99 news magazine - may 2007

99 News – May/June – 2007 1

99 News – May/June – 20072

PERPETUAL CALENDAR

99 News

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

The 99 News4300 Amelia Earhart Rd.

Oklahoma City, OK73159-1140

Email:[email protected]

Online Form:www.ninety-nines.org/

99newsreports.htmlPlease indicate the name and location

of the event, thecontact name and

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2007

JUNE

15-17 International Forest of Friendship celebra-tion, “Flying, Forests and the Future,”Atchison, Kansas. Contact: 913-367-1419or 785-847-6800.

18-22 Women Soaring Pilots Association(WSPA) seminar, Hollister, CA. [email protected].

19-22 Air Race Classic. The race starts at Okla-homa City, OK and terminates at St. John,NB, Canada. Visit airraceclassic.org.

JULY

1 Deadline to submit Chapter and Sectionupdate forms to International Headquar-ters. Forms are available in the MembersOnly area of the International website andthrough the HQ Dispatch.

14 First Annual Poker Run and Flour Dropcontest sponsored by the Central OregonNinety-Nines. Participants draw one cardat Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Bendairports and the 5th card upon arrival inSunriver. www.Centraloregon99s.org.

20-21 Amelia Earhart Festival, Atchison, KS.Tours of AE Birthplace Home, lectures onAmelia Earhart history, luncheon, fly-over.Phone 913-367-4217.

20-26 Amelia Earhart Peak Climb 2007. Con-tact Lynn Meadows, 530-587-7281,[email protected].

23-29 EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, WI. Visit TheNinety-Nines Tent. Contact Rita Adams,[email protected] or www.eaa.org.

AUGUST

1 Due Date for 99 News submissions forSeptember/October 2007 issue.

17-18 29th Annual Okie Derby Proficiency AirRace, Oklahoma City, OK. World’s larg-est proficiency air race, sponsored by theOklahoma Chapter. Trophies, SecretRound Robin Course. Contact AnnPogson, [email protected].

17-19 Palms to Pines Air Race, Santa Monica,CA to Bend, OR. For race kits send $5 toClaire Walters, 13026 Psomas Way, LosAngeles, CA 90066, or download fromwebsite 99slapalms.com for no charge.Impound deadline Thursday, August 16,12:00 PDT.

On the Cover

23-26 Northwest Section Meeting, Gillette, WY,Clarion Hotel. Virginia Williams, Fridayluncheon speaker, is a senior Captain atUPS. Saturday dinner speaker, Anne Mille-brooke, has countless aviation stories totell. Contact: Anne English, 509-854-2272.

SEPTEMBER

12-16 99s International Conference, Mountainsand Memories 2007, Boulder/Denver, COat the Omni Interlocken Resort,www.omnihotels.com. For more informa-tion, visit www.ninety-nines.org/conference.html.

14-16 Aviation and Women in Europe (AWE),London Gatwick Airport (LGW), CopthorneHotel. Visit www.aweu.org/ext_files/AWE_2007_Registration_Form.pdf.

21-23 North Central Section Meeting, Duluth,MN. Keynote speaker is Julie Clark. Hostedby Minnesota Chapter. Contact PattiSandusky, [email protected], 320-963-3982.

28-30 Powder Puff Derby Reunion, Baton Rouge,LA, celebrating 60 years. Bring racememorabillia and come reminisce withother Powder Puff racers. We will be meet-ing with the Silver Wings Fraternity.Contact Barbara Evans, 925-687-1912 oremail [email protected].

OCTOBER

1 Due Date for 99 News submissions for No-vember/December 2007 issue.

4-7 Southwest Section Fall Meeting, San Fran-cisco, CA, hosted by Santa Clara ValleyChapter. Join us for a weekend of San Fran-cisco flying, dining and yachting while theBlue Angels perform above the Bay. Con-tact Torea Todriguez, [email protected].

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

NOVEMBER

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

25-27 NBAA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia. Visitwww.nbaa.org.

DECEMBER

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

Ninety-Nine JenniferMurray and ColinBodill became worldrecord-setters onApril 20 when theylanded at the NorthPole in their Bell 407helicopter. At itsconclusion, theirpole-to-pole, around-the-world adventurewill have takenabout 175 days,covering some36,000 nautical milesand will include over120 stopovers in 32countries. Read moreabout Jennifer andColin and their visitwith Reno Area andLake Tahoe Chaptermembers on page 8.

Photo bySheldon Cohen,Bell Helicopter


Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved

99 NewsThe Official Magazine of The International Organization of Women Pilots

STATEMENT OF EDITORIAL POLICY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May/June 2007

PROMOTE world fellowship through flightPROVIDE networking and scholarship opportunities for women

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

EDITORIAL AND PHOTO GUIDELINES

THE NINETY-NINES MISSION STATEMENT

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Volume 33, Number 3

Pat Prentiss Susan Larson Frances Luckhart Kristine Irvin-Herron

Lisa Cotham Joan Kerwin Patricia Theberge Elaine MorrowVirginia Harmer

99 News published byTHE NINETY-NINES® INC.

International Organization of Women PilotsA Delaware Nonprofit Corporation

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

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS4300 Amelia Earhart Rd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140 USA

405-685-7969 or 800-994-1929

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

Website: www.ninety-nines.org

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

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

Oklahoma City, OK 73159 USA

COUNCIL OF GOVERNORSArabia: Yvonne TruemanAustralia: Pat Brookfield

Austrian: Monika StahlBrazil: Andrea Simone Mion

Caribbean: Mary HiggsEast Canada: Ann Starret

Far East: Rikako Sugiura CarpenterFinland: Kaisa Mollari

Germany: Waltraut MoogIndia: Mohini Shroff

Israel: Avigail Barbara ColorniMexico: Jacqueline Pulido

New Zealand: Helen CollieRussian: Valentina Kotlyar

West Canada: Wendy Boyes

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

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

Northwest: Anne EnglishSouth Central: Chris Swain

Southeast: Marie GreinSouthwest: Martha Phillips

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident

Pat Prentiss

Vice PresidentSusan Larson

SecretaryFrances Luckhart

TreasurerKristine Irvin-Herron

Directors Lisa Cotham, Virginia Harmer,Joan Kerwin, Patricia ThebergePast President: Elaine Morrow

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEEDonna Crane-Bailey, Lu Hollander,

Pamela O’Brien, Bobbi Roe

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

Jacque Boyd, Diane Pirman: Staff Writers

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

THE 99 NEWS4300 Amelia Earhart Rd.

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

Email: [email protected]


IN EACH ISSUE

Book ReviewsTouch & GoNew HorizonsGrass Roots

23242627

6151922

LettersCareers/Pro 99s ProfileNew MembersRatings and Wings

1221

16

President’s MessageBy Pat Prentiss

Be Someone’s Flying Angel

Then and Now: Avgas TaxWrite On!By Joan Kerwin

Record Setters Jennifer Murray andColin Bodill Visit Smith Valley, NevadaBy Jeanne Pierce

Code of Conduct Approved foreNeworking Resources

By Nadine Sugden

7

5

6

11

8

ContentsMay/June 2007

15

12 Cross-Country in an UltralightBy Adrienne Johnson

Young Pilot Shares Her Dreamswith 500 Girl ScoutsBy Nina Anderson

Colorful Colorado: 2007 InternationalConferenceBy Peggy Long

Flying to Denver from the SouthwestBy Drew Chitiea

International Board Meeting VisitLeaves a Lasting ImpressionBy Carol Vautin

Bay Cities Celebrates 75 Years

16

18

20

21


wPresident’sMessageBY PAT PRENTISS, International President

When I became President, one of my first requests was to receive Chapter and Section newsletters.My intent was to see the type of activities that are taking place in our organization. Through yournewsletters I have been able to share in your activities, and they have given me a real sense ofconnection to our membership. It’s interesting how much is really going on out there related toflying, and I would like to share some of that involvement with you.

• The Pikes Peak Chapter had a Spring-Fling fly-in that brought them together for lunch andfellowship – and it wouldn’t have been complete without a spot landing and flour drop contest.

• The Indiana Dunes Chapter learned about gliders at the Ionia Airport, with some gettingrides.

• The Florida Goldcoast Chapter had a meeting at the Los Ranchos restaurant and was honoredby having three WASP in attendance.

• The Old Dominion Chapter had a fly-in to Franklin, Virginia for the best fried chicken in thestate.

• The First Canadian Chapter met at Buttonville Airport for a lively talk about “Flying to theBahamas and Ferry Flying.” Congratulations to Ingrid Rinaldi who won the First Canadian Chapter’sAward of Excellence.

• The Tucson Chapter received an invitation from the Marana Northwest Regional Airport tomarch in a parade to celebrate the founding of the town Marana. Balsawood gliders, which carriedour name and mission statement, were tossed to the crowd.

• The Greater Seattle Chapter has plans to airmark Arlington Airport with fresh runway num-bers and, of course, our compass rose.

• The Santa Clara Valley Chapter hosted a Pasta Night to help benefit the young pilots on theSan Jose State Precision Flight Team.

• The Connecticut Chapter hosted the New England spring Section meeting in the Berkshireswith a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. Members are well underway with plans for hostingThe Ninety-Nines breakfast and booth at the upcoming AOPA Expo in Hartford, Connecticut.

I wish I had the space to write about everybody’s newsletter. However, I can assure you that Ienjoy every single one of them. It’s one of the highlights of my evenings – to be able to sit back andread them and appreciate what each of you contributes.

Your activities demonstrate that aviation is very much alive in The Ninety-Nines. Just look at allthe flying and community involvement. We are living our mission statement, and along with thatcommitment, the membership continues to bond.

Not too long ago, Past President Gene Nora Jessen challenged me to increase our membershipto 6,000 by mid-2008. When I read what our members are doing, when I know the potential wehave...well, Gene Nora, I’m going to accept that challenge! Together, we are all going to take ourorganization to that number and we’re going to keep it going, not only for today or tomorrow, but tohonor those who had the vision for The Ninety-Nines, Inc.

I look forward to seeing all of you in the beautiful mountain country of Colorado in September.


BY NADINE SUGDENMinnesota Chapter

What could be more satisfying and worthwhile than usingyour flying skills to fly for Public Benefit? Suggestions

for “feel-good opportunities” will be given in each issue of the99 News, beginning with this article describing the hows andwhys (why not?) of becoming an Angel Flight pilot.

As the largest nationwide team of volunteer pilots and othervolunteers (such as Earth Angels who provide transportation toand from airports), Angel Flight has helped tens of thousands ofchildren and adults in need of access to health care and also makesflights for other humanitarian purposes. Their staff takes callsfor help, verifies the need and coordinates the flights with thepilots.

A mission that my husband and I made was flying an eight-year-old boy and his mother from Minneapolis, where he’d hadsurgery on his leg, to their home in Nebraska. Most missions areVFR, but we were IFR that day, in and out of puffy clouds. Theboy laughed and giggled as the wings touched that magical whitestuff that we pilots know so well but was new to him.

As Angel Flight pilots, we are not paid or reimbursed, butour time and costs are fully rewarded by the words (and giggles)of appreciation from those we’ve helped.

As an Angel Flight pilot you, too, can “Give Hope Wings”

Angel Flight passenger Denise (left) en route to Camp Heartlandwith AFC Volunteer Pilot Linda Walker of Ingleside, Illinois. Thiswas Denise’s first flight in any airplane, and she especially enjoyedseeing downtown Chicago from above.

to people in need by contacting your regional Angel Flight head-quarters, calling Angel Flight Central at 816-421-2300 oremailing angelflightcentral.org, and they will tell you what thecriteria are for pilots, how to apply and how to get in touch withyour regional office.

NINETY-NINES HISTORY — FOR THE RECORDRegarding the article about Opal Kunz on page 7 of the Janu-

ary/February 99 News, the statement that she was the “First Act-ing President” is misleading. There were only three meetingsprior to the one on March 15 where the decision was made tohave only a Secretary and Treasurer as officers of The Ninety-Nines.

At the first meeting on November 2, 1929, Neva Paris wasappointed Chairman. The second meeting, December 14, was atOpal’s home where she was elected Temporary Chairman, andthree women each were nominated for President, Vice Presidentand Secretary-Treasurer. Neva Paris was to send out the Consti-tution and ballots to be counted at the third meeting on February8, but Neva was killed in a spin accident on the way to Florida.Opal, as Chairman, replaced Neva’s name with Ruth Nicholsand required that the signed ballots be returned to her.

There was much controversy over the election at the thirdmeeting in Hicksville on February 8, 1930. Many other topicswere discussed. The 87 ballots were counted but not validated.Opal had the most votes for President, 71, Amelia Earhart had

62 for Vice President and Ruth Nichols 49 for Secretary-Treasurer.On February 24, a letter went out to all the Governors signed

by Opal, Acting Chairman, and Amelia and Ruth. On March 7,Opal sent a letter to all, signed Acting President, requesting sup-port of the present ballot. There are many letters in the files.

On March 15, 1930, Amelia Earhart’s secretary took 29 pagesof verbatim (almost) minutes. Opal called the meeting to orderas Acting Chairman, later turned it over to Mrs. Doig so shecould talk. Mrs. Doig had to leave, and Louise Thaden chairedthe remainder of the meeting. The final resolution of the electionwas that Opal, Amelia and Ruth agreed to resign. Opal refusedany appointed positions and left the meeting before it ended.Louise Thaden was appointed Secretary until elections for onlySecretary and Treasurer could be held within a few weeks.

On May 3, 1930, at a meeting of the New York-New JerseySection, it was announced that Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyeshad been elected National Secretary and Treasurer.

—Verna WestSouthwest Section Historian

LETTERS

Be Someone’s Flying Angel —Volunteer for Public Benefit Flying


BY JOAN KERWINChicago Area Chapter

A s Yogi Berra, baseball culturalicon, once said, “It’s déjà vu allover again.”

In their 2008 budget, the FAA is propos-ing an avgas tax hike and user fees on gen-eral aviation. Twenty-five years ago, thissame basic proposal was in the budget.You can see how little has changed fromthe quotes below taken from various ar-ticles published 25-30 years ago.

Now: The FAA is proposing “a taxincrease of more than 50 cents per gallonon avgas. The avgas would increase fromthe current 19.4 cents per gallon to 70.1cents per gallon.” (AOPA Pilot, April,2007, Phil Boyer, President)

Then: The Congressional Budget Of-fice (CBO) states, “the current 12 centsper gallon of gasoline tax (could be in-creased) to about $1.20 per gallon or anequivalent amount raised through othertaxes on general aviation. (This) wouldcause a measurable reduction in theamount of GA activity. The reductioncould be ‘by as much as 40 percent.’” (99News, October, 1983, Legislation Infor-mation Chair, Joan Kerwin)

Now: “The Administration will trans-mit an authorization proposal in 2007(which would) recover most of costs ofair traffic services through user fees. TheWhite House has decided to introduce abudget that shifts airline costs to other seg-ments of the industry and gives airlinesmore control over the air traffic system.”(Amy Pilkinton, Ninety-Nines LegislationChairman, Spring, 2007 BOD Report)

“Let me review the essential elementsof the FAA plan. The center is the cre-ation of user fees for ATC services. User-fee systems, whether now or in the future,are bad for general aviation. Anytime youas a general aviation pilot flew into ClassB airspace you would be subject to a user

fee.” (AOPA Pilot, April, 2007, Phil Boyer,President)

Then: “I was never a whiz at highermath, but one doesn’t need calculus to fig-ure out that general aviation is being had,or will be, if the Administration’s requestfor new taxes is bought by Congress. Theyare decreasing services to the general avia-tion community while increasing the costs,all the while crying ‘fair share.’” (99 News,June 1982, Legislation Information Chair,Joan Kerwin)

“DOT plans to seek approval of theuser fee schedule from both the House andSenate Appropriations Committees andthe House Public Works Committee.

“On one hand the FAA asks us, thegeneral aviation community in general andThe Ninety-Nines in particular, to spreadthe joys of aviation into schools, to en-courage young people into aviation careersand on the other hand makes it financiallyimpossible to even get a start. I can’t thinkof another federal bureaucracy that re-ceives the voluntary unpaid assistance for

Then and Now:

Avgas Tax —Write On!

their programs that the FAA receives fromgeneral aviation. The Ninety-Nines alone,through our aerospace education commit-tees, our safety seminars, our accident pre-vention counselors, contribute untoldhours of woman power and unappreciatednumbers of personal dollars to promoteaviation and aviation safety programs ini-tiated by the FAA. Perhaps if those FAApeople in policymaking position come torealize what we contribute and to take intoconsideration in their ‘cost allocation’budget and consider it a part of our ‘fairshare.’ If we are so numerous and so costlyto the FAA it would seem to me that thesheer power of numbers would entitle usto effective and powerful representation.Taxation without representation is gettingout of hand!” (99 News, May, 1978, Leg-islation Information Chair, Joan Kerwin)

Now: “There is nothing new exceptwhat is forgotten.” Just don’t forget andlet history repeat itself.CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVEat www.house.gov/writerep/.

In 1982,Joan Kerwinwrote aboutincreases inavgas taxin the Juneissue of 99News. Todaytax increasescontinueto plaguegeneralaviation.


BY JEANNE PIERCEReno Area Chapter

Not much happens that is news-worthy in the quiet little spot innorthwest Nevada called SmithValley, but on Thursday, March22, something spectacular and

newsworthy occurred. History was in the mak-ing when Ninety-Nine Jennifer Murray and ColinBodill set their Bell 407 down in the middle ofthe football field at Smith Valley School. The pi-lots were coming through on their way to achiev-ing a world record for the first round-the-world,pole-to-pole journey in a helicopter. This is theirsecond attempt at the world record, the first end-ing as their helicopter, 58 days into their journey,crashed in white-out conditions in the Antarcticin 2003.

Jennifer and Colin, longtime friends, are not

strangers to adventure and world records. Now66, Jennifer, with her husband Simon, has threechildren and five grandchildren. Jennifer enteredthe Guinness Book of Records in 1997 as the firstwoman to circumnavigate the globe in a helicop-ter. She made that trip with a co-pilot. Then in2000, she earned two more world records as thefirst woman to fly solo around the world in a he-licopter and the first person to fly solo around theworld in a helicopter without autopilot. Her R44helicopter G-MURY, used on those two trips, canbe found in the new Smithsonian Air and SpaceMuseum located at Dulles Airport outside ofWashington, D.C.

Colin, 55, is a BMMA test pilot, inspector,micro-light instructor, a CAA examiner and fa-ther of two. He is also a world champion micro-

Record Setters Jennifer Murray andColin Bodill Visit Smith Valley, NV

Ninety-Nine Jennifer Murray, right, who recently completed an adventurous, record-setting around-the-world, pole-to-pole flight in ahelicopter, receives a banner photo by Bob Duke from Jeanne Pierce, Reno Area Chapter Chairman.

Adventurous

helicopter pilots

set down at the

quiet village of

Smith Valley,

Nevada on their

way to setting a

world record

flying their Bell

407 from the

South to North

Pole.


light flier (UK 1997), gold medal winner in thefirst World Air Games held in Turkey in 1997 andholds title as the first person to fly solo aroundthe world in a weight-shift micro-light, a MainairBlade 912. Together, Colin and Jennifer flew theLondon-Sydney Air Race and set a new worldspeed record.

You may wonder, why Smith Valley? Thereare two reasons for the stop here. One of the spon-sors for this adventure is the Royal GeographicalSociety of London, which is conducting an edu-cational program for students, An EducationalPassport to the Poles. This program connects chil-dren around the world via the Internet workingtogether to understand our changing environ-ments.

Smith Valley School is one of 26 schoolsaround the globe participating in the program.Jennifer and Colin are visiting some of the par-ticipating schools during their journey, giving pre-sentations and enriching the children’s educa-tional experience. The students of Smith Valleywere enthralled with their stories and had lots ofquestions. The pilots also seemed to enjoy theirtime with the children. One young student asked,“Why did you do this?” Colin playfully answered,“To get out of doing the dishes at home.”

Jennifer, a member of the British Section,also has a cousin, Georgia Fulstone, residing inSmith Valley. While staying with Georgia and herfamily, Jennifer and Colin parked their helicop-ter in the Fulstones’ garden. The ranch, ownedby Georgia’s husband’s family since 1902, over-looks the beauty of a serene farming community.The flaming red Bell 407 covered with decals wasquite a spectacle.

If Jennifer and Colin thought they would haveseveral days of R&R with their cousin, they werequite mistaken. The dynamic 76 year-old Geor-gia Fulstone had arranged a variety of events forthem, including a large greeting from students,community members and The Ninety-Nines upontheir landing, a Rotary meeting that evening anda public reception at the local library the follow-ing evening. A luncheon with The Ninety-Ninesand Whirly-Girls from the Reno area on Satur-day was organized by Ninety-Nine Jeanne Pierce.

At the luncheon with The Ninety-Nines,Sandy Goetz, Vice Chair of the Reno Area Chap-ter, presented Jennifer with a silver commemora-tive coin in honor of women’s aviation achieve-ment and presented Colin with a Smith Valleysweatshirt and a six pack of Michelob (one oftheir sponsors).

Besides the personal accomplishment, chal-

lenge and adventurethat these pilots achieveon their various avia-tion journeys, they in-corporate a philan-thropic side into themix. During the cir-cumnavigation in 2000when Jennifer flew herR44 solo and Colin flewhis micro-light, theywere promoting Opera-tion Smile, an organiza-tion of medical teamswho volunteer their services to repair childhoodfacial deformities and form partnerships for sus-tainable health care in poor areas of the world.Without the service of these wonderful volun-teers, many of the children would die from theirafflictions and thousands would go without medi-cal care.

Their 2003 journey was in support of theWorld Wildlife Federation. The philanthropic in-terest on the current trip is SOS Children’s Vil-lages, a charity that cares for orphaned and aban-doned children by providing a home environmentin a village setting and educational opportunitiesfor children in their care.

In the tiny community of Smith Valley, theycollected $495 for the organization from theschool children, who had been collecting changein their classrooms, the community and from theSoroptimist International of Smith Valley.

From there, they continued to Truckee, Cali-fornia for another Ninety-Nines/Whirly-Girls

Jennifer with the Bell 407,which is filled with survivalgear ready for theimpending flight to theNorth Pole.Photo courtesy June Mills-Benson, Canadian RockiesChapter.

Jennifer (in white shirt) andColin (with a six-pack ofCoors, which is one of theirsponsors) pose with RenoArea Chapter members.


reception arranged by Ninety-Nine LaurelLippert. Then the pilots were off to San Fran-cisco to visit more relatives before heading northto the Arctic Circle. The expedition will havetaken approximately 175 days, covering over36,000 nautical miles and including more than120 stopovers in 32 countries.

Their journey ends where it began at BellHelicopter headquarters at Alliance Airport inFort Worth, Texas in May. Their adventure canbe followed in real time using Google Earth ontheir website www.polarfirst.com.

Jennifer and Colin have their hands quite fullfrom the inception of their challenge until the fi-nal day. The logistics of organizing a journey thatcosts so much money and demands great detailfor permits, fuel and navigation are mind-bog-gling. They employ staff to assist them, but muchof the detail falls to them. Jennifer’s books givean excellent picture of the elements involved ininternational travel.

There are so many issues involved in travel-ing through remote areas like the Antarctic. Sev-eral countries have jurisdiction over that part ofthe world. Permission needs to be granted, fuelcaches need to be arranged, search and rescuearrangements need to be made and paid for inadvance, and special care needs to be taken forthe environment in order to travel through theAntarctic. There are very strict rules for enteringthat area, and pilots need to be sponsored by acountry that has a base station there. Jennifer saidthat they even had to report how much body wastethey might generate during their Antarctic pas-sage. Everything that is taken in needs to be takenout as well, even that!

When re-entering places like the UnitedStates, where general aviation receives such sup-port, Jennifer expresses her relief at the quick turnaround times for refueling and the availability ofservices.

There is much more to tell about these fabu-lous aviators and their adventures. Take a look attheir website, where Jennifer keeps a diary of theirtrip, and Jennifer’s two books, Now Solo and Bro-ken Journey for more details of their lives andadventures. Fellow pilots can learn a lot from read-ing about the places these brave pilots have flownand the challenges that they have faced.

Anyone who has had the pleasure of meet-ing Jennifer and Colin in person understands howwarm and engaging they are and how quickly onecan feel an attachment. By the time they said theirfinal farewells to Smith Valley, the residents andvisitors felt that they had made two new friends.

God speed, Jennifer and Colin!

Editor’s Note: We are happy to report Jenni-fer and Colin’s successful landing at the NorthPole on April 20. On April 21, ground supportperson Emma Drew writes, “The team made it tothe North Pole late last night. I haven’t heard di-rectly from Jennifer but understand they are nowon their way back to Eureka. Visibility was poorat Barneo so they have had to make the decisionnot to fly via Norway but to fly back out downthrough Canada. I know both pilots will be dis-appointed not to be coming to the UK, but realis-tic that they have to be led by the weather. Takingthis new route will present its own potentialweather issues, but they are still on schedule tocomplete the trip and land back at Fort Worth/Dallas on May 23.”

Jennifer autographs herbooks, Now Solo andBroken Journey, for hermany admirers.

There are so

many issues

involved in

traveling through

remote areas like

the Antarctic.

Permission needs

to be granted,

fuel caches need

to be arranged,

search and rescue

arrangements

need to be made

and paid for in

advance, and

special care

needs to be

taken for the

environment —

even carrying out

body waste.

99 News – May/June – 2007 11

The following rules of conduct forNinety-Nines Internet-based resourceswere approved on March 3, 2007 by theInternational Board of Directors

1. The 99s eNetworking resources areemail-based communication forumsand other Internet technologies whosepurpose is to allow Members and ap-proved Guests to respectfully and pro-ductively share information aboutbeing pilots and 99s. The 99seNetworking Forums include The 99sEmail Network, primarily to discuss99s topics; The 99s Flight TrainingForum, primarily for flight trainingand safety topics; and the Pro 99sNetwork, primarily for pilot careertopics. All Members are encouragedto participate.

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Some might call us crazy, but to us it was anadventure. We were about to embark on a ferryflight. The airplane we were to fly was a LightSport Aircraft, commonly called an Ultralight.These recreational aircraft are designed for week-end trips around the pattern and leisurely low al-titude cloud chasing, but that day we flew it cross-country, embarking on a deceivingly simple 70nm leg to deliver the aircraft to its new owner.Had the distance been any longer, it would haverequired us to disassemble the plane and trans-port it by ground to its destination because of fueland wind considerations.

Many seasoned pilots refuse to fly inUltralights at all, considering them unsafe andlabeling them as nothing more than makeshiftkites with a lawn mower engine strapped aboard.I disagree — an airplane is an airplane. Both com-plex airliners and simple gliders exhibit charac-teristics based on the same lift principle, and bothare subject to weather, pilot error and the debili-tating effect of shoddy maintenance. Each one is

limited by the pilot’s knowledge and skill. Thedifference is the degree that the aircraft is subjectto these elements. A pilot in a heavy, stable air-craft may barely notice a 15 kt wind, but in anUltralight, it will make you cringe.

The particular LSA we were to ferry that daywas a Challenger II. This common design wasmore likely to be built in a small hangar by oneperson’s hands than mass produced in a factory.Most Ultralight aircraft resemble something be-tween a single engine trainer and a thermal-seek-ing glider and are of a lightweight design and cov-ered in stretched fabric.

Our Challenger was clothed in bright, play-ful layers of blue and green paint and looked al-most like a toy. And in some way, it was.

The preflight walk-around reminded me thatthis aircraft was truly hand-crafted. Every nut andbolt was exposed to the naked eye. Cables thatare normally hidden behind a sleek fuselage werestretched across the length of the airplane likestrings of a musical instrument — delicate, yet

BY ADRIENNE JOHNSONEmbry-Riddle Daytona Chapter

Our

Challenger

was clothed

in bright,

playful

layers of

blue and

green paint,

and looked

almost like

a toy.

Adrienne and her co-pilot Ben.

Author Adrienne Johnson and friendBen Glattstein, fellow flight instructorat Embry-Riddle Daytona, preflightthe Challenger.

99 News – May/June – 2007 13

strong. Some parts of this craft seemed so simpleand elegant, I couldn’t imagine why any pilotwouldn’t yearn to fly it. Other parts, however,were laughable. While getting to know this par-ticular aircraft, I had to learn strange words likeflaperon, which turned out to be a manually ad-justable airfoil that acts as a large trim tab and isoperated by reaching above and behind one’s headand rotating a knob in a way that seems like youare preparing to lasso a wild animal.

These 70 miles we traveled in the machinewere across the central part of Florida, which iscovered in lakes and swamps and a few dry farm-ing fields, which we scrutinized frequently shouldwe require an alternate landing site. The airplaneitself was not equipped with any navigation equip-ment at all, so we studied the sectional chart andstuck to our course as close as we could, our lowaltitude making it hard to identity landmarksmuch in advance. Fortunately the owner hadstrapped onboard a handheld GPS, but with littlefamiliarity of the particular model and one handneeded on the stick at all times, it served us little.

On the last leg of our flight, the wind direc-tion was almost perpendicular to the longitudi-nal axis of our little plane, and it threatened toget underneath it and tip us over. The sky thatday was particularly restless, and our little air-plane seemed hopelessly at mercy to the wind,being jostled up and down quite significantly. Wesoon realized how necessary it was to have a lighttouch on the controls, as pilot-induced oscilla-tions seemed only a hand movementaway. At one point during the flight, Iremember feeling as if our airplane waslike a seed of a dandelion swirling inthe eddies of the wind. Once we real-ized that by turning the aircraft’s nosemore into the wind we could calm theapparent instability, and consequentlyourselves as well, we did. We estab-lished about a 40-degree angle off ourcourse, with our resultant track takingus to our destination. Two pilots, ourexperience level and the fact that theaircraft was outfitted with a stabiliz-ing emergency parachute helped aswell.

The gentleman who would soonown this aircraft stood eagerly await-ing our arrival on the ramp at the smallairport where we landed. We helpedpush the airplane into an airport han-gar that sheltered an amazing array ofaircraft. General aviation clearly

thrived here, and our little Challenger fit right in.The couple who managed the airport welcomedthe new owner and his aircraft into the hangar,and it was easy to tell that he was proud to nowbe a part of the hangar crew. Inside the little FBO,we discovered a few international aerobatic pi-lots who were practicing at the field that day, care-fully discussing competition strategies they wouldemploy in their checkered Sukhois parked justoutside the building.

After we had a brief chat with the air showperformers, the new owner of the Challenger gra-ciously offered to drive us back to our departureairport, and it was on that trip we learned abouthis history in aviation. His latest official trainingbefore getting into light sport aviation had beenin the 1970s in Oklahoma, where he earned hisPrivate and Commercial certificates. Since then,his work and family had drawn him away fromthe sky, but after his wife’s passing he decided toget back into flying, and with the help of a GIbill left over from his time in Korea, he pursuedflying recreationally.

I couldn’t help but smile at the differencesin all of us that day and what circumstances hadbrought us together. For a time-building corpo-rate pilot wannabe like myself, a gentleman re-turning to flying in a more simple form, and theadrenaline-starved aerobatics pilots we had metin the lounge, it was love of flight that brought ustogether, it was general aviation that made it pos-sible.

On the last leg

of our flight,

the wind

direction was

almost perpen-

dicular to the

longitudinal

axis of our

little plane,

and it

threatened

to get under-

neath it and

tip us over.

Adrienne Johnson withthe Challenger II sheflew cross-country.


F or the past four years, extraordinary women in avia-tion have shared the realization of their dreams withover 500 young Girl Scouts during the Women TakeFlight event at the New England Air Museum inWindsor Locks, Connecticut. This year the addition

of 10-year-old student pilot Katie Wegener made the event spe-cial to the Scout and Brownie troops, who saw her as their peer.Katie gave a talk about how much fun it is to learn to fly andshowed the young audience her training pictures, creating a lotof enthusiasm for those who dream of being a pilot.

The unique event has grown over the years and is most likelythe best-attended event of its kind in the United States. In aneffort to educate young women about career opportunities in thefield of aviation, the New England Section and Connecticut Chap-ter teamed up with the Air Museum and created Women TakeFlight. Astronaut Cady Coleman was the big attraction duringthe inaugural event, which has adopted a theme of “Follow yourDreams.” I have been part of this event since it began, and thisNovember I was in great company.

As a Hawker 800XP corporate pilot and author, I sharedspace with Susan Chambers, Citation Excel Captain. We told thegirls of the fun of corporate flying life, described aviation op-portunities besides flying, handed out free books and were thegatekeepers for a trip up the stairs and into the DC-3, which ispart of the hangar exhibit. The girls were thrilled to be able towave out the cockpit window to a host of parents and troop lead-ers who eagerly snapped their pictures.

American Airlines pilot Teresa Vandendolder and US Air-ways pilot Lucy Young, along with Air Force reservist SusieMack, shared their flying experiences and wowed the girls bywearing their uniforms. Jane Miller, World War II WomenAirforce Service Pilot, told stories about flying “in the old days”when few people knew women actually were pilots.

Storytellers Tammy Richardson and her daughter BriannaMacklin did a great job of reenacting the life of Bessie Coleman,

the world’s first black aviatrix. The girls were spellbound as theylearned how a woman from the cotton fields during segregationfollowed her dream and fought the odds to become a pilot in anera that not only shunned the idea of a black pilot, but especiallya black woman pilot.

Skydivers Kim Schlichting and Wendy Trudeau amazed thegroup with their enthusiasm for parachuting. Balloonist CindySmith brought her balloon paraphernalia and allowed the girlsto take a stationary ride in the basket. Black Hawk helicopterpilot Cindy Doane, who was the first woman allowed to fly com-bat helicopters in the Army, delivered a strong “never give up”message to the participants.

Marilyn Pearson, FAA inspector and pilot who continues tofly all types of aircraft including gyroplanes, described the ben-efits of working inside the governmental agency. Zeping Yu andPat Harmon, aerospace engineers, let the girls know that therewere interesting aviation jobs on the ground, while PatriciaBeckman, graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, gave usthe insight that women, especially shorter women, are betterequipped to handle the G forces in fighters. Bettyann Kevles,author of Almost Heaven: The Story of Women in Space, talkedenthusiastically about how far women have come in aviation,even becoming astronauts.

The event’s exhibits were spread throughout the museum,giving the girls a great chance to look at all the airplanes anddisplays, fly the Ercoupe “full motion” simulator, try their handat computer flight simulations, operate bi-plane pedal pushersand hear the story of Connecticut’s contributions to aviation froma 10-year-old “Amelia” at a spectral imaging show called Con-necticut Ingenuity at Work.

In an era when the EAA and AOPA are actively pursuingprograms to introduce aviation to children and non-pilots, theNew England Air Museum and The Ninety-Nines have done asuperb job of instilling possibilities and encouraging those headedtowards aviation to realize their dreams.

Young Pilot SharesHer Dreams with500 Girl Scouts

BY NINA ANDERSONConnecticut Chapter

99 News – May/June – 2007 15

PILOT CAREERS: Choices

PRO 99S PROFILE: Evelyne TinklBY BETSY DONOVAN, International Careers Committee

BY DONNA MILLERInternational Careers Committee

During her summer vacations en route to Europe fromWest Africa, sitting by the airplane window, the Sahara

Desert slowly passing by underneath and giving way to thenorth coast of Africa and the striking blue of the Mediterra-nean Sea, Evelyne Tinkl liked that view from above.

Wanting to fly as far back as she can remember, Evelynebegan flying gliders at age 17 in 1979. She built her time byglider towing, flight instructing and flying charters beforespending time at two commuters in the late eighties. She washired by United in 1998 and furloughed in 2003. Hired byanother major airline, she was able to upgrade to Captain be-fore being recalled to United in 2006.

Evelyne holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate withB757/767, B737, E170-190, DHC-8 type ratings. She’s alsoa CFI, CFII, Ground Instructor, A&P Mechanic and FlightEngineer.

Two pieces of advice from Evelyne stand out. First:“Don’t let setbacks derail you. If you truly believe that you

can do this, thenlearn from yourmistakes, change,adapt, study – andpress on. The jour-ney is as importantas the destination.When the goinggets really tough,use waterproofmascara andblusher to keepyourself fromlooking as bad asyou feel.” Second:“If you’re not sure whether you should take off, ask yourself:Is it legal? Is it safe? Is it smart? Would I take my mom/dad/child with me?”

A s a kid growing up in Golden, Colorado there was a majorfind of dinosaur fossils near my house. I was only nine, but

I knew at that point I wanted to be an archeologist. I watched themen dig and scrape and brush away the dust for hours, trying todetermine the type of prehistoric creature that lay beneath thesurface.

Eventually, my enthusiasm waned, and with my good gradesin French in junior high school, I proclaimed to my parents thatI was going to be an interpreter at the United Nations. My wisemother sat me down and said, “Donna, you can have anythingyou want, but you can’t have everything you want.”

That stuck. You can have anything you want. There is nodream too big to achieve. Let your imagination run wild! Thinkof the possibilities! Jet pilot? Space shuttle commander? VirginGalactic Captain?

But you can’t have everything you want. Face it. You havelimited time, limited energy and limited resources, so it’s impor-tant to choose carefully where you are going to apply them.

In our busy lives, we often get stretched so thin that ourlimited supply is used on a hundred little things which add up to“enough.” We wake up one day and realize there is nothing left

to nurture our lifelong dream. When I finally narrowed my heart’sdesire to flying for a living, I focused my time, energy, and re-sources on flying. For some time during flight training, I didn’tbuy a toaster because I considered it a luxury item: six minutesof flight time. Do I want a toaster or do I want to be a pilot? Cuteshoes — an hour of flight time. Those choices were easy. As Iprogressed in my aviation career, the decisions became tougher.Do I want to stay in my hometown or do I want to be a pilot? AmI willing to leave my house to become a pilot?

The biggest mistake in choosing is to say “I can’t.” The oneheard most often is, “I can’t afford the training.” (Do you own atoaster?) Ask the pilots you know how they did it. You can af-ford the training. If you choose to commit your time, your en-ergy and your resources elsewhere, that’s okay. Just be honestwith your choices. When you commit to the flight training nec-essary to complete your next aviation goal, the method to getthere will come. Have you applied for every scholarship avail-able? Do you know people at the local FBO who can help you?Be creative!

No one said this would be easy. But it can be fun. And imag-ine the rewards of living your heart’s desire!


Colorado is one of the most perfect places fora conference and a vacation. The many flyingclubs and schools in the Denver area can offerjust about every rating you can name at an ac-credited school. So, if you wish to accomplisha bit of training, you can do it here. You cannot,however, get a seaplane rating in Colorado. Thereare no public places to “splash.” However, moun-tain flying courses are our specialty.

Your first stop is Colorado Springs for thepre-conference tour. This city is much smallerthan the Denver/Boulder area, but it has a veryspecial ambiance. The Air Force Academy is justa few minutes north of the city. A tour of theAcademy makes the American heart swell withpride to see these very special cadets who will beour military leaders tomorrow. The inspirationalChapel is the focal point of the tour.

The Garden of the Gods is a large area ofspectacular rock formations. From this locationyou will see Pike’s Peak in the southwest, an-other spectacular view on a clear day, which isthe norm in September.

The Broadmoor Resort is “ColoradoSprings” and always an excellent dining experi-ence. Another unique dining experience is theKC-97 that is on the tour at the Colorado SpringsAirport.

New on the Conference schedule is a talk byeminent Colorado pilot, author and internation-ally recognized photographic artist Jim Wark.Jim’s photographic excellence is showcased inseveral books of aeronautic and photographic art.Jim owns and pilots an Aviat Husky to obtain stun-ning and unique views of America. His panoramicphotograph of a 14,000-foot Colorado mountaincrestline will grace the front cover of this year’sconference program, a generous donation fromJim. He will speak on Thursday, September 13 at4 p.m., describing his aviaiton adventures, and inparticular he will focus on flying to Alaska. Doplan on attending to hear about and see the workof this true artist of the sky. Your printed programwill become a keepsake. Ask Jim to autograph it.

Another very special and entertaining eventis a 30-minute performance by the Air Force ShowChoir during the Awards Banquet on Saturday,September 15. This group is comprised of sixcouples who will sing and dance to patriotic andBroadway tunes.

In Colorado, the September weather rangesfrom the most beautiful to the most challenging.At the time this is written, we can only guess whatit will be like, which is all our local meteorolo-gist and pilot Nick Carter, 9News, can do thesemany months ahead.

BY PEGGY LONG, Colorado Chapter

Jim W

ark

International

Conference

attendees will

be captivated

by Colorado’s

vibrant fall

colors.

Don’t miss

the event

Sept. 12-16 in

the Denver/

Boulder area.

99 News – May/June – 2007 17

The best strategy is to think like a local. Themagic word is layers. If you grew up in SouthAlabama as I did, this layers concept has no mean-ing. However, having lived here in Colorado for30 years now, I have learned this concept to someadvantage. The outside weather may require a coator sweater and hat, while indoor temperaturemanagement affords you freedom to attire your-self comfortably.

This important Colorado concept begins withsomething cool and comfortable next to your skinfor the warmer occasions and builds additionalstrata of protection against the variables of in-clement weather. During mid-September, Colo-rado temperatures may range from the 40s in theearly hours to over 80 (and it’s a warm 80 in thedry, high altitude air) by mid-afternoon, then re-turning to cool evenings after sundown. You mightfind yourself remarking on the outside tempera-ture changes just walking from sunlight intoshade! If you are outside on a tour, this can be achallenge if you have not planned ahead.

The air will be dry! To keep from develop-ing itchy shin, bring along your favorite rich bodylotion — the kind that feels thick yet sinks intothe skin quickly. If your nose is sensitive to arid-ity, pack a saline nose spray.

Do you live at or close to sea level and sel-dom travel to the high country? If so, please takethis advice: if you do nothing else — stay hy-drated! The air here is dry, arid, without mois-ture. Carry a water bottle and begin drinking asmuch as you can tolerate. Begin when you get onthe plane (commercial) and if flying your own,start sipping as much as you are comfortable withfor the length of time you will be in the air. Asyou gain altitude and lose humidity, you will de-hydrate. Carry the water bottle with you wher-ever you go.

One last caveat: You will be standing onground over a mile above sea level. Go easy whentaking stairs, climbing, running and jumping thefirst day or so while adjusting your system to thealtitude. You might find yourself a little short ofbreath at first, but these symptoms are rarely se-rious. Remember to pace yourself, remember thewater and remember to enjoy yourself. Coloradoaviation and the entire Conference are at your dis-posal.

Out of almost 5,500 members worldwide, ourConference attendance usually approximates 5percent of the entire organization. One of the waysto memorialize your attendance at the Conferenceand/or send your regards if you cannot attend isby sending $5 (or more as a gift) to the advertis-

ing co-chair listed below. For this token contri-bution, your name and Chapter/Section will belisted in the Conference program and will pro-vide a reference as to where we all hail from.

Your name or the name of your organizationor perhaps “in memory of” will appear in theprinted program along with your state and/orChapter. You tell us what you want to appear inthe program. The money will help support theConference, the amenities offered throughout andthe ongoing efforts of our mission. If you are in-terested in more than one line, consider a busi-ness size card space for a $50 donation. Creditcards are accepted.

Please send your check (payable to 99s 2007Conference) with your name and text to be printedto: Peggy Long, 2007 Conference AdvertisingCo-chair, 24539 E. Roxbury Place, Aurora, CO80016-4107, USA.

During mid-

September,

Colorado

temperatures

may range from

the 40s in the

early hours to

over 80 by mid-

afternoon, then

returning to cool

evenings after

sundown.

Jim W

ark


BY DREW CHITIEADesignated Pilot Examiner

If your home field is on the San Fran-cisco sectional, you have a decision tomake — flying the northern route or thesouthern route. In either case, you mustget past the Sierra Nevada Mountains,which are an obstacle of serious consid-eration.

The dividing line for routes are threeairways inbound to Reno, Nevada from thewest. The highest terrain is just north ofIncline Village (north side of Lake Tahoe)at 10776 msl. The northernmost airway,V-200, can be safely flown at 11,500 withplenty of terrain clearance. The middle andsouthern airways, all converging on Reno,have higher terrain.

From Reno, V6 guides you all the wayto Fort Bridger, where you can join theremainder of the northern route describedin the January/February issue. This is thebest way to get past the Sierras to thenorth. From Lake Tahoe south, the moun-tains — and the MEAs and/or safe alti-tudes — get higher requiring the use ofsupplemental oxygen.

Let’s look at the southern route: Ifyour home field lies from San Franciscosouth to the Mexican border, this way hasless daunting mountain routes and is,frankly, what I strongly recommend.Those pesky Sierra Mountains don’t losetheir heights until just southeast of Bakers-field.

If your home field lies north of aneast-west line from Bakersfield, you’ll beflying south and southeast first of all. Thenorthern jump-off point for the southernroute is the Palmdale VOR (PMD). Justnorth of that you can usually see the oldMuroc Dry Lake bed, now called RogersLake, and the home of USAF Flight Test-ing at Edwards AFB. Lots of history there;you are flying generally in the same air-space where Chuck Yeager broke the

sound barrier, where the Voyager took offand landed on its around-the-world non-stop non-refueled flight, and where theSpace Shuttle has landed numerous times.So breathe deeply, it is sacred air there.

Follow the airways northeast to LasVegas; when I go there I use either NorthLas Vegas airport (KVGT) or Henderson(KHND) for services. It is usually a quickturn at either place, and the facilities aresuitable for all types of planes at eitherairport. If you desire an overnight stay toahhh, try your luck, ground transportationof all types, including hotel shuttles, areavailable. I would recommend a fuel stopin Las Vegas because the next few milesare, well, the old sign at the gas stationsaying, “No gas for the next xxx miles”applies here. The next convenient fuel stopis Farmington, New Mexico (KFMN).

Departing Las Vegas, you must fly V-562 and V-210 along the south rim of theGrand Canyon, and do have your cameraat the ready. If you have a clear day orwith no cloud cover, you will get picturesworthy of envy from all who see them.

As mentioned, Farmington would beyour next fuel stop, and then follow V-368to Alamosa where you will rejoin V-210through La Veta Pass to the east side ofthe Rocky Mountains. La Veta Pass is awide, flatter pass easily traversed at 11,500by following the airway. There is anAWOS in the pass on 119.925 for currentweather.

An interesting side trip just north ofBlanca Peak (big mountain northwest ofLa Veta Pass) is the Great Sand Dunes Na-tional Monument. Join V-611 to fly northalong the Sangre de Christo (Blood ofChrist) Mountains, and then V-83 divertswest just north of Pueblo, and that airwaytakes you directly to Jefferson CountyAirport (KBJC), home of the Conference.

A southern-southern route for those inSouthern California is also a nice flight.We’ll use the Needles (EED) VOR as thejump-off point and fly east along V-12,passing north of Prescott, Arizona (goodairport for fuel, etc.) and overflyingSedona, Arizona. Along that route thereis fantastic rock wall escarpments and ter-rain worthy of photos, then about 12nmwest of the Winslow (INW) VOR, the air-way takes you directly over Meteor Cra-ter, a very visible reminder of an extra-terrestrial visitor and the impact made byits visit.

Follow V-291 just north of the oldRoute 66 into Gallup, New Mexico (thisis time for the entertainment portion of theflight; everyone sings a verse of the song— you know the one) and V-263 east toSante Fe (KSAF), New Mexico. It’s agreat place for fuel, and if the restaurantis serving, you’ll get a taste of authenticsouthwestern cuisine.

Departing SAF to the east, then turn-ing north at the Fort Union VOR (FTI),look for the ruins of old Fort Union about20nm north of the VOR. It was an armypost during the frontier days, and justsouth of the river and south of the fort,you can see the remains of the town wherecivilians serviced the troops. Follow theairways north and join V-83 just north ofPueblo and you are there, at The Ninety-Nines Conference.

None of these routes should requiresupplemental oxygen, and only the north-ern route takes you over mountains wor-thy of proper planning and execution. Planon carrying survival gear, especially wa-ter and coats or blankets. The lower areasof the charts may look green and nice, butI remind you, it is desert. Your main needsare warmth and water if you have to makean emergency landing.

There are areas along these routeswhere civilization is a long walk away;your best insurance for any untowardevent is a flight plan, sticking to it and theabove-mentioned warmth and water. Acouple of sandwiches couldn’t hurt either.You’ll be flying over some outstandinglybeautiful and impressive territory, andwith care and planning you’ll remain overit and not a part of it — because you havefriends to meet at the 2007 Conference!

Flying to Denver fromthe Southwest

99 News – May/June – 2007 19

Welcome to Our New Ninety-Nines Members!Alaska Chapter SAIGH, DeniseAll-Ohio Chapter CREAMER, Christina HOLLINGTON, Linda F.Antelope Valley Chapter HANSEN, Catherine AnneAustin Chapter COLWELL, Linda W.Brazil Section TOSIN, Vivian (A)Brazos River Chapter MCCOMAS, SuzetteBritish Columbia Coast Chapter BASTER, Lucille JACKSON, Ann WallaceChicago Area Chapter DECHAUD, MaureenColorado Chapter GALLO, Vanita L. LEVIHN, Laurel Elizabeth (FWP) LITTEN, Carole LeighColumbia Cascade Chapter MCILRATH, Laura Jean (FWP)Delaware Chapter WHITTLE, Carolyn M.Eastern Idaho Chapter LANDIS, Jonnie P.Eastern New England Chapter CHAMBERLAIN, Janet Maureen (FWP)Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter HOUGH, Jenny S, (FWP)Embry-Riddle Daytona Chapter BROWN, Stephanie Ann (FWP) GARGAS, Joelie Jodi (A) GREENFIELD, Hilary Paige (A) WONG, Betty (FWP)Florida Goldcoast Chapter OBORNY, Bettina Marie SCHILLEN, Maria CristinaFlorida Spaceport Chapter BEECH, Lynn Y. (FWP) HUGHES, Crystal J. (FWP) KEEL, KamianneFlorida Suncoast Chapter SELLMEYER, Barbie L. (FWP) SKAGGS, Carolyn CaveFullerton Chapter SMITH, Peggy JeanneGerman Section KENNEDY, Annete CarolineGolden Triangle Chapter AREVALO, Gloria Maria (A)Greater Cincinnati Chapter SPERBERG, Cynthia Suzanne (FWP)Greater Detroit Area Chapter MICHELETTA, Lynne Elizabeth (FWP)

Greater Kansas City Chapter CARNAHAN, Margaret DennisGreater New York Chapter RIFFLE, Layla KristenGreater Seattle Chapter VALE, Marlene L. Marty (FWP)Hampton Roads Chapter COLLINS, Suzanne AndreaHigh Country Chapter TOLBY, Rebecca S.India Section DUTT, SunitaIndiana Chapter ZIMMERMAN, Donna JeanKatahdin Wings Chapter STROUT, Sophie TheresaKitty Hawk Chapter PALMER-MOLONEY, L. Jean (FWP)Lake Tahoe Chapter ASH, Emily Ruth (FWP) WILLOUGHBY, Megan (FWP)Las Vegas Valley Chapter BOWER, Theresa Ann (FWP) ROLAND, Harriet H.Long Beach Chapter BOREN, Jessica Megan (FWP)Long Island Chapter FLETCHER, Tamara (FWP)Los Angeles Palms Chapter TORRES, Natalie F. (FWP)Marin County Chapter BUSTLE, Kathryn Lynne GOLLNER, Denna ORTEGA, Nina A. (FWP) WOODS, AnneMichigan Chapter ELSTON, Stephanie Ann (A)Mid-Atlantic Section MILLER, Bethany JohannaMid-Columbia Chapter BRAMAN, Maria Elena (FWP) FREEMAN-POLLARD, Jhivaun Rose (FWP)Montana Chapter MILLEBROOKE, AnneNew Orleans Chapter KNOLL, Michelle Lee LONGO, Michele TheresaNew York Capital District Chapter FIORAVANTI, Barbara KussmaulNew York-New Jersey Section MCNULTY, Kathleen M.North Central Section PALCHO, Kris AnnNorthern New England Chapter VRIESENDORP, Sylvia (FWP)

Oklahoma Chapter ROLLINS, Lily Joanna, (FWP) RONSIN, Leslie DianeOrange County Chapter MIZELL, Pamela A. (FWP) PEICH, Shannon M. (FWP)Palomar Chapter GIVENS, Kristin Maria (A)Rio Grande Norte Chapter ASQUALINI, Donatella (FWP)San Diego Chapter BOND, Suzy Belinda (FWP) COLT, Cambria Dawn (FWP) NELSON, Leslie S. (FWP) SIMS, Dianne Beatrice GIVENS, Kristin Maria (A)

New member Dianne Sims,San Diego Chapter.

Southeast Section MITCHELL, Kirsten E. (A)Southwest Section DELYSER, Dydia YvonneSugarloaf Chapter BEALL, Susan Elaine GRINNALDS, Patricia EricksonTucson Chapter BAKER, Ashley N. (A) MAGNUSON-HAWKINS, Shelby J. ZAPPIA, Irene A. (FWP)Utah Chapter DUROCHER, Briana Lisle (FWP)Ventura County Chapter CHENNAULT, Melissa C. (FWP)Western Washington Chapter MEENK, Regna LaureenWisconsin Chapter LEAF, Linda A. WEGNER, Julie AnnaWomen With Wings Chapter BOLANZ, Kellie Eileen DANHOFFER, Denise Marie BLUE, Cidney Syd (FWP)


BY CAROL VAUTINVentura County Chapter

When I requested time off to attend The Ninety-Nines In-ternational Board meeting, several of my co-workers asked,“Oklahoma City? Why are you going to Oklahoma City?”

For anyone who has visited The Ninety-Nines Headquar-ters, they would know. When the opportunity came up for me togo to the International Board meeting, I was looking forward toseeing The Ninety-Nines International Headquarters. Being myfirst visit there, I didn’t know what to expect. What I saw when Iarrived far exceeded my expectations.

Our organization owns not only two buildings at the Okla-homa City airport but also the museum housed upstairs in theHeadquarters building. There are so many wonderful pieces ofhistory, and I found myself wandering around looking at every-thing and then going back to look at the displays yet again.

The material things that The Ninety-Nines own are quiteimpressive. What really impressed me the most, though, is theincredible leadership we have. As I said, I had never been to anInternational Board meeting, so when Pat Prentiss and her Boardconducted the business meeting, I was amazed. We all run ourChapter business meetings in an appropriate business atmosphereto keep our Chapter running smoothly. The Section meetingsare, without a doubt, run with more structure than most Chaptermeetings. When I saw the professional way the meetings were

International BoardMeeting Visit Leavesa Lasting Impression

run and the amount of business conducted at the InternationalBoard meeting, I was truly impressed.

We have all heard about the two buildings in Oklahoma Citythat we own and about the Birthplace Museum. All of these hold-ings must be maintained and staffed. The Ninety-Nines have moreartifacts about women in aviation in our museum than anyoneother than the Smithsonian. We have the AE Scholarship thatmust be managed, as well as several other interests.

After spending two days at the Board meeting, I can cer-tainly say that our organization is being well cared for. The womenwho serve as Board members work so hard for us. It is just abouta full-time job. They do this as well as keeping up with their ownjobs and lives.

Does this sound like an advertisement for attending Interna-tional Board meetings? Maybe, but I couldn’t help being im-pressed and enthusiastic about my visit. If you have a chance inthe future to attend a Board meeting or visit the Headquartersbuilding, don’t pass it up. It is well worth the visit.

Martha Phillips presents tothe Board the SouthwestSection’s proposal for the2010 Conference inHawaii. Ninety-Nines Headquarters, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

International Board of Directors Treasurer Kristine Irvin-Herronreports on the organization’s finances.

99 News – May/June – 2007 21

Bay Cities Chapter Celebrates 75 Years

On March 2, 1932, the local members met at the HotelWhitcomb in San Francisco, and the Chapter for the northernpart of the state became Bay Cities, the first Chapter in the South-west Section and one of the earliest in The Ninety-Nines.

Ruth Rueckert, their first Chairman, started saving photosand documents in 1932 until her death in 1993. She was offi-cially Section Historian until 1982, serving also at times as Na-tional Historian. Her amazing collection of documents and pho-tographs, some in the Museum in OKC and many here in theSouthwest Section files and scrapbooks and Bay Cities records,provided the background for Laura Smith’s fine presentation atthe dinner. Many carefully labeled old photos were shown con-tinually on the large screen. Laura compiled a list of everyonewho had ever been a member of the Chapter. Pat Chan showedportions of some of her Oral History videos. Real treasures!

Many longtime members of Bay Cities came, as well asthose from other Chapters. Four of them have been members ofThe Ninety-Nines for 50 years or more: Lindy Boyes, BarbaraEvans, AJ Stark and Mayetta Behringer. I have never been a BayCities member, but our Santa Clara Valley split off from them in1952 and with so many of their records and photos in my filesand so many friends, I do feel a lasting connection.

Ninety-Nines Reflect on Chapter’s Evolution and Longevity

Bay Cities Chapter members, kneeling: Monica Miller, Ashley Chandler, Cassandra Wiedemann, Wendy O’Malley, Joyce Wells, KathyWalton, Annie Rodewald, Judy Barron, Catherine McMahon, Cheryl Knight. Standing: Karen Kahn, Pat Chan, Kath Holcombe, DianaWard, Fiona McChesney, Barbara Evans, Rosemary Rodewald, Janet Chang-Pryor, Beth Christian, Hialeah Reilich, Vonne Anne Heninger,Lindy Boyes, AJ Starr, Martha Phillips, Linda Mae Draper, Barbara Crooker, Laura Smith.

Pat Chan, Bay City Chapter member:75 years, by any account, is a long time. Enough time for

most things to begin and end. It is remarkable that on March 10,2007, members of Bay Cities Chapter celebrated their 75th anni-versary. Not because it couldn’t be done, but because they en-dured for so long. Who would have guessed that when RuthRueckert and 10 other women pilots founded the Chapter onMarch 2, 1932, it would still exist today?

Past and present Bay Cities members gathered at Francesco’sRestaurant in Oakland, California. Presentations were made, pho-tos were projected on a screen, bits of oral histories were shown,a raffle was held, period costumes were worn and a group photowas taken at the Oakland Airport. It was a day of remembrances,renewal of friendships and of new beginnings.

Without a doubt it was a celebration of Bay Cities Chapter,but beyond that it was an acknowledgement of The Ninety-Nines.

Verna West, Historian, Southwest SectionIt was a pleasure to attend the Bay Cities Chapter 75th An-

niversary Celebration in Oakland on March 10, 2007, with JoyceWells as Chairman. In early 1932, Governor Gladys O’Donnellsent Margaret Perry Cooper (Manser) to the Bay Area to suggestto the local members that two Chapters be formed in the state.


RATINGS

Vicky Anderson – Instrument RatingOrange County Chapter

Carol Bennett – Commercial RatingOrange County Chapter

Molly Hair – Instrument RatingConnecticut Chapter

Kris Johnson – Instrument RatingConneticut Chapter

Paula Johnson – Private PilotMonterey Bay Chapter

Commander Mary Kohn of the In-diana Dunes Chapter led 14members and guests on a voyage

to Mars recently. The mission was to trans-port a crew that will live on Mars for atleast two years and bring back the crewthat is currently working at the self-sus-taining base called Chryse Station at thesite of the first Viking lander. This loca-tion has a history of mild climatic condi-tions by Mars’ standards.

After six months en route, control ofthe Mars-Earth Transport (MET) has beentransferred from Mission Control in Hous-ton to Mars Control at Chryse Station,which must select the entry and departuretrajectories before any landing or lift-offcan occur.

Thus far this has been a normal ap-proach, but events on Mars will soon makethis particular landing very hazardous.

99s Return Safely from“Voyage to Mars”

Rawson Murdock, Nancy Ash and Mel,TJ Shaum and Jack, Margaret and HeidiWint, Aly Dwyer from the Indiana DunesChapter and Sara Esterline of the ThreeRivers Chapter with her daughter HelenLaus. Wearing their blue vests, they wentinside the shuttle and each was assignedto a task group. There were food handlers,medical administrators, navigators, mediaspecialists, two probe firers, and more.After a simulated takeoff, they started theirwork. As they neared Mars, they began tovisually explore the surface and actual ani-mated pictures appeared.

Mary and Margaret launched severalsuccessful probes. Suddenly warning si-rens sounded and all rushed to exit theircraft. There was a terrible crash and ev-erything went black. Luckily, all the crewhad “escaped” safely. What an exciting ex-perience!

Margaret Wint and MaryKohn, Indiana Dunesmembers, launch probes asthe shuttle nears the planetMars. Right, inside thespace ship.

The Challenger Learning Center inKalamazoo, Michigan is one of severalthroughout the United States, Canada, andthe United Kingdom. Staffed by masterteachers, the core of each learning centeris the interactive computerized simulatorwith a Mission Control room patternedafter the NASA Johnson Space Center andan orbiting Space Station. The experienceemphasizes problem solving, responsibledecision-making, creative thinking, team-work and communications. The centerswere created in honor of ChristaMcAuliffe, a teacher who was killed in the1986 Challenger disaster and who was toconduct a lesson from space. This programis intended to pique the students’ interestin science and math and continue that inter-est through high school and into college.

Crew members included Mary, JanetCannon, Janice Welsh, Christine and

Peggy Loeffler – Multi EngineConneticut Chapter

Susan Llewellyn – First SoloVenture County Chapter

Nalena Rieder – Commercial RatingVentura County Chapter

PROFESSIONAL

Mary C. Allen – HS-125 type ratingHampton Roads Chapter

Mary Build – Commericial andInstrument Designated Pilot ExaminerKatahdin Wings Chapter

Laura Conover – B-737 type ratingKitty Hawk Chaper

Angelee Conroy – ATP, Citation IIItype ratingVentura County Chapter

Gina Martyn – B-737 type ratingMonterey Bay Chapter

WINGS

Carol Andrews – Phase IXSutter Buttes Chapter

Pat Chan – Phase XVIIIBay Cities Chapter

BY JOY VALEKIndiana Dunes Chapter

RATINGS AND WINGS

99 News – May/June – 2007 23

Authors: Francis French and Colin BurgessUniversity of Nebraska Press, 2007ISBN: 13:978-0-8032-1146-9397 pages, $29.95

BY JACQUE BOYD, Ph.D.Rio Grande Norte Chapter

This is not simply another book chronicling the early yearsof the American and Russian space programs. It is not yet an-other look at the “space race.” This book tells the intimate sto-ries of the individuals involved; it is a human chronicle of theera. The book is one of the first collections of information on theearly space programs that deal with both American and Russianprograms and male and female involvement.

One of the most fascinating parts of the book, and for methe least known, is the information about Valentina Tereshkova,the Soviet female cosmonaut and first female into space. Thedescriptions of the other Russian women who were also chosenas candidates are riveting and remarkably parallel to the per-ceived treatment of the American women, except that the Rus-sian program was official.

Chapter 7, “The Two Wallys,” discusses what many think ofas Tereshkova’s counterparts, although there was never officiallyan American space program in development for female astro-nauts. The information in this chapter is a very clear explanationof the misunderstandings and miscommunications that have ledto the belief that there was indeed a program for Americanwomen, when in reality it was an experimental testing programdone by Randy Lovelace and funded in part by Jackie Cochran.

French and Burgess’s use of the juxtaposition of WallyFunk’s and Wally Shirra’s lives is refreshingly fascinating. Asthe text notes: “In truth, the stories of both Wallys are aboutmaking the best of what life offers you — and making sure youenjoy it all the way.” No other comparisons are necessary.

Ed. Note: Wally Funk is a member of the Fort Worth Chapter.

BOOK REVIEWS

Into That Silent Sea: Trailblazersof the Space Era, 1961-1965

Author: Doris L. RichUniversity Press of Florida, 2007ISBN: 13:978-0-8130-3043-2279 pages, $24.95

BY JACQUE BOYD, Ph.D.Rio Grande Norte Chapter

This is one book I’d been waiting for, and I am not disap-pointed. I met Doris Rich when I began my own research onJackie Cochran’s work with the American women she recruitedfor the British Air Transport Auxiliary. Rich had spent weeks atthe Eisenhower Presidential Library doing some of her researchwith Cochran’s personal papers.

When I arrived later to do my research, the archivists spokefondly of her and her husband and their extensive work. When Ispoke with her about my own research and what I was finding inCochran’s papers, she simply said, “There’s interesting materialthere. Tell me when you find it.” I asked her what it was, and shetold me I’d know when I read it. Well, now we can all read it.

Although a book came out a few years ago which was writ-ten by the Pittman-Ayers side of Cochran’s family, the myth ofJackie’s “orphaned” existence is still going full tilt. Rich’s bookis the first where the Pittman-Ayers family members actuallytalk to an author and the information is presented fairly and ac-curately. Whether the “myth” continues is anyone’s guess, butthe public now has a well-written and unbiased presentation ofJackie Cochran’s true beginnings.

The beginnings of Cochran’s life, although the circumstancemay be what truly molded her, are only a small part of the totalstory. Rich’s research and interviewing is extensive, and her writ-ing style is impeccable. She presents a well-rounded life-storyof an astonishing woman. The last chapter will break your heart.

This is the book that will be considered as the most accuratevoice on the life and achievements of the sixth President of TheNinety-Nines.

Jackie Cochran: Pilot in the Fastest Lane


TOUCH & GO

PHYLLIS WELLS, PIKESPEAK CHAPTER,HONORED

More than 400 Commu-nity Leaders and Girl Scoutsupporters raised their cham-pagne glasses to toast andhonor the 2007 Women of Dis-tinction Finalists as the Colo-rado Wagon Wheel Councilcelebrated its 95th birthday inMarch. Among those beinghonored at the luncheon wasPikes Peak Chapter memberPhyllis Wells.

Phyllis was nominatedinto the Community Sector byfellow Ninety-Nine PatsyBuchwald. The nominationhonors women who work and/or volunteer their servicesthrough all sectors of the eight-county region represented bythe Wagon Wheel Council.The individual must demon-strate a wide variety of busi-ness and interpersonal skillsand use diverse skills and tal-ents within the community andbe a positive role model forgirls.

Also in attendance was

JULIE CLARK NAMED WOMAN OF THE YEARIN CALIFORNIA

Aerobatic air show performer and retired commercial air-line captain Julie Clark was named “Woman of the Year” for the1st Senate District by Senator Dave Cox in March.

Julie, a Jackson Gold Dust Chapter member, and 39 othernotable women were honored as Woman of the Year represent-ing each of the 40 California Senate Districts.

“Being recognized as Woman of the Year by Senator Cox isvery special. As a lifelong resident and native of Northern Cali-fornia, I am honored to be acknowledged for my contributions tomy community and to the field of aviation,” said Julie.

“Julie’s leadership and patriotism exemplifies the Ameri-can spirit,” said Senator Cox.

Julie begins her 28th year as a solo aerobatic performer. Sheand her T-34 “Smokin’ Mentor” will be appearing in numerousair shows throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico thisyear.

Senator Dave Cox, Julie Clark and Senate President pro TemDon Perata. Julie was named Woman of the Year in California’s1st Senate District.

the oldest known living GirlScout, Marianne ElserCrowder. While at the lun-cheon, which was the 8th An-nual Celebration for Women ofDistinction, Marianne took afew minutes to visit and con-gratulate Phyllis.

On behalf of all the PikesPeak Ninety-Nines, we con-gratulate Phyllis Wells on be-ing selected as a 2007 Womanof Distinction.

— Patsy M. Buchwald

Phyllis Wells, right, withMarianne Elser Crowder, theoldest living Girl Scout.

99 TENT AT EAA/AIRVENTURE 2007It is that great and exciting time of the year again at Oshkosh,

from Monday, July 23 through Sunday, July 29! Come join us tohangar fly, to reunite with Ninety-Nines from around the world,to meet and recruit prospective Ninety-Nines and to enjoy all themany aircraft and exciting air performances. Oshkosh providesa great opportunity to spread the word about The Ninety-Ninesand to recruit other women pilots for our organization.

The 99s International Tent is at the same popular site, nearHangar B. A highlight of the Tent this year will be a NIFA dis-play represented by Ninety-Nines officers. Anyone who has par-ticipated in NIFA events and will be at Oshkosh, please contactme so that we can avail ourselves of your experiences. It is im-portant to inform others of NIFA’s role in the development ofyoung women pilots.

Our annual breakfast will be held on Thursday, July 26. It isan informal, gratis, no-reservation-needed affair including a raffleand lots of Ninety-Nine camaraderie and will be held at The 99Tent. B & E Jewelry will be there all week with their 99 jewelry.

Volunteers are al-ways needed and verywelcome, especially torepresent all areas ofthe country and theworld. If you can sparea few hours or a day,please contact me orjust drop by to offeryour services.

—Rita Adams99s OshkoshCoordinator

99 News – May/June – 2007 25

TOUCH & GO

GRETCHAN JAHN TAKES THE CONTROLSAT ALPHA AVIATION

Ninety-Nine Gretchen Jahn stepped into the position ofGeneral Manager for New Zealand’s Alpha Aviation on March1. She was previously the CEO of both the Mooney AirplaneCompany and the Mooney Aerospace Group in the UnitedStates, where in two years she more than doubled aircraft pro-duction and brought two new aircraft models to market.

Alpha Aviation Chairman Graeme Edwards saysGretchen’s appointment coincides with Alpha Aviation’s shiftfrom start up to fully fledged aircraft manufacturer, boostingits ability to compete and succeed on an international stage.

“Gretchen is an influential figure with broad knowledgeof manufacturing and the aviation industry. Her appointmentgives a huge boost to Alpha Aviation’s efforts, as well as theaviation industry in New Zealand as a whole.

“Gretchen will be tasked with significantly increasing pro-duction and reducing manufacturing times, while at the sametime maintaining our internationally-recognized excellentmanufacturing standards,” Edwards says.

Gretchen says Alpha has done a phenomenal job to date,securing New Zealand, EASA and FAA type certifications inrecord time while simultaneously receiving the productioncertificate for its two-seat aerobatic aircraft. She also notedthe recent expansion of the Alpha Aviation facilities at

WOMEN FLY EVENT AT THE SEATTLE MUSEUMOF FLIGHT

Ninety-Nines member Wenyu Fu of the Aloha Chapter wasa guest speaker at the Women Fly event at the Museum of Flightin March. The panel included a diverse group of women withroots in China:

• Wenyu Fu was raised in rural China during the CulturalRevolution and learned to fly in her mid-30s. She is currently aFirst Officer on a 727 with Federal Express.

• WASP Maggie Gee was one of two Chinese-Americanwomen who flew with the Women Airforce Service Pilots dur-ing World War II.

• Alexandra McKinnie, or Huang Mai as she is known inChina, is a First Officer for Okay Airways in a 737.

• Luan Rongrong is the first woman to become a 767 Cap-tain in China.

• Francis Tong was one of the first Chinese-American womento earn a Private Pilot certificate.

• Zhigan Wang was recently selected for flight training inthe United States and is moving from the cabin staff as a flightattendant to the flight deck of Sichuan Airlines Airbus.

Moderating the panel was Museum of Flight’s President andCEO Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, a five-time shuttle astronaut.

— Jenny Beatty

Hamilton Airport which will assist with the scale up of pro-duction.

“I’m inheriting an exciting product range, a recently ex-panded facility and a very capable team, and I’m delighted tobe involved with the company at what is a pivotal stage in itsgrowth and development,” Gretchen says.

Gretchen is also a keen pilot and air racer, with morethan 20 years behind the stick, including competing in racessuch as the Around New Zealand Air Race in 2004 and theUnited States Air Race Classic, which she won in 2006.

Gretchenafter

winningthe Air

RaceClassic.

NEW DEADLINE FOR CHANGES TO THE ANNUALBUSINESS MEETING AGENDA ITEMS

For many years, The Ninety-Nines has utilized a ReferenceCommittee at the Annual Business Meeting and as authorized inthe Annual Meeting Standing Rules. At one time all resolutions,main motions and proposed changes to the Annual BusinessMeeting Agenda had to be submitted by the end of the “Com”Session. In the past three years, we have not had a “Com” Ses-sion; therefore, another deadline to receive these items has beenestablished. Any member attending the Annual Meeting maysubmit items to the Reference Committee. Items must bereceived by the Reference Committee by 5 p.m., Thursday,September 13, 2007.

With the Committee members’ knowledge of the history anddocuments of The Ninety-Nines, the Reference Committee shallreview all submissions for completeness, form, conflict withcurrent corporate documents, elimination of duplication and de-termine the order of presentation in the Agenda.

The following members have been appointed as the Refer-ence Committee:

• Thon Griffith, [email protected]• Jacque Boyd, [email protected]• Jerry Anne Jurenka, [email protected]• Lee Orr, [email protected]

— Pat Prentiss


NEW HORIZONS

THERESA DELLAQUILAEastern Pennsylvania Chapter

The Eastern Penn-sylvania Chapter is sad-dened by the recentdeath of fellow Ninety-Nine, past Chapter Chairand dear friend TheresaDellaquila, who went onto new horizons onMarch 8 after a 2½ yearcourageous battle withbreast cancer.

An accomplishedInstrument-rated private pilot, Theresa was beginning to workon her Helicopter rating when illness forced her to put herflying lessons on hold. Theresa was 43. The Ninety-Nines wereTheresa’s extended family and were an incredibly importantpart of her life. I wonder, though, if she ever knew how manylives she influenced in her short time with us?

Chapter members remember her as one of those peoplewho squeezed every bit of joy, happiness, excitement, friend-ship and love out of life’s offerings, and she chastised those ofus who didn’t live to the fullest every single moment of theday. Theresa challenged us to not worry about “the right way”to do something — she just wanted us to do it.

Mid-Atlantic Section Governor and Theresa’s good friendAlison Chalker said that when she met Theresa, she was“quickly disarmed by her charm, friendliness, complete open-ness and love of life.” Alison and Gail Lingo both recalled thewonderful time that a dozen Eastern PA Chapter members,including Theresa, had at the International Conference in NewZealand in the fall of 2005. Alison noted that Theresa hadbegun chemotherapy by that time, and her prize at the end ofthe treatment was the chance to travel to New Zealand, whichwas “the trip of a lifetime.”

In remission from breast cancer, Theresa was not aboutto miss this trip. Gail recalls that Theresa “was up at sunrise tosee the new day and watched the sunset wherever she could.

STUART B. DOWNING49½ of Billie DowningEastern New England Chapter

On February 3, 2007, 49½ Stu Downing, beloved husbandof Billie Downing, flew on to New Horizons after a brief illness.A pilot himself, Stu was in the U.S. Army Air Corps and workedas a Flight Engineer for Pan Am, Trans Ocean, World Airwaysand Overseas National. He was retired from IBM after workingfor over 25 years as a Service Engineer.

Stu and Billie have enjoyed many long cross-country tripsflying all over North America, Alaska and Canada in theirC-172, quite often to attend Ninety-Nines events. They especially

She walked to the river and watched the water like she neversaw a river run before. She hiked through a rain forest, climbedthe hills and stopped to smell the flowers.”

Marina Saettone noted that while in New Zealand, manyNinety-Nines opened up to her about their own battles andoverwhelmed Theresa with the true sisterhood of The Ninety-Nines. She was grateful for the fortune of becoming a Ninety-Nine.”

Jenny Beatty commented on how wonderful it was thatMarina Saettone and all of Theresa’s Ninety-Nines friends wereable to be present for her and be a comfort to her in her lastweeks.

Section members and other Ninety-Nines supportedTheresa in her final days with wonderful cards, letters, flow-ers and phone calls. Theresa’s loving companion, Drew Hurley,asked us to express his thanks to all of Theresa’s friends inThe Ninety-Nines for their care and support.

Members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter held a me-morial service for Theresa on April 21 at the American Heli-copter Museum in West Chester, Pennsylvania, She was bur-ied in Connecticut near Great Barrington Airport on April 10.

As Kristen Jurn said, “I hope Theresa will be watching allof us as we fly — and fly with us.”

— Mary Ellen Morris

enjoyed flying a Safari in Australia.Stu was very active in aviation circles and was a member of

American Aviation Historical Society, Silver Wings, EAA, AOPAand Aero Club of New England.

Stu was also very involved in the formation of the Massa-chusetts Aviation Historical Society (MAHS) and contributedmuch of his time during the early days of forming the organiza-tion. He had an excellent technical knowledge of both aero andauto engines and was a resource to the MAHS. Stu was a loyal,kind man and will be greatly missed.

— Georgia Pappas

Theresa celebrates her first solo in 2002.

99 News – May/June – 2007 27

NEW HORIZONS GRASS ROOTS

TANNIE HANCOCK SCHLUNDTIndiana Chapter

Another Life member passes. In this case my beloved sisterTannie Schlundt, 89. She passed in her sleep on March 21, 2007and without pain. My wife Ruth Ann and I sat with her, in herfinal approach to heaven. I would hold her hand and, althoughshe couldn’t talk, I would say, “Tan, level you wings, you areturning final now and finally hold it off,” and she would smile asif she understood.

Tan loved flying and The Ninety Nines, as well as the India-napolis flying club. She had too many friends to count. We missher and know her many friends will.

Tannie was a native of Alma, Georgia. She married Paul, acommercial aircraft pilot, in 1942, and he taught her to fly. Shejoined The Ninety-Nines in 1954 and became an active memberof the Indiana Chapter, where she served as Air Marking Chair-man, Indiana Chapter Chairman, Secretary of the North CentralSection and Vice Governor. She also served as Governor duringthe “Fly Away” from Atchison, Kansas, when Amelia EarhartFirst Day Covers were distributed to all states and free worldcountries in a 48-hour period.

Tan also coordinated the International Convention in Cin-cinnati, Ohio and coordinated 15 Chapters in the “Fly Away,”delivering trees from Atchison, Kansas, throughout the world.She has a memorial tree dedicated to her for her contribution toaviation in the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison.

She flew many races, including the Powder Puff Derby, thefirst Michigan SMALL Race, Fairladies and Illi-Nines. She wasa Life member of The Ninety-Nines. She received the Dee Nicho-las Trophy for Women in 1954, 1977 and 1988.

Tannie taught school after graduating from Middle GeorgiaCollege, worked for the State of Georgia as corresponding sec-retary to the Georgia House of Representatives, with CAA (nowFAA) and their early computers.

Of all her experiences, Tannie considered flying the great-est of her accomplishments.

Survivors include her son Julian, grandson Bryan, grand-daughter Kate Holleman, great-granddaughters Kaylee and LaylaHolleman, brother John Hancock and sister JoAnne HancockPorterfield.

— John W. Hancock

MAYSIE MORRIS HENROTINEastern Pennsylvania Chapter

Maysie Morris Henrotin, 84, died on October 13, 2006. Shewas a receptionist for almost 20 years at Chester County Airport.She learned to fly in 1960 in a Cessna 150. She later bought theCessna and twice flew across the country, landing in cornfieldsand on dirt roads. She was a gardener, said her son.

She is survived by her sons G. Barclay Cantrell, Jr. andSamuel Cantrell, a daughter Susan Gilchrist, a sister, and 11grandchildren.

CENTRAL OREGON CHAPTERThe Central Oregon Chapter

members have kept themselves busyover the cold winter months mak-ing plans for their spring and sum-mer events.

The Chapter chose to donate$500 to adopt the 99s Museum for oneday each quarter in 2007. This donationwas rewarded with very nice acknowledgements and certificatesfrom the Museum.

The Chapter has been working hard at promoting their Sec-ond Annual Scholarship award and has also designed theChapter’s first logo. Creating the logo has generated some ex-citement, and they are hoping it will aid in the promotion of theirlocal Chapter and the International Organization of Women Pi-lots as well.

The Central Oregon Chapter has joined forces with the lo-cal chapter of the Oregon Pilots Association for fly-outs. Thejoint events have been fun for those who have attended.

— Judie Nesmith

OKLAHOMA CHAPTER The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission held its annual

Aviation Awareness Day in the Capitol Rotunda on February 28.The Ninety-Nines were represented by Oklahoma Chapter mem-bers Charlene Davis, Phylis Hensley, Elizabeth Kondor and CarolSokatch.

Our display featured Ninety-Nines International, FWPs, the99s Museum of Women Pilots and two events with official Okla-homa Centennial Designation — the Start of the 2007 Air RaceClassic and the 29th Annual Okie Derby.

This was time well used to publicize all these areas to theLegislative members, their aides, pages, the general public andother organizations representing aviation schools, businesses andagencies in aviation in our state.

— Carol Sokatch

Phylis Hensley, 49½ Harold Kondor, Elizabeth Kondor, Lt GovernorJari Askins, Charlene Davis and Carol Sokatch.


GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities

LAKE TAHOE CHAPTEROn Sunday, March 25, the Lake Tahoe Chapter invited

Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill to divert from their pole-to-pole record-setting flight and have lunch with our Chaptermembers and friends. Over 40 people greeted the Bell heli-copter as it descended from 14,000 feet, touring our beautiful

Pictured with Colin Bodill and JenniferMurray in front of their Bell helicopter,from left, are Judy Mayorga, BonnieSeymour, B.J. Yuke-Miller, Laurel Lippertand Sandy Korth. We continued to followthem on their journey north on theirwebsite, www.polarfirst.com. We wishthem safe flying.

ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTERThe Orange County Chapter participated in the Girl Scout

“From Dreams To Reality” Career Day held in February atthe Concordia University Campus in Irvine, California.

Approximately 500 Girl Scouts participated in this an-nual event. Along with the sights and sounds of girls greetingeach other with excited squeals and hugs, with some girlscomparing which of the day’s career presentations they pre-ferred to attend, and some just giggling with the fun of it all,there was also much being accomplished. The girls were lis-tening to the women speakers describing how they eachreached their individual career goals. The women presenterswere from all walks of life: doctors, lawyers, cosmetologists,engineers, fund-raising pros, insurance reps, pilots, entrepre-neurs, artists, attorneys, business owners, graphic designersand others.

Our Chapter members felt privileged to have an opportu-nity to offer the girls insight on how to pursue a career inaviation. Our presentations by Patty Murray, with assistancefrom Linda Eldridge, Kathleen O’Brien and Mary Van Velzer,were well received. The girls asked lots of detailed questionsincluding, “Why does the Captain sit in the left seat?” (Doesanyone know the answer to that one?) Also, when they weretold that 13-year-olds are being accepted into the Civil AirPatrol where glider lessons are available, several girls’ eyes

lit up, with the girls asking for, and being given, the CAPwebsite address.

When they were told that the mission of The Ninety-Ninesis to help further women in their aviation careers by awardingscholarships to those qualified, some could be heard mutter-ing, “Awesome!”

— Mary Van Velzer

lake and landing at Truckee-Tahoe airport (TRK) in Truckee,California. The Polar First helicopter pilots are attempting toset a new world record: to fly around the world via the Southand North Poles.

—Beverly Jo Yuke-Miller

Ninety-Nines Linda Eldridge, left, and Kathleen O’Brien talk withGirl Scouts during “From Dreams to Reality” career day.

99 News – May/June – 2007 29


OLD DOMINION CHAPTERThe National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-

Hazy Center was green on Saint Patrick’s Day — with GirlScouts!

Each year the museum hosts Girl Scout Day, an eventfilled with exhibitors from many facets of aerospace and avia-tion. Participation this year was at an all-time high, more than2,000 scouts, plus parents, chaperones and leaders.

Old Dominion Chapter has participated for many years,arriving armed with sectionals, E-6Bs and a couple of table-top flight simulators. Chapter members speak with the girlsabout the limitless opportunities (personal and professional)available in the aviation field while they get a taste of pilotageand navigation, then take their turns at the controls of the simu-lators and fly!

Some of the girls show real potential, and we do all wecan to encourage them to follow their dreams. They are ourfuture Ninety-Nines.

— Denise Decker

Participating in Girl Scout Day are, from left, Seth Van Lehn,Jann Thompson, Betty Fisher, Morgen Reeb, Denise Decker andRose Brown.

MANITOBA CHAPTERAt the Manitoba Aviation Council 2007 Conference,

the Rosella Bjornson Scholarship, given annually by theManitoba Chapter, was awarded to Leah Brunger. Leah iscurrently working on her Commercial licence and intendsto use the scholarship towards her Instructor rating. Shereceived $1,000 to apply towards flight training and a mem-bership to The Ninety-Nines.

The Manitoba Chapter organizes a Poker Derby andundertakes other fund-raising activities to award a flyingscholarship each year. The scholarship fund itself is main-tained with The Winnipeg Foundation. Anyone wishing todonate to the fund will receive an income tax receipt. Do-nations may be sent to: Manitoba Chapter Ninety-NinesScholarship Fund, c/o The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 OneLombard Place, Winnipeg, Mb R3B 0X3; phone (204) 944-9474 or FAX (204) 942-2987; www.wpgfdn.org.

—Mary Lou Milhausen

From left, Sheila Grant, scholarship winner Leah Brunger,Chapter Treasurer Lou Milhausen and Secretary Janice Cannell.

SAN ANTONIO CHAPTERThe San Antonio Chapter

was honored to have ColonelMichael Cosby as speaker atour February meeting. Col.Cosby is the son of Ninety-Nine Margaret Cosby. He hasserved in Iraq, Afghanistan,Bahrain and Qatar for the lastthree years. He is enroute tocommand the Gulf Air WarCenter, which is a Center ofExcellence in the region, teach-ing advanced tactics to theGCC (Gulf Cooperation Coun-cil) states.

Col. Cosby gave us a pic-torial tour of Iraq, including theZuggerat of Ur, which is thebirthplace of the PatriarchAbraham, and many other sitesof historical significance.

The Central CommandArea of Responsibility (AOR)stretches 5,400 miles acrossIraq and Afghanistan, encom-passing more than 600 millionpeople. Currently, U.S. CentralCommand Air Forces has morethan 270 aircraft comprised ofF15s and 16s, A-10s, Un-manned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

and helicopters. In the last threeyears, he has flown more than200 combat sorties over Iraqand was the Vice Commanderof the Air Forces in Iraq. Hewas then selected to serve asthe Chief of Staff to the Com-mander U.S. Central CommandAir Forces, overseeing all airoperations in the AOR.

After speaking, we had abrief question and answer pe-riod. It was a very interestingand educational meeting.

— Nancy Aldrich

Colonel Michael Cosby.



MONTEREY BAY CHAPTEROn February 24, the

Monterey Bay Chapter pre-sented a Flying CompanionSeminar that had a slightly dif-ferent composition than pastseminars. This time there werealmost as many male as femaleattendees. Does that meanwomen are making bigger in-roads in the ranks of pilots?Nice thought. The other change

Sarah Chauvet, Monterey BayChapter Chair, tells one of hermany amusing stories. Sarahattended a FCS that the Chapterput on 10 years ago that con-vinced her she could become apilot.

Geneva Cranfordcreated theoriginal designthat became theofficial booth ofThe Ninety-Nines.

for this seminar was that ourFuture Women Pilots not onlyorganized the seminar but werevery active in the presentations.They did an excellent job, andthe attendees evidently thoughtso, too, based on their evalua-tions at the end.

At the end of March,Chapter Member GenevaCranford delivered to the 99sMuseum of Women Pilots a

model of the booth that theMonterey Bay Chapter uses atvarious functions. This boothwas adopted by the Interna-tional Board in 1983 as the of-ficial booth of The Ninety-Nines, and plans were madeavailable for other Chapters toreplicate it. It was featured onthe cover of the 99 News inAugust of 1983.

The booth was designedby Geneva to be used in manydifferent configurations de-pending on the needs of the par-ticular event. When some of ournewer members learned that themodel of the booth was goingto Oklahoma City, their reac-tion was, “Oh, no, how will weremember how to assemble thebig booth?”

The Monterey Bay Chap-ter full-scale booth was stolenfrom a local airport and unfor-tunately not recovered. So,

Geneva set us all to work re-creating it. Today we againhave a beautiful booth thatclearly says not only who weare, but how proud we are tobe Ninety-Nines.

—Donna Crane Bailey

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTERSan Gabriel Valley’s 19th Annual Poker Run was a runaway

success. We couldn’t have asked for better weather or a bettergroup of volunteers as 23 airplanes launched from Cable airport.

Everyone enjoyed the stops at Ramona, Borrego Springsand Banning before returning to Brackett to pick up the finalcard for their poker hands. The pilot camaraderie during the BBQ,games and winner announcements was tremendous. Every par-ticipant won at least one of the fabulous prizes donated by localbusinesses and, thanks to all of our donors and participants, weraised a fantastic amount of money for our scholarships.

— Christine Malcomson-Young

ALASKA CHAPTERThe Alaska Chapter and the Girl Scouts organized an

Aerospace Career Day to help raise awareness for womenconsidering a future in aviation. The event featured speak-ers from a wide range of aviation careers, including pilots,airport managers and air traffic controllers.

“Our goal is to introduce girls to different careers, inthis case, the aerospace industry, that are interesting andchallenging and keep them interested in math and sciencein an effort to give them more opportunities for careers asthey reach high school,” says Alaska member RobertaDegenhardt.

The fair showed the girls that with the opportunitiesnow available, the sky is the limit.

Aerospace Dayencouragedgirls to pursuea career inaviation.Sh

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From left, IlseHipfel, LoreenWynja infront,unknown,Ron Braley,TraciRodriguez,ChristineMalcomson-Young.

99 News – May/June – 2007 31


EASTERN IDAHO CHAPTERThe Eastern Idaho Chapter held their annual Compan-

ion Flying Seminar in February at the Pocatello Av Centerlocated on the Pocatello Regional Airport to help non-pilots understand small planes and the people who fly them.

Jack Messick of the National Weather Service spoketo the group about how weather affects small airplanes,while Bob Jones, CFII, demonstrated why little planes don’tjust “fall out of the sky.” Greg Clark, Flight Instructor and“retired” Tower Operator, explained to the group that thetower really is your friend, and in an emergency the opera-tors have amazing resources to get both the people andtheir airplanes safely to the ground.

Terry Ross, a local psychologist and a pilot, talked tothe group about how to calm themselves to take the fearout of flying, and Sandy Storhok, Eastern IdahoChapter Chair, gave the group an exercise reading naviga-tional charts.

One lucky attendee even won a Discovery flight, andthe word is she’s thinking about learning to fly — at theage of 70.

— Sandi Bills

MICHIGAN CHAPTERThe Ninety-Nines of Michigan celebrated their 50th Amelia

Earhart Luncheon in March in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.This year’s speaker was Sarah Bryn Rickman, author of The

Originals, the story of the first 28 WASP who flew during WorldWar II, and Flight from Fear. Sarah lives in Centerville, Ohioand speaks frequently to audiences about women pilots of WWII.

For the past 50 years, The Ninety-Nines of Michigan havecelebrated a special luncheon. In 1979, the Mary von Mach Schol-arship Fund was established in memory of Mary von Mach, thefirst Michigan woman pilot and one of the Charter members ofThe Ninety-Nines. The scholarship enables a young female Michi-gan Civil Air Patrol Cadet to attend flight training at the JohnsonFlight Encampment held in Matoon, Illinois. To date, 35 scholar-ships have been awarded.

This year, Claire Ojala awarded scholarships to Cadet Lt.Col. Laura Steinberger, who lives in Howell, Michigan, and Ca-det Melanie Davis from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Laura has earnedmany awards, participates in Search and Rescue missions, worksfor Bose Speaker Company and will join the Senior Staff of theMichigan CAP later this year.

Melanie has progressed through the levels of the cadet pro-gram to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant and is now the Cadet Com-mander of the Kalamazoo Cadet Squadron. Melanie’s dream isto be an astronaut in command of the Shuttle.

—Nancy Walters

SAN FERNANDO VALLEYCHAPTER

Mary Lou Neale was aWASP during WWII and hascontributed many years ofknowledge and service toThe Ninety-Nines and is nowbeing honored into the For-est of Friendship

— Lilian Darling Holt

Claire Ojala, center, awards scholarships to Melanie Davis, left, andLaura Steinberger.

www.fly-in.comE-mail:

[email protected]

Pat OhlssonREALTOR® & Ninety-Nine since 1976

202 Cessna BoulevardDaytona Beach, FL 32128

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

Fax: 386-760-3612

Spruce CreekFly-In Realty

A residential AirparkCommunity—7FL6

Bob Jonesexplainswhy smallplanes don’tjust “fall outof the sky.”


Madeleine Kelly Royle and Amelia Earhart, 1929.

Ruth Rueckert, Elizabeth Hayward, Pansy Bowen, Marge Hook. Top row from left, “Johnny” Johnson and Marian Trace.Bottom row from left, Ruth Marshall, Madeline Royleand Maxine Dunlap.

Thyra Merrill.

Standing, left to right, Maude Miller, Marian Trace, Harriet Isaacson,Ruth Rueckert, Marjorie Hook, Ruth Wakeman, “Pat” Kendall. Kneeling,Bea Nadon, Dolores Guinther and Anna Cort Meyer.

RuthMarshallandMaxineDunlap.

99 news magazine - may 2007

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