Alaina, 2012 GWW Scholarship Winner, West Point Cadet and more!

We wanted to give you this update on one of Girls With Wings 2012 Scholarship Winners. On Alaina's essay submitted to apply for the Private Pilot Scholarship, she wrote:

On an application form, I am known as a 17-year-old junior from the quiet suburbs of Kings Mills, Ohio. These words are true to a tee, but then again, do not describe me at all. To people, I am known as a wild adventurer, always ready to try atypical activities and explore unusual hobbies. Although young, I have developed two life philosophies: live life to the fullest, and make a difference in the world. I never pass up unique opportunities (which have led to some eyebrow-raising stories for sure!), so when offered an opportunity to take a ride in a tiny Aeronca Champion, I jumped at the chance—and I’ve been hooked ever since. My first official lesson was on October 17th, 2010, and the rest is history.

When you read the following, I think you can agree that we saw right through her and knew she was destined to a lifetime of accomplishments! Here she is updating us on her progress:

Hi ladies and gentlemen! I was one of the Girls With Wings scholarship recipients a few years ago, and I just wanted to show you the incredible opportunities this organization gives to others. When I was in high school, I earned my sport license, and then with the help of GWW, I went on to earn my private license. I currently attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, and because I love aviation, I tried out for the flying team. There were a LOT of people interested in joining the team; however, because I was already a private pilot and had so many hours, I scored an interview and an opportunity to fly. This past weekend I went up, demonstrated what I knew, and earned a slot to compete in the regional competition this October.

First off, a huge thank you is in order for the Girls With Wings Foundation. If it weren’t for their generosity, I probably wouldn’t have been given a second look without my private certificate. Instead, I qualified for a team that will help me develop my flying skills further in preparation for a career in Army aviation. Secondly, I want to stress the importance of aviation and encourage people to check it out, learn about it, practice it, support it, anything like that. Being able to fly gives you a unique skill that makes you stand apart from others; it also gives you a confidence boost to know you have a special skill set that not many others are able to say they have mastered. Flying also links you to a special community of fellow aviators that you instantly share a bond with. Regardless if you have ever met before, you know that you have something in common with each other: a love for the skies and everything that goes with it. If you have been considering taking a peek at aviation, or know anyone who would be interested in flying, GO FOR IT. Encourage your friend/mom/uncle/kids/neighbor’s cat to go pursue their passion. I promise it will be worth it. 

Again, I want to say thank you to Lynda Meeks and Girls with Wings; they are a wonderful organization I am blessed to be part of. I will let you all know how regionals goes in about a month! 

Congratulations to you, Alaina, we all are rooting for you and know that you will do amazing. We look forward to hearing all about it.

Read all of Alaina's essays here.

Susan's Post as a Girls With Wings Scholarship Winner!

Susan's post as a Girls With Wings Additional Scholarship Winner: Susan's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. Additional Awards were designated to four individuals that showed great promise and dedication. We therefore offered them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training. Read more about our scholarship program. 

I cannot even begin to quantify the joy I felt when I received the news of winning the scholarship. It was definitely an uplifting moment. Since applying for the scholarship, it has been a rollercoaster ride in terms of emotions and truthfully, my body being pushed to the limit. I thank God because I got a part time job as a cashier, I had been desperately looking for any job because my savings were running low and a miracle happened there. 

Joining university during summer, working part time and still trying to log hours was definitely a challenge. At some point I almost broke down because I felt I had such a heavy load, the weather was really not in my favor at all so I wasn’t flying as frequently as I would have liked to, in order to meet my goal of getting my certificate by the beginning of the fall semester, money was running low and assignments were constantly due, but I snapped out of it in good time thanks to my support system, that is my family and church. I have truly learnt how to be patient during this period and accepting the situations as they come. The fact that I didn’t get my license by the time I wanted to should not put me down. I realized it should not overshadow all the good things I had achieved and been blessed with thus far. I decided to focus on the positives. The first one was getting the news of receiving the scholarship. 
 
I have since done practice cross countries with my instructor and passed my written test (That was another highlight for me). During one of the cross countries, I got to land at Amelia Earhart’s little airport in Atchison, Kansas (K59). The joy!! I cannot forget that day because I had always wanted to fly myself there and visit the museum. Well I didn’t get to go to the museum because of time in between the hops, but the experience of being there alone was enough for me to go home smiling. 

I’ve now resumed for the fall semester and time is actually my biggest concern because of the fact that I wasn’t able to transfer my required credits to start flying at the university (the pre-requisite was the Private Pilot Certificate), I now have to juggle two schools. Paying for the hours as well is not easy. Meaning I fly during any free time I get when I have the funds, which is now limited to almost once a week with me juggling school work and a job. I am now constantly reminded of a saying from back home that goes like ‘Haba na haba hujaza kibaba’ which in simple terms means, in small installments you will end up filling the container, which in my case is coming to ring true. It has slowly come to be a motivational quote. I have decided to work with what is thrown my way. My goal has not changed, just the time frame and that’s how I decided to look at it. I may be limited to how often I fly, but the fact is I’m still doing it, it’s still adding up. The fact that I’m actively in pursuit of my dream makes me forget and not notice the workload. Looking at my logbook, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and only have more faith in where I intend to reach. My eyes are still on the prize, usually gazing skywards. 

Susan, most of us know exactly where you're coming from - and we are all pulling for you! In the US we have a saying I use often,  "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." You can do it!!

Lauren's Post as a Girls With Wings Scholarship Winner!

Lauren's post as a Girls With Wings Additional Scholarship Winner: Lauren's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. Additional Awards were designated to four individuals that showed great promise and dedication. We therefore offered them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training. Read more about our scholarship program.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Girls With Wings for the incredible opportunity to continue flight training through the help of the summer additional scholarship. Since I received the scholarship, I have been able to fly several times in the Piper Cherokee 180. I love that plane and everything about flying it feels right. I am finally able to see my progress in flight training – just a year ago I hadn’t been in a small plane before, but now I’m comfortable at the controls and feel at home in the sky. I haven’t been able to fly as much as I’d like because of a busy school schedule, but as the year progresses I should have more flight time. 

Here in Fort Worth, Texas, the last few weeks have been extremely hot and I received the opportunity to fly at 1 P.M. on a Saturday. I knew it would be unbearable but I also knew it was worth it—I hadn’t flown for weeks. I drove out to a country airport where the plane was, untied her, and did the preflight. Before I knew it I was in the air, practicing banks, stalls, slow flight, and following headings. It was 108 degrees outside and we kept catching thermals, so it was really turbulent. My CFI was ahead of the game and brought a portable air conditioner which saved both of us. I really enjoyed that lesson, because not only did I get to fly, but I also learned how to operate in conditions I wasn’t used to. It’s all a learning process, and I always look forward to the new experiences I’ll have each time. 

In addition to training, I have started an aviation club at my high school and in just a month, two students have begun ground school. I’m excited to see where aviation takes not only me, but also others I’m encouraging into the air. Hopefully I’ll be able to fly more regularly in the coming weeks. 

I’m thankful for what Girls With Wings has done for me -- I am able to follow my dreams, and this is just the beginning. I am looking forward to serving as a role model for GWW. I am determined and confident that I can make a difference and that I will go on to achieve my dreams of being a fighter pilot. 

Having done my CFI training in Texas, Lauren, I know the feeling! We are so proud of you - please keep us posted on your progress.- Lynda 

The final essay of a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Najla Dorsey!

In our better-late-than-never and don't-ever-give-up category, we present the final essay of a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Najla Dorsey! Due to some family and personal issues she's had to take  a bit of a break from flying but we hope to see her up in the air again soon. Read her application and first essay. and then read more about our scholarship program.

[The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.]

I have learned a lot during my flight training and have made tremendous progress since the spring. I want to show my gratitude to Girls With Wings for exposing aviation to young girls, supporting aviation dreams, and recruiting aviatrixes, like myself, to become role models. As I mentioned previously, I have been faced with some challenges in the air such as landing the plane, radio communications, and crosswind correction. However, these challenges have allowed me to see strengths within myself I never knew I had. These strengths have assured me that I can gain proficiency in various flight maneuvers with consistency and dedication. To this day, I still face challenges. Acting as pilot-in-command is a big responsibility and an aspect that I still need to gain confidence in. The Dream Takes Flight Scholarship not only provides financial help for continuous flight lessons but the organization, as a whole, offers the support of women who have gone through similar difficulties while learning within the field of aviation. I can only hope that the flying experiences I share with Girls With Wings can be that inspirational strength for another young lady entering aeronautics.

Yeni's First Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Yeni's First Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner! Yeni's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

I’m delighted to be awarded with the Dreams Take Flight Scholarship. Thank you for the opportunity to pursue my passion for flying. It has been an amazing experience so far and because of the scholarship I have even more motivation to continue my ultimate goal to become a pilot. 

I have been spending ten hours a week preparing for the written exam. I am very confident with the progress I am making, and I plan on taking the exam early in October. I have been taking advantage of the fact that I work for an aviation training company by using my co-workers knowledge and experience as a resource. I ask many questions and my co-workers are very impressed with my enthusiasm and desire to learn more about the world of aviation. 

I really enjoy learning about aerodynamics, flight rules, and especially about the weather. 

My plan for August was to fly ten hours and possibly do my first solo. However, due to unforeseeable obligations I was unable to accomplish this objective much to my disappointment. I have been using the time, as I mentioned, to insure that I score the highest possible written test results. 

Even though I haven’t flown as much as I wanted to, my instructor Len and I have been able to perform the preflight walk-around several times. I have also been spending time studying all of the checklist procedures for the Cessna 172. I feel confident at this point that I can do my preflight procedures without the aid of my instructor. I am looking forward to flying again, and I have several lessons scheduled in the next couple of weeks. 

( Preflight walk-around in the Cessna 172) 

I feel that I am moving the right direction and once again grateful for the opportunity that The Girls with Wings have afforded me. I am committed to justifying your confidence in me because I have learned that the sky is not my limit.

Thank you so much, 
Yeni 

 We hope you get back in the air soon, Yeni - keep us posted!

Diana's First Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Diana, who has since soloed! Her flying lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study.  There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

Diana and Instructor Joe

Diana LeSueur Journal Entry September 2013

My flight training has been an amazing experience so far! I have learned so much. But, with all that learning, I have realized how much more there is to learn! Some people think I am crazy learning to fly during the summer in Arizona, and I probably am a little. As a teacher, the summer was the time that would work best for my schedule, so I made the best of it by flying as early in the morning as possible. 

My first milestone was passing the written exam. That was quite an experience. I had just begun my flight training. I needed to pass the written exam to apply for a particular scholarship and I only had a few weeks to accomplish this by the due date. I studied my on-line ground school course intensely for those few weeks, determined to achieve this goal. When it came time to take the test, I was so nervous. I would have given myself a little more time to prepare if I did not have the deadline to meet, but I did feel confident that I could pass the test. I took my time to go through each question carefully and look for information on one question that might help me on another. I did get very nervous half way through the test because it seemed as though the materials that I knew very well, there were very few, if any, questions on those topics. Example: I learned my E6B so well that I felt I could answer any question that required me to use it. Can you believe, my test did not ask one question that I needed to use it!! And of course, there were more questions than I expected on one of the topics that I was not as confident about! I did pass the test and boy was I relieved!! I completely forgot to take a picture of this day!! Darn it! 

My solo day was awesome! July 22, 2013. Now leading up to that day was getting somewhat frustrating. It was taking me longer than I had hoped for but it all worked out and the day I actually soloed was a perfect day. I knew that it was going to be any day that my instructor was going to have me solo. I was getting very anxious and my landings started to show it, then the weather was not cooperating and one morning it was just too crazy busy at the airport. But finally, on the morning we went up, my instructor said, “Don’t expect to solo today”. He was trying to get me to not think about it. The practices were going great! The landings felt really good. He then had me taxi back to our ramp and said, “Unfortunately I can’t just jump out and say ‘It’s all yours!’ because I need to have you get out and open the door for me!” His door was not working from the inside, so I had to go open his door from the outside! I was nervous but feeling confident and excited. The tower was really testing me that day. Although I had told them that I was a student solo pilot, they had me switching runways for each landing! My second landing was a go-around, but all others went very well. I celebrated by going to lunch with my friend/colleague, her little boy, one of my Air National Guard friends and his son. 

I’m working on my cross country flights. I should be ready for that solo very soon. I really like the cross country flights. You get to climb to a higher altitude where the weather is cooler. Right now in Arizona, that’s huge! 

I’m soaking it all in and enjoying every lesson, even if it is taking more hours than I thought! I am looking forward to the day that I earn my private pilot certificate! 

Congratulations, Diana! We look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments.

Caitlin's First Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Caitlin, who has progressed in her flying lessons thanks in part to the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study.  There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

My training has progressed exponentially since winning the Dreams Take Flight scholarship! It’s such an amazing feeling and winning gave me that extra confidence boost I needed. 

From submitting my application to winning, I actually changed flight schools and got paired up with my first male instructor. While it was amazing to have had two inspiring female instructors, they just weren’t the right fit for my learning needs. I was very proud of having female instructors, but in the end, I had to do what was right for my training. It was an important lesson for me to learn. It was difficult to change from my previous instructor because we got along great and I had no personal issues with her, but I felt stuck and having the same lesson over and over with little or no progress. 

Within a few lessons with my new instructor I soloed! It was obviously a big day for me. I had struggled a lot up to that point. My previous instructor kept telling me I was close to soloing since the end of April, but schedules, weather, and my improvement wasn’t enough to get me to solo with her. I was beginning to doubt my ability. When I finally went for my progress check with another instructor, it went horribly wrong. I lost all my confidence and thinking about flying a plane solo made me feel sick to my stomach afterwards. I was ready to quit. I switched schools to give it one last try, and it was the best decision I ever made. I gained my confidence back and on August 12th my instructor said the next landing would be a full stop and he would be getting out, I wasn’t nervous at all! I knew I could do it because my last five landings were the best I’d ever done. My problem: my seat was too low; we raised the seat that lesson and it all clicked. I heard people saying that would may be the case, but I just didn’t believe it. I wasn’t expecting to solo and I think that made it so much better. It was a day I was beginning to think would never come. 

I love going up solo now, something that I thought I would avoid at the start of my training. I thought I would do my time required to get my license and then most likely always have another person with me in the plane. My mom would prefer I always have another pilot with me, but that’s not going to happen (sorry, Mom!). I now look at soloing as almost relaxing. I get my ultimate alone time. I know going into solo cross countries and check ride prep that solo time will be less relaxing and more work, but I think I’ll always enjoy it. 

I went straight into cross country planning after my solo. I’m very lucky to have my boyfriend doing my ground school, so we stayed up later than I should have planning my first cross country to Poughkeepsie therefore I could just focus on the flying part of the cross country the next day. It was great to get out of the pattern; I have felt stuck in it for MONTHS! 

My CFI and I also accomplished my dual long cross country which was great because most of the first leg was flying along the northern coast of Long Island. It’s amazing how different the landscape looks further east. There are fields and lots of green, compared to the congestion I’m use to seeing. There was a few clouds below us, starting to form a layer. I got the chance to fly above the clouds, which felt like I was much higher than the 3500ft actual altitude I was. It also gave my instructor to explain to me if I was on my own what I should do. It was still VFR on either side, so it might have been better to fly across the Long Island Sound and follow the coast of Connecticut instead. We were in luck when the clouds parted and by our first stop, KGON, it was clear skies by the airport. The next two legs did involve dodging some towering cumulus clouds in the way of my planned flight path. After landing, while waiting for my train home I got a call from my boyfriend asking if I was on the ground at KFRG. I said yes and was a bit confused. Apparently, at Newark, there was a torrential downpour that cancelled his flights. I never got rain on, even on the way home! It’s funny how different the weather can be in such a close proximity, and a reminder to double check the weather at your destinations, in case you run into something like that! 
 
I felt like I was breezing through training now. I worked on more complex landings/take offs on days when the weather didn’t let us leave the pattern. I also used foggles for the first time on my first cross country and used them for almost an hour another lesson. I started feeling a bit weird at the end so had to take it off before the Hobbs got to one hour. I’m now working on building up my solo time, to hopefully take my first solo cross country after my next lesson! It keeps being delayed due to weather or the plane has a broken attitude indicator. I’ll be taking my written very shortly as well. Things are moving along quite quickly, who knows where I’ll be by the next blog entry! 

We're looking forward to hearing from you about it, too, Caitlin. Congratulations on your solo and for taking charge of your training.

Devin's First Post as the Girls With WIngs Private Pilot Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Devin, who has resumed her flying lessons thanks in part to the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship, an award in the amount of $1000.00, targets those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. Read more about our scholarship program.

When I received the notice that I won the amazing private pilot scholarship, I ran around my whole house to tell my parents and sister. I’m so honored to have been selected for this scholarship and will work my hardest to get achieve my private pilot license as soon as possible so I can tell you all about it. 

Unfortunately I was unable to get my private pilot license a before school started, but I have already scheduled September full of flights, including my cross country. In July, I mostly was studying my Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual and Jeppesen Private Pilot Maneuvers Manual. I discovered I won the award in early August, and since then have been working with my instructor to schedule flights and set checkpoints. 

Even though I haven’t flown all that much these past months, I have had some very important flights. I was able to fly my grandmother, visiting from California, around. She was really happy that I would be able to get a private pilot’s license soon, especially since her mother and father had pilot’s licenses. I was also able to take my mother flying, and it was probably one of the only times she’d ever been up in a small plane before. I’ve had a couple of training flights in addition to these where I had to knock some rust off from not flying for a while before the summer started, but I think now I’m completely up to speed and excited for the more intensive flight schedule to come. In my last flight lesson, I practiced a lot of slow flight and landings with flaps, which I am not very experienced using. On Monday I’m going flying again and can’t wait to see what new things I learn and how I’ll improve. Here are some pictures of my training flight on August 23rd. I’m doing preflight check and pushing out the plane. My instructor is in the blue shirt helping me tow out the plane.

Caylee's First Post as the Girls With WIngs Private Pilot Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Caylee who has resumed her flying lessons thanks in part to the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship, an award in the amount of $1000.00, targets those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. Read more about our scholarship program.

Caylee's Essay:

On August 22 it had been 1 year, 2 months and 19 days since my last flight on June 3, 2012. But who was counting? 

I was scheduled to fly at 5:30 so I sat at work anxious and nervous all day. 

But I’d already had 32 hours of flight experience, why was I so nervous? I’d soloed twice, talked on the radio plenty of times, performed cross wind landings and overcome motion sickness. 

I reminded myself of this all day long, recounting my favorite flights and the feeling I got when I had a great landing. The nerves continued as I repeated positive affirmations in my mind. “Why be nervous when you can be excited.” “You’re only nervous because you care so much.” “You’ve done this plenty of times before and you will be fine.” In the back of my mind I knew I would do fine. I am good at staying calm and doing what I need to do despite being nervous but the “what ifs” kept creeping into my mind. What if I wouldn’t be good at flying any more, what if I wasn’t going to get along with my new instructor, what if I got motion sickness again, what if I just didn’t love it after being away for over a year. 

I walked into CT Flight Academy like I had done dozens of times before and waited for instructions. I knew some things had changes since I last flew so I was told to grab the weight and balance and P.A.V.E. checklists. With a quick refresher the weight and balance was out of the way. The P.A.V.E. (Pilot, Aircraft, EnVironment, and External Pressures) checklist was something I’d never seen before. It gave me the opportunity to review my previous experience and I realized that I have done 120 take-offs and landings and I have 32 hours of flight time. It eased my doubts and I was glad that my new instructor was letting me take my time. Part of me thought that because I have flown before that my instructor would just throw me in the plane and send me off. I know that is irrational but when you’re nervous everything comes to mind. 

The pre-flight was a little rushed for my taste but soon enough I was back on the radios and we were taking off. I was glad that most of my skills came right back. They may not have been totally refined but they were there and I didn’t forget everything. We performed straight and level flight, slow flight, and turns all while I reveled in the view of the city of Hartford and the surrounding towns from above. There were a few low clouds that we flew through quickly, something I’d never done before either. It gave me a small sense for what instrument training will be like. We’ll deal with that when I get there. We made our way to Meriden-Markham airport which is un-towered. I called out my positions on the radio and landed. I was proud of my landing after having not done it for a year and I felt that having done over 100 landings I had the muscle memory. 

As we taxied back to runway 18 a small fox ran beside us on the grass next to the runway. At that moment I had an epiphany. Flying is supposed to be fun! Obviously I always knew that, but my first time around flying I put a lot of pressure on myself. I didn’t want to disappoint my dad, a helicopter pilot, or any of my fellow 99’s who were all rooting for me. Over the past year I’ve been able to reflect and I know I have to fly for myself and do the best I can. My fellow aviators will be supportive no matter what. 

I performed a short field take off and we headed back to Hartford-Brainard. After contacting ATC I performed another landing to be proud of and the flight was over. 

Overall, I had nothing to worry about! My instructor, Guillermo, and I got along great and I can’t wait to continue flying with him. My skills came back pretty quickly so I should be able to move along with training pretty quickly. 

Aside from actually flying I have been enrolled in ground school as well. I’ve been working hard to study and plan to take my written in mid-September. I can read sectionals and plan a cross-country but I need to work on memorizing airspace, weather and differentiating between the different weather charts. 

I’m very excited for what this coming semester will bring. I will be back in graduate school full time, finishing my thesis and flying. The combination of studying is sure to be strenuous but I’m excited for the challenge. 

On another note! I’m running the CT Chapter 99’s booth at the upcoming

Simsbury Fly-In on September 15 from 8am-3pm. If anyone is in the area come stop by and say hello! 

Read Caylee's scholarship application. 

Caylee, The Winner of a Private Pilot Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the first winner for the 2013 Summer Scholarship Program: Caylee Johanson!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Private Pilot Scholarship is an award in the amount of $1000.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

From Caylee:

My dad, a helicopter pilot, introduced me to flying. He used to take me to lunch in the bowling alley parking lot across from Bradley International Airport and watch the planes fly in and out. For as long as I can remember, the passion of aviation has run through my veins and every time I hear an airplane or helicopter my eyes drift toward the sky. My mom always wanted me to go directly into flying after high school and in hindsight she was probably right. It was impressed upon me to work towards a “practical” degree, though. I set a goal for myself which I achieved when I graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology Suma Cum Laude with the highest GPA of the graduating Mechanical Engineering Technology major and second in the graduating class overall. The desire to challenge myself grew. What was next on the list? 

I took my first flight lesson in October 2011. I soloed on February 19, 2012 after 15 hours of flight time! Unfortunately, a family illness overshadowed my life and I am now in graduate school at the University of Hartford studying for a dual-masters degree in mechanical engineering and business administration. Again I have set the goal to graduate at the top of my class. 

 I recently began ground school with the plan to pass the written test by the fall and begin flying again. This scholarship will get me back in the cockpit to review maneuvers and landings so I can fly my solo cross-country. With 32 hours of flight time behind me, I know I would be able to complete my training within a few months. 

In college I was very privileged to be able to become familiar with different jobs through internship programs. I’ve been able to work as a product safety engineer ensuring the reliability of the space suits that NASA astronauts wear and when applying to graduate school, I was accepted for a research grant with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This grant led me down the path towards nuclear engineering and I currently intern with a company testing the ability of our nation’s nuclear power plants to withstand earthquakes. While these experiences will enhance my ability to promote women’s studies in aviation and its related fields, the aviation industry is what truly inspires me. 

My passion for flying is waiting to explode as I work and study with an antsy feeling in my body that I just have to get out there, into the world! I know that aviation is my passion and I will always feel that something is missing until I get my pilots license and am working in the aviation industry. I know that when I do get my license I will feel as free as the birds that join me in the sky, knowing that I have the ability to explore all that this earth has to offer. Aviation incites in me a spirit of adventure! As Ernest Hemingway said, “Escape. Reach the inaccessible. Make the world your own.” This will all become possible with that ticket in my hand. 

I always think back to the little girl who fell in love with the skies. The one who wrote next to her fourth grade year book picture for everyone to see, “When I grow up I want to be a pilot”. I want to be a role model to the Girls With Wings community to prove that you can achieve your elementary school dreams. 

Being a woman in both the aviation and engineering industries, I know what it can be like in a male dominated field. Luckily I have been greeted with nothing but support thus far but I know it is not as easy for other women out there. I strive to promote women in engineering and aviation fields to make it easier for the future generations to break through. 

 I am a member of the Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation, AOPA and the Society of Women Engineers. My association with these groups has shown me how many opportunities there are for women and girls to gain experience, support and general information in various aviation industries. I wish that I had been exposed to these groups when I was younger and had an opportunity to be involved in the aviation community sooner. Now my main goal is to share these opportunities. I volunteer annually at the New England Air Museum’s Women Take Flight program to talk with young girls and to help plant the seed to their aviation and engineering passions. I also work the 99’s booth at the annual Simsbury Fly In to promote aviation and plan to give presentations throughout my local school system to give back and inspire. My ability to share aviation will only increase when I get my license and I am able to provide the gift of flight. 

Like most young girls, I look up to all of the women who have blazed the trail before me; the women who are more experienced and have so many amazing accomplishments and stories to tell; the women who have such a fire for what they do but all the while are classy, modest and encouraging; the women who are proud of where they are but do not forget where they came from and push others to reach their own goals. While I will never stop looking up to them, now want to be one of those women. I want to be someone that girls can come to for advice, encouragement or just a story showing that I relate to the fact that they can’t get their landings or radio communication right and they are not alone. 

As a role model for the Girls With Wings community, one of the best pieces of advice I can provide is to “Make yourself proud.” This is a quote I live by; I carry a piece of paper with the saying on it everywhere I go. There is even one in my flight bag. In intense fields such as aviation and engineering, it is difficult not to get caught up with how well others are doing and where you stand in relation. It is best to realize and respect the fact that everyone learns differently and at their own pace. I set my personal standards high, work extremely hard in all that I do and simply strive to make myself proud of the effort I put in. I can’t wait to see how far this gets me in flying and in life! 

I have many dreams and challenges I’ve set for myself. I plan to pursue my instrument rating, commercial license and continue on with a helicopter rating as well. Learning to bush fly in Alaska for a summer is on my aviation bucket list too. I have a desire to use my flying for the better. I will love to volunteer with Pilots and Paws or as a transport pilot in remote areas of the world to deliver supplies. Dreams and goals are what keep me going. Life should be a never ending set of challenges that you give to yourself. Meeting those challenges and surpassing not only other people’s standards but the higher one’s you set for yourself are what makes life exciting and great. Regardless of where I do end up in the aviation industry I want my 8 year old self to be proud that I didn’t give up on such a rare dream. 

Best wishes to you, Caylee. We look forward to hearing about your training!

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.


Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Devin, The Winner of a Private Pilot Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the second winner for the 2013 Summer Scholarship Program: Devin Ward!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Private Pilot Scholarship is an award in the amount of $1000.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

From Devin:


Straight to the point: My goal is to achieve a private pilot certificate before school starts in late August. I realize this is ambitious considering the limited time left for me to fulfill the requirements, such as cross country flight, but I will work my utmost to make it happen. Furthering my flight skills is important to me, and I love to end each lesson knowing I have improved. In fact, just having flown amazes me and makes me smile in fascination every time. I hope to promote the sheer wonder of flight and the boundless possibilities in life to girls for the Girls With Wings organization. Nothing excites me more than learning, and I love to help people around me to share that excitement. Becoming a role model for the Girls With Wings organization will allow me to inspire girls to try new things that exceed their self-imposed limitations.

To be honest, I don't know exactly know what I want to do later in life; I haven't had an epiphany of the perfect career for myself, haven't had a dream career since I was little to work toward. My path is unclear, but that's OK. I accept life as a learning process. I'll encourage people to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way, no matter if it seems impossible or far from where they see themselves going in the future. I think this is one reason many girls don't even try to experience aviation. Too many people seem stuck to what they view as their realistic potential, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. If people just get out there and try new things, they can discover so much more than they imagined. Or at least, that's what's happened to me. 

My first big opportunity to view the world of aviation was through the Tuskegee Airmen Mile High Flight Program in 2012. I owe my current passion toward flying to them. The program had two phases. Phase 1 was free and open to any who applied and we went to guided tours of aviation-related places each month. To name a few, we went to the Wings Over the Rockies Flight Museum, the Air Force Academy, and even the United Airlines training facility where we had the pleasure of flying their professional training flight simulators. Our penultimate trip in Phase 1 was going up in a glider. By this time only about 15 of the original 25 or so students remained in the program. The glider was amazing. I had never before been in any small aircraft and to soar without any power, yet be completely in control, was an experience I'll never forget. I had been extremely nervous beforehand because I had literally thought aircraft had to be precariously balanced in the air, lest they plummet unceremoniously to the ground, but now I understand the saying "the airplane wants to fly." I even got to handle the controls in the air! The final Phase 1 trip was a flight in a Cessna 182, where again I was very nervous, but in the end wished the flight had been longer. I realized how much I loved being able to look out at the tiny houses and cars below, free as a bird. 

Phase 2 was the really special part of the program. It was only offered to two students of Phase 1 who demonstrated commitment and passion toward aviation through an essay, and an interview, and performance during Phase 1. Phase 2 included fully paid flight training at the Aspen Flying Club until solo, and I am proud to say I was selected. Without that scholarship funding, I would not have receive the training it took to get my solo pilot's license. Before I made it to Phase 2, I hadn't ever imagined myself as a pilot. This opening into the world of flight changed my life, which is how I know the importance of these opportunities and want to help organizations that provide them. 

I've been able to continue my training towards a private pilot's license through the generosity of people who support my passion to fly. My instructor halved his normal price for my training, the same deal given to the Tuskegee Airmen program. The scholarship money would really help me continue my training and reach my goal. 

I realize I haven't touched on the grievances of a woman in a man's world, but that is because I absolutely think a career in aviation is as possible for girls as for boys. Aviation is a wonderful profession for anyone who discovers the joy of flight. I've been welcomed with open wings into the flying community and every pilot I've ever met has encouraged me, given me tips, or just been a pleasure to talk to, even if they are mostly men. If you love it, go for it! If you don't know whether you love it, try it! That's my motto. Now that I know how much I love flight, I'm willing to work to make it part of my future. 

My main message to everyone: Nothing bad can come of experiencing as much as you can. If something new comes along, even if you think you won't fit into the group because of gender or ethnicity or whatever, TRY. It's OK to be unsure. You'll not like some things but be glad you tried. Grab a hold of as many opportunities as possible and appreciate them. Whatever you learn will become surprisingly useful and overlap in everyday life. Be proud for having gone out of your way to do something new, whether it is flying or something else; always stop to consider what you're able to do and how amazing it is. 

We like "straight to the point," Devin, and your main message. We look forward to hearing about your training!

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.


Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Diana, The Winner of a Dreams Take Flight Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the first winner for a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Diana LeSueur!

The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Here is Diana's application essay:

I have been teaching science in Mesa, Arizona for 24 years. Eleven years ago I was selected to work with 5th grade students throughout the Mesa Public School District on scientific principles using the theme of aviation. The custom designed classroom, we call the Flight Center, is equipped with the technology to allow students to apply the knowledge they have learned. Here, the students are pilots-in-training and I play the role of their flight instructor. We begin with a practice flight using Hartel trainers. The class divides into groups and rotates through the following stations: COMPUTERS - Flying a Cessna 172 on one of eight computers set up with Microsoft Flight Simulator, control stick and rudder pedals. DISCOVERY - Engage in science experiments relating to principles that effect flight. HELICOPTER TRAINER- Built from parts of an MD500, students experience the technology and applications of helicopter flight. AIRPLANE SIMULATOR - The simulator has control surfaces, like a real plane, which move as different maneuvers are performed. It climbs, dives, rolls, and yaws left and right, in response to the pilot moving the control stick and rudder pedals.

In addition to the Flight Center during the school year, I started a summer aviation program for middle school students. I am able to cover expenses by receiving grants from Boeing and a partnership with the Commemorative Air Force at Falcon Field Airport. We integrate scientific process skills, careers, history of flight and transportation, engineering skills and the principles of flight through activities and guest speakers including professional and private pilots, air craft mechanics, ATCs and more. We take them on field trips to the Air National Guard, aviation businesses, flight schools and local airports. The students also have the unique opportunity to visit Boeing, home of the Apache AH-64.

As I have watched some of my students progress to become Civil Air Patrol cadets, pilots and aeronautical engineers, childhood dreams have resurfaced and my desire to be a pilot has grown stronger. I thought at my age it might be too late to pursue an adventure such as this. Through the encouragement of a couple lady pilot friends, teachers I have met at international teacher conferences, and friends from the Air National guard, I learned that it is never too late! I also realized that the more I learn about aviation, the better instructor I am and the more impact I can have on the youth.

My goal is to add another dimension to my life in aviation by earning my private pilot certificate and become a certified flight instructor. Maybe some of my current students will be my ‘real’ flight students in the future. I encourage all of them to explore their options within aviation and I am doing this myself.

I was selected by Boeing to attend Space Camp for Educators in 2011. I present at SEEC, Space Exploration Educator Conference, and I teach professional development trainings in my school district. I have presented our aviation programs at local events such as fly-ins and Sci-Tech conferences. I am involved with cub scouts and am an aviation merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America. I have become involved with Think Global Flight, the Ninety-Nines, and Women in Aviation. They have been a wonderful source of guidance and encouragement.

I look forward to my involvement in the Girls With Wings organization. This will be an invaluable source of inspiration throughout my flight training. I would also be honored to eventually become a role model for Girls With Wings. My desire is to give back to the community, and by sharing my experiences and passion I hope to reach and motivate more girls to follow their dreams. It is important for the youth to have mentors who can influence them to reach higher and achieve more than they thought possible. I strive to be that kind of mentor.

I set up a separate savings account for my flight training and have been saving money for a couple years. My husband and son are pulling together to support and encourage me. My teaching position is part-time and my husband is self-employed, working on building his own business, therefore money is very tight. I have enough saved to get through a good portion of my training and hope that I will be awarded scholarships to help. If needed, I will use a loan to complete my training. I will reach my goal! I plan to be in the position to one day pay back to scholarship funds and help another student pilots realize their dreams as I am doing.

I am ready to push through barriers in my path to realize my dream of becoming a pilot and would be thrilled to be chosen as a recipient of The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship.

We wish Diana great success in the pursuit of her dreams! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Caitlin, The Winner of a Dreams Take Flight Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the second winner for a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Caitlin Lyons!

The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Here is Caitlin's application essay: 

My name is Caitlin Lyons and I’m a student pilot out of Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY. I live and work in New York City and commute out to the airport on public transportation. I take the subway three stops, ride the Long Island Railroad for 45 minutes, and then walk a mile from the train station to the airport. 

The thing I found most surprising during my journey, so far, to obtain my pilot’s license was at the start. It took me awhile to build up the courage to admit to my pilot boyfriend I wanted to take flight lessons. I don’t know why, I was just scared his reaction wouldn’t be the supportive one it turned out to be. We were on vacation with all his pilot friends and their girlfriends, but I took the opportunity of being alone to express the desire to start flight training that had been burning inside me for about six months. He was amazing and we started formulating a plan for my training when his friend and his girlfriend entered the room and asked what we were talking about. My boyfriend told them to my embarrassment; at the time I wanted it private. Now, here’s the surprise, the girlfriend just told me it was "just a phase" and she went through it too. I was quite taken aback at that, especially coming from another female. I felt put down and not taken seriously, it put more motivation in me to acquire my license and show her it’s not something I want to do just because my boyfriend does it. As Amelia Earhart said, “I want to do because I want to do it.” I’m not a girl who gives up on dreams easily, especially if it’s challenging. I believe women should support other women in their dreams, and definitely with ones that are perceived difficult for women. Even though our gender has come a long way, there are still people who will tell us it’s not possible and put us down, we don’t need that from within our community. 

I find myself desperately wanting to do something to help girls and women to know the joys of flying, but feel restricted because I've yet to earn my Private Pilot's License. I've started a blog, cessnachick.com. Not only to record my process for myself, but in hopes that it'll reach some others and inspire them to take up flight training. I hope when I've accomplished that goal to continue learning and be able to make a difference and help inspire young girls to fly. I’ve looked for opportunities promote general aviation, but never seem to have the qualifications, whether it is just a Private Pilot’s License or a CFI. Girls With Wings scholarship would give me a stepping-stone to finish my license and also provide an opportunity to start my adventure to promote what I love. 

In my training, I’ve recently hit a hard spot and was extremely discouraged due to nerves about flying the plane solo. My instructor was amazingly supportive and she was able to talk to me and give me the courage to try to get over my fears. I know having a female instructor has been great for me, and not something I expected to have during my training. I feel she understands these emotions from a female standpoint, which is important in helping to overcome them. She has also set a wonderful example of what I could aspire to and been a great mentor. 

My career is working in theatre as a stage manager. I'm lucky to do what I love; it's exciting and fun. In theatre, as with aviation, there isn't a lot of money earned by those doing what they love, unless at a high level. In airline terms, I'm a regional airline first officer. Now, I'm even luckier to start pursuing another dream, flying. This scholarship would help so much with the financial strain of getting a license in the New York City area. 

It takes a lot of commitment to wake up at 6am, after coming home at 11pm or later, to get ready to go flying. I’d get up earlier to try to get an earlier lesson time to catch smoother air, yet I’m a prisoner to the train schedule that only lets me have lessons at specific times. 

The days I fly, I find myself happier and more fulfilled than the days I do not. I try to incorporate flying into my life as much as possible on a daily basis, whether it be flying, studying books, watching TV shows or films, or just looking up into the sky at the airplanes flying over the city. I’d love to win this scholarship to help me finish my license as quickly as possible, so I can begin what I really want to do: inspire girls that aviation is an option for them, for fun or for a career, something that I wasn’t even sure was possible for myself a year and a half ago.

We wish Caitlin great success in the pursuit of her dreams! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Yeni, The Winner of a Dreams Take Flight Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the third winner for a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Yeni Ocampo!

The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Yeni included the following in her cover letter:

My Name is Yeni Ocampo. I am 27 years old. I moved to the United States with my family at the age of 15 from Toluca, Mexico. I have worked very hard and, while I am the seventh child in birth order in my family, I was the first of my nine siblings to obtain a college degree. Over the past six years, my passion for aviation has really grown and I have done my best to gain entrance into this amazing industry. I have joined several aviation organizations to garner more knowledge about what direction I would like to take, as well as to help get other women interested and involved in aviation. As I have learned more about all the facets of aviation and talked to many people in all different areas of aviation, it has only strengthened my desire to fly. I have truly fallen in love with aviation and get excited every time I get to fly. It truly has become my greatest passion. In the spring of 2012, I approached my Center Manager with the idea of running a free Private Pilot Ground School for employees. He agreed and, thanks to his support, 12 employees, of which I was one, completed the Ground School course. Now that I have completed my theoretical training, I have started taking lessons from Aero Airways Inc. at the New Castle airport. I have been ecstatic with my first couple of lessons and I can’t get the smile off of my face after each flight.

Here is Yeni's application essay: 

From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of a good work ethic. After starting my first job at age 15, I became self-sufficient. Since then I have earned my Bachelors degree in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Finance. My introduction to aviation was back in 2007 when I walked my resume into FlightSafety International looking for a job. I was hired as a customer support representative. I served in this role for two years. My responsibilities ranged from scheduling client training courses to helping maintain their records. Interacting with pilots and flight departments daily exposed me to the world of corporate aviation. While acting in this capacity, I received many accolades, including FlightSafety’s Shining Star award, given each year to only the top ten customer support representatives within all of FlightSafety. My next achievement was to be promoted to Product Marketing Manager in 2009. Then, in April 2012, I was promoted to Center Sales Manager. In these roles, I’m responsible for networking and building relationships with current and prospective customer companies and their pilots. 

Upon completion of my Master’s degree in 2011, I discovered a new passion and desire, that of becoming a pilot. I have pursued this passion by joining several aviation-related organizations in the state of Delaware. I became a member of the Delaware 99’s and have found a lot of support from local women in aviation. We meet once a month to discuss current aviation topics and to share personal stories of accomplishment in order to encourage each other. As the youngest member of the Delaware 99’s, I have tried to bring a new perspective to the group and started by designing a website for the chapter. I am also a trustee for the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame where I am the chairman of the youth achievement, newsletter and fundraising (ticket sales) committees. As the chairman of the youth achievement committee, I am tasked with seeking out and researching potential candidates involved in aviation. An award is given annually to a young adult who has distinguished himself or herself in aviation career development. For the newsletter, I am responsible for publishing updates and events within the Delaware aviation community. This year, I am also in charge of the sales and promotion of the annual banquet, which provides the lion’s share of the funding for this organization. Lastly, I am a member of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA). As a chapter officer, I’m responsible for organizing and coordinating the annual Maintenance Symposium with over 300 Maintenance Technicians in attendance. 

My greatest desire is to expose more women, especially minorities, to aviation and encourage more of them to get involved. During the past six years, through my varied experiences, I have seen a need for increased diversity in the aviation industry. I feel very blessed to be part of the organizations with which I’m involved, but I also feel a deep sense of responsibility to get more young women to experience the wonders of flying. It is my desire to be a role model and mentor to young women attempting to gain entry to the industry. I feel that with my experience, and my many connections, I could be an asset to Girls With Wings. The hardest part is the first step, getting started. 

While I work very hard, it is often difficult to pursue my own dreams in the time that is left over. I purchased the house in which my family currently lives and I am financially supporting my family. This scholarship would be a huge help to me in continuing my pursuit of my pilot’s licenses and my ultimate goal of a career as a pilot.




We wish Yeni great success in the pursuit of her dreams! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Kimberly, The Winner of a Dreams Take Flight Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the fourth winner for a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Kimberly Kanapeckas!

The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!


Here is Kimberly's application essay: 

I pick the prettiest part of the sky and I melt into the wing and then into the air, 

till I'm just soul on a sunbeam. 

— Richard Bach, Running From Safety: An Adventure of the Spirit, 1994. 

From the time I was a young girl I was always an adventurous spirit, with the curiosity and tenacity to blaze a path that was uniquely beyond convention. Beryl Markham, British-born Kenyan aviator, has inspired me with her adventures since childhood, as I have lived in Africa, trained horses, written of my explorations, and am now learning to fly, all as she had done. While working abroad in South Africa, access to remote my study areas required the use of a fixed-wing Cessna as well as a rotary-wing helicopter. Observing the pilots’ skills in recognising the animals’ behaviour and the limitations and abilities of the aircraft, I was impressed by how we were placed so well for immobilizing wildlife. I was inspired. So on New Year’s Day this year, 2013, I scheduled my first flying lesson. 

My greatest aspiration is to fly as a biologist-pilot and I plan to conduct aerial surveys for natural resource agencies. To accomplish this, I am a graduate student and fly in my university’s flying club. By now, I have begun flight training in earnest, practising stall recovery, holding my altitude and heading, and mastering radio communications, pilotage and dead reckoning. As I line up on short final in a crosswind, Marham’s words earn their meaning: “The rudder bar resists the pressure of my feet, the stick inclines against my hand with almost truculent opposition. But this is momentary. A stern touch overcomes the urge to disobedience, and presently I settle back, flying with the craft and the craft with me” (West with the Night, 1942). Soloing is next on the docket once I master landings. I absolutely cannot wait for the joy of my first solo flight. 

Flight training can be frustrating, challenging, and certainly push a girl to her mental, physical, and emotional limits in ways perhaps nothing else can. What a blessing! Oftentimes I feel butterflies driving to a flight lesson, but as soon as I walk out and begin to pre-flight 733 Victor Sierra, I relax naturally. When I plug in my headset, get into the left-hand seat and strap in, and take the checklist from the side pocket and clip it to my kneeboard, I am in my element. As I take off and climb, the exhilaration of flying the airplane through the sky is amazing. When I am on long final into my home airport, the traffic pattern takes me right over my university’s football stadium, and I think of the different perspective this affection of ours affords me. There is none comparable. Interestingly, I come from a family with no background whatsoever in aviation, so I am so grateful for my supportive Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and the wildlife pilots who have inspired me along the way. 

The romantic poets would be hard-pressed to capture the beauty that is flying a little plane through the sky. We can write about it and begin to convey the magic of flight, but until it is experienced first-hand, the freedom, limitless adventure and even escapism are reserved for the pilot alone. That is why it is so important to keep sharing our adventures in the skies with broad audiences, particularly young women in their formative years. One of us may express something in a certain way that resonates within their soul and compels them to pursue aviation in earnest and realize that their dreams stretch far beyond the clouds. 

Recently, one young lady was taken up for her first flight in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk during a university flying club gathering in which I was participating. When she came down, the girl had become airsick while they were turning base to final and was quite embarrassed. The men, especially the pilot-in-command, a very kind, gentle CFI, let her know it ‘happens to the best of ‘em’, but she was still unsure of herself. I went over and found the young girl, gave her a Sprite to ease her stomach, and told her quietly about how she’s not alone, how students who ‘yank and bank’ can unsettle even the most steadfast CFI, and how it won’t define her as a future pilot (it’s the passengers who most often tend to get motion-sick anyway, just as in car roadtrips into the mountains). Then I told her honest stories about my more humorous experiences as the only female in the airspace. The anecdote I chose was when a Cessna Citations was on long final at my home airport (uncontrolled) and I radioed our CTAF to indicate traffic in sight. My instructor quickly confirmed aircraft position in traffic pattern and the Citation pilot commented to him “my, your voice has changed” to which my CFI returned “Yeah, I was feeling pretty.” The young girl finally flashed a smile. 

This is my vision for becoming a role model for Girls With Wings. It’s so important that I conduct myself in a way that inspires other women to disregard any glass ceilings and face their own challenges head on, and Girls With Wings will allow me an invaluable opportunity to represent women in aviation and serve as a role model accessible to young women who may wish to become involved in aviation in any capacity. 

Most of our greatest accomplishments are not achieved in isolation; I have been privileged to have many influential people who motivate me to strive for my dreams. Mentorship is a natural and effective way to help others as you have been, and to ensure that others are encouraged in the field we love. I have been a women’s outdoor writer and role model since 2001. It’s not easy to walk the unconventional path, and helps to connect with others who have paved the way. My university’s flying club is a great venue in which I can provide mentorship, and there are certainly other opportunities as well. In my short time in flight school, I have inspired acquaintances to take discovery flights and love to hear their account of how it feels to them to be on the controls in an aircraft. While often readily visible to the newcomer, mentorship can also be a quieter expression of support. Last month, I was told of another aspiring pilot in Africa, so I left my flight magazines there at his camp because reading material isn’t as easily accessible in remote areas. He never knew who left the AOPA Flight Training magazines, and it doesn’t matter. As aviators, we all just hope to encourage one another to become the best pilots we can be. 

Participation in aviation and professional organizations and events is important to my growth as a professional pilot. I am an active student member of the International Association of Natural Resource Pilots and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. I have been a leader and mentor to young women for over a decade, through Pro-staff of a women’s outdoor organization (since 2001), in my university flying club and at aviation expos and airshows, as current president of my departmental graduate student association, as well as at work every day. At the moment I have a female undergraduate student as well as a young woman who just graduated high school that I am mentoring daily in the laboratory. 

I am a full-time student in graduate school, an educational privilege but also truly a sacrifice of many years and thousands of dollars in student loans with a discouraging job market. This lack of financial resources makes achieving my pilot certificate challenging. I take lessons when I can and space them out as evenly as possible so as not to have a glaring gap of time where retention of skills learnt would fade. This strategy of lesson-by-lesson means a substantially longer period until I earn my Private Pilot Certificate, instrument rating, and eventually commercial certificate and float rating, but persistence and commitment are developed, which sharpens my dedication to aviation. This GWW Scholarship would ease my mind of the final constraints I have with each lesson that tend to distract me mentally as I learn how to land knowing that the fewer hours I take the more affordable it will be. Being released from some of the pressure to get so much done and mastered in a given flight would not only get me closer to my pilot-biologist dream, but also richen the amazing experience that flight school is! 

Indeed, flight training has reinforced character traits that make my relationships with my colleagues, students, family, and friends more rewarding. Piloting an aircraft teaches sound decision-making and collectedness under pressure, and also that the pilot’s dedication to her aircraft is paramount. My CFI and I wash the plane together and discuss strategies, maneuvers, etc. I will always be a conservative pilot, but will also push my boundaries within safe limits to expand my skillset as my experience increases. 

In closing, flying is an incredible experience for all pilots. I believe it may represent something more to women--the essence of climbing beyond domestic expectations and standard careers and enlightening ourselves to the promise of our unwritten future dreams. Pilots are a clever, dedicated lot and we can learn so much from one another. 

I look forward to hearing your decision for the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Summer 2013 scholarship award and thank you for the pleasure of sharing my passion for aviation with you.




What a great story from Kimberly! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Susan, the winner of an additional Scholarship Award, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the first recipient of an additional Girls With Wings Scholarship Award: Susan W Njuguna!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Therefore we are announcing several additional awards to individuals showing great promise and dedication. We are offering them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training.

Here is Susan's application essay: 

The history of my passion for flying cannot start without mentioning the classroom setting in my second year of high school when asked about our career choices. I had known all along since elementary school that I wanted to fly those big jets, they have always fascinated me, but that moment was the stamping point. It was when I started working towards that dream of being an airline pilot. 

Coming from a family with no aviation background had its challenges. For one, after finishing high school, I got selected to study pharmacy in a prestigious National University back in Nairobi, Kenya. This happened around the same time when I had been shortlisted in the ab initio program for the national air carrier Kenya Airways in Kenya. A big highlight in my life, if I may add. My parents were of the opinion that I should pursue the degree as I’d have a lucrative career and I’d fulfill my father’s dream of all his children getting college education. I opted to wait on the outcome from the ab initio program shortlisting and let go of my slot at the university. Sadly, it was not to be, I didn’t make it for the final pick. 

This did not deter me from pressing on, it just reaffirmed that I knew where I wanted to be. Resources not being so readily available to fund my own training, I opted to study and earn a diploma in aeronautical engineering, the next option that would keep me in the same industry and next to the planes. I got employed by the same national air carrier after earning my diploma as an aircraft technician. Here I got my chance to work on the aircrafts daily. 

On one of my vacations in Kansas, I decided to enroll in a local flight school and managed to do my solo in that month of training, another highlight in my life, that’s the best vacation I’ve had so far. I caught the bug. Even when I went back to work, that was all I could think of, my little cockpit in the C162, the radio calls and just navigating my way around in the sky in a faraway land from my home. I knew I had to make a serious decision. I handed in my resignation; I couldn’t continue being one foot in and the other out. It was an easy decision to make but scary as well because I was heading to the unknown in pursuit of my dream. 

Taking out all my savings, I took the deep plunge and moved to Kansas in April. I’m already back at flying at the same school and it was a sweet homecoming feeling, it was exhilarating being back in the cockpit and not to just maintain it but to fly. I was a bit nervous because I hadn’t flown in almost a year, but my first flight was better than I expected, I had missed it. Now it’s serious business because there’s no turning back. It’s been a bit slow because of the weather, but I’m hoping to do my first cross country within the next two weeks as I look for a job to help foot some of the cost, it’s not easy but I’m not deterred at all because something in my gut tells me I’m on the right path. 

During this transition, I’ve come to embrace the fact that nothing is impossible. Some things may seem hard and intimidating to achieve but not at all impossible. With that in mind, my dream seems within reach, notwithstanding the financial hurdles, but within reach. I have to broaden my dream’s horizon. I hope to one day be a game changer in the aviation industry. Make it more accessible to girl’s back home. Stumbling upon Girls with Wings was definitely astounding. I share the vision. I want to help others achieve their dreams and let them know that dreams do come true. 

I’ve recently been accepted to the University of Central Missouri to pursue the Professional Pilot program this fall. I believe this will better equip me and give me a better platform to put my mark in this industry. I have to have finished my private pilot license by then, a lot on my plate I must admit but all I know is I have the drive, ambition and hope to make it. To be a role model to another girl that truly; go dream big and dreams do come true.

From Kansas to Kenya, Susan. Now that is dedication! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.