, April 2, 2008.
Title = 121st Air Refueling Wing 2008 Job Shadow Day
Location = Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base
Description = The purpose is to introduce area high schools students to Air National Guard career options in Central Ohio. We are honored to showcase potential job opportunities at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.

We anticipate a full day of activity including:
10:00 am– 10:20 am Arrival, Welcome, Introductory Briefings
10:20 am-12:15 am Shadow sponsor in the workplace
12:15 pm-12:45 pm Sack lunch eaten at the dining hall while visiting with sponsor
12:45 pm- 1:20 pm Tour KC-135 and “job fair-like” table top displays of various jobs
1:20 pm– 1:30 pm Bus pickup

Eligible youth include those who:
1. are in 9th to 12th grade,
2. have demonstrated maturity and good judgment,
3. are US citizens,
4. speak English, and
5. have no serious legal offenses.

Potential job shadow experiences include those in administration; public affairs, fire fighting, pilots, aircraft maintenance, personnel, life support equipment, logistics, civil engineering, security forces, computer technology, audio- visual, weather, and/or finance. For more information about our wing, please review the video at http://mycooljob.org/shadow/refuel.

Although we cannot guarantee we will be able to honor every student’s first choice job shadow experience, we would appreciate each attendee completing the enclosed RSVP form. Participants will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis as space will be limited.

Location = Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base (Columbus, OH)

For more information = SMSgt John Schmitt, (614)492-3572 or (614)348-3801. Please RSVP no later than March 19, 2008 via email at John.Schmitt@ohcolu.ang.af.mil.

Read Memo/RSVP.

See all other events on the Girls With Wings calendar.

Advice for an eZine reader...

With the message board back up and running, I would like to encourage everyone to post questions to the board so that all may have an opportunity to respond. New people joining the board would love to hear from you!

The best resource out there is all of us, combining our collective knowledge....

For example, I received this question:

Do you know anyone who has taken an excellent accelerated training program in
Florida to obtain the private pilot license? I want someone who can tell
me her experience and its upsides and downsides.

There is no way I
can complete this staying here in --. Too many obligations (work, family,
etc.) and crappy weather. I’m going to have to bite the bullet, crack into
investments and give up 2-3 weeks of needed income, and “just do it.” I
need the best, most effective program in existence in a reasonable climate near
friend with whom I can stay (or a cheap motel).

Please visit the message board to post your advice!
Lynda

Crosswind landings

Wind strength and direction is so important to a pilot. Tailwinds (those coming from behind us) are usually good - they push us to where we are trying to go, getting us there faster. However, tailwinds are NOT good on takeoffs or landings.

According to AOPA (Airplane Owner and Pilots Association):

Don't underestimate the effect of tailwinds--no matter how small--on either takeoff or landing. Not only do they cause an airplane to use more runway in both situations, but on takeoff they'll also flatten the climb angle, which may hamper your aircraft's ability to clear obstacles. In addition, a quartering tailwind makes a tailwheel airplane difficult to control. If landing runway length is even remotely a factor, as little as two knots on the tail can take away your margin, so landing on, or near, the numbers (at the beginning of the runway) becomes critical. The best remedy is to avoid takeoffs or landings in tailwinds of any kind.

Headwinds are not desirable during the cruise portion of the flight, but they work to pilots' advantage on takeoffs and landings, increasing airplane performance and decreasing the amount of runway used. I would say "needed" except most pilots do not PLAN for the headwind (landing on a shorter runway), but just take the headwind's benefit as a bonus during landing. One wouldn't want to plan on a headwind and then have the winds suddenly die down or shift directions.

Speaking of shifting directions, what if the wind is not straight down the runway? It is then called a crosswind. Most airplanes have a maximum crosswind limitation (often 20-30 knots). An airplane compensating for a crosswind has to "crab" into the wind so it can continue to travel in the intended direction. To imagine what I'm talking about say you have to swim across a river. If you pick a point directly across from you, you will end up farther down the bank than you had intended because of the current pushing you UNLESS you swim an appropriate amount upstream to compensate for the speed of the river.

On takeoffs and landings, crosswinds can be a little tricky. Beginning pilots (and experienced pilots) practice and have to pay a lot of attention to the effect of the crosswind.

AOPA again:

The most commonly taught crosswind landing technique is the cross-control, or wing-low landing. The pilot slips the airplane to the runway with just enough cross control to keep the aircraft aligned with the centerline. Remember that
the ailerons control the airplane's lateral movement. Use them to counteract the downwind drift caused by the crosswind and put the airplane on the runway centerline. Use the rudder to align the airplane's longitudinal axis with the runway centerline -- keep the nose pointed straight down the runway. (The pilot transitions from a "crab" to a "slip" right above the runway so the airplane will land straight down the runway - to not land on the gear while going sideways.)

Remember that all control forces will change during the transition from final approach to the end of the roll out. Wind direction and speed often change with altitude, and the control deflections required to maneuver the aircraft will increase as the aircraft's speed decreases. In general, you'll need to increase the aileron and rudder deflection as the aircraft speed decreases. Don't release your control inputs once the wheels are on the runway. The wind still affects the airplane, and you need to use the appropriate control inputs all the way to the tie down.

Would you like an illustration? Here is a video of a large Lufthansa jet landing with a major crosswind. Watch how much the airplane is "crabbing." It almost looks like it should be flying to your left, but it is coming straight towards you. Then at the last minute the pilot tries to slip - but the wind is so strong that it exceeds the maximum crosswind component for the airplane. The wingtip even touches the ground! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080303/ap_on_re_eu/germany_rough_landing

The Message Board is Back!

There are so many times where I am amazed by the kindness of others. I am flying with a great Captain this week, who took time last night to research a problem I was having with the Girls With Wings message board. Thanks to him, you can now once again register and post messages. Finally, a place specifically for women and girls to talk Flying, Education, Scholarships, and to explore our opportunities. Let's inspire each other!

Mike with his daughters (from left) Ashley, Elizabeth, and Angel with their "First Flight" Certificates.

Brenda - Girls With Wings Scholarship Winner!

Hi all,

You've seen Brenda on here before, but I thought I would call to your attention the journal Brenda has started on http://www.girlswithwings.com/.

Brenda was the winner of the First Annual GWW scholarship, receiving an award to help pay for her flying lessons. She is also studying at San Jose State University, majoring in aviation, so she is well suited to share her experiences not only with flying, but also with everything else she is learning in her classes!

For example, Brenda just made a visit to Oakland Center, which is "shorthand" for saying Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center (or ARTCC). See her pictures and read about her adventures!

So, what is an ARTCC and why do we care?

The United States Federal Aviation Administration defines an ARTCC as "[a] facility established to provide air traffic control service to aircraft operating on IFR flight plans within controlled airspace, principally during the en route phase of flight."

If you think of talking to ATC (Air Traffic Control) as layers of a cake, ARTCC is the at the top. When a pilot begins to go on a flight, she has to talk to a series of controllers.


In order (normally and simplified):


1. She gets her clearance from one frequency, and then once her flight plan is activated, she talks to ground so that she can taxi out to the runway.


2. She switches to tower to get her takeoff clearance.


3. She talks to departure (also called TRACON or Terminal Radar Approach CONtrol) as she climbs up to 10,000 feet.


4. She talks to center as she reaches the higher altitudes enroute to her destination.


5. During her descent, she talks to approach (like departure).


6. Then tower, to get her landing clearance.


7. Then ground, to get to her parking.





Would you like to know more? See Wikipedia's Air Traffic Control.

Weather Issues

Hi All,

I am in the Atlanta area, waiting to get down to southern Florida to pick up a passenger. Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating with our plans. We use a WSI (not sure what it stands for) computer terminal shown to the right.

WSI Pilotbrief provides a complete solution including WSI NOWrad® national and regional radar, radar summary charts, high-resolution satellite imagery, plotted SIGMETS, AIRMETS, and more. It's the choice of the nation's top FBOs, FAA Flight Service Stations and corporate flight departments.

Our picture is shown to the left. As you can see, there is a white box shown between Atlanta and Miami. The white boxes signify a SIGMET.

Wikipedia: SIGMET, or Significant Meteorological Information, is a weather advisory that contains meteorological information concerning the safety of all aircraft. There are two types of SIGMETs, convective and non-convective. The criteria for a non-convective SIGMET to be issued are severe or greater turbulence over a 3000 square mile area, or severe or greater icing over a 3000 sq mile area or IMC conditions over a 3000 sq mile area due to dust, sand, or volcanic ash.

A Convective SIGMET is issued for convection over the Continental U.S. Convective SIGMETs are issued for an area of thunderstorms affecting an area of 3000 sq miles or greater, a line of thunderstorms at least 60 nm long, and/or severe or embedded thunderstorms affecting any area that are expected to last 30 minutes or longer.

Above and to the left are closer pictures. The one to the left has red boxes - which signifies tornado watches! Sorry they're hard to see, that's the flash of the camera.

This weather system hit us early this am in Atlanta, and has been moving slowly across the country. The weather picture on the computer can be "looped" so you can see the movement over time. It gives pilots a good idea of how fast the system is moving, and if it's building or lessening. This colorful one is generating severe thunderstorms (hail, turbulence, high wind gusts). Green is light rain, and as the colors go from there to yellow to red (there's even purple), the precipitation (and associated storm characteristics) get worse. Flying through yellow is uncomfortable. Red is bad. Purple, well, we don't want to go there. Ever. (Of course, there are people who fly through storms for a living. That's not my gig.)

So, we're continuing to analyze, to see if the storm will break up or move on by (it hasn't been moving very fast). Remember how I said in a previous post that "we're going to go eventually anyway?" We have a couple of options in such situations. We can either pick our way through and around, or wait. Sometimes it pays to stay safely on the ground!

I know our passenger is restless, wanting to be on his way. Unfortunately, this is a safety issue. There's been reports of severe turbulence (again, severe turb is NOT to be flown through). We can't do that much deviating either, because it burns up so much fuel. We may risk painting ourselves into a corner. Again, people pay pilots to keep them safe. It's our job.

WomenFly!

I have been asked to help find mentors to participate in this event. Can you help?

About WomenFly!
A Special Event for Young Women Interested in Aviation and Aerospace Careers
Audience: Young women (ages 13 - 19) interested in careers in aviation and aerospaceDate: Friday, March 7, 2008Time: 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
There will be an additional Women Fly! panel discussion held on Saturday, March 8, 2008, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm.
Women Fly! brings professional women in aviation to the Museum to share their career stories and life experiences with young women who are interested in aviation and aerospace careers.
Women Fly! is an annual event in support of The Museum of Flight’s public education mission.
The specific purposes of the Women Fly! event are:
To celebrate the significant contributions women have made and continue to make to the progress of aviation and aerospace;
To give young women who have an interest in aviation or aerospace careers the opportunity to interact with successful, professional women in those fields.
If you have additional questions, check the FAQs, e-mail, or call 206-768-7141.

Winter Weather

I've had a few emails lately from the scholarship applicants, frustrated with the winter weather, as it is delaying their progress toward their pilots' licenses. (Not everyone, however - Congratulations Cindy!).

Tongue in cheek, I replied to one:
We "professional" pilots - those that fly all the time, often joke: why should I look at the weather? It's not like we're NOT going to go... I know for training it's kind of tough working around the weather, but soon there will be very few weather events that will prevent you from going anywhere. Thunderstorms, icing, high winds, etc., at your destination, will eventually move on. Enroute, you just navigate around (or fly above) the icky stuff (thanks to some great in-flight weather radar and alert Air Traffic Controllers). Of course, we DO check the weather, not just because the FAA says we have to, but because it's the safe thing to do.

So why was your last commercial flight so late due to storms? Well, a large storm can funnel a lot of traffic into a smaller space. There are "arrival procedures" into airports coming from N, S, E, and W, and some of those may be shut down, forcing more airplanes to use fewer procedures. The same is true for "departure procedures." And even though a storm may be no where near your destination, the airlines have a domino effect. Late aircraft can send a ripple throughout the entire country!