Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission110 N. Robinson, Suite 200Oklahoma City OK 73102

(405) 604-6900E-mail: oac@oac.ok.gov

oac.ok.gov

Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day

CONGREGATE | CELEBRATE | COMMEMORATE

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward. Amelia Earhart

Patterns of Possibility

Statistical data reports that in 1960, only one in 21,417 women held an “other-than-student” pilot certificate. By 1980, the ratio had become one in 4,224, the best representation of female pilots within the general population ever. In the US in 2017, just 7 percent of 609,000 pilots were women, according to data from the Federal Aviation Adminis-tration. Today, to have a chance to randomly meet a female pilot in the United States, you would have to meet 5,623 women. The Aeronautics Commission hopes to significantly improve those numbers. In Oklahoma, and nationally, there have been strong organizations supporting women in aviation and aerospace including the Ninety-Nines (“99s”) International Organization of Women Pilots, headquartered in Oklahoma City. The Commission was proud to partner with the 99’s by leading a round-table discussion at their 2018 Internation-al Conference in Philadelphia. Commission staff demonstrated how 99s chapter officials in the United States and abroad could duplicate Oklahoma’s efforts recognizing the contributions of female pilots and aerospace workers.

PHOTO: Valerie Westedt, Tenkiller Airpark Experimental Aircraft Owner and Pilot

OKLAHOMA WOMEN IN AVIATION DAY - DECEMBER 9 ANNUALLY 6

Women first began pilot training in the military in 1976, navigator training in 1977, and fighter pilot training in July of 1993. It was during Desert Storm that the first female pilot, Maria T. Rossi, age 32, gave her life while flying a helicopter in a combat zone. As of 2017, the Air Force employs 713 female pilots, 300 navigators, and 228 air battle managers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women make up 50.8 percent of the nation’s population. Currently women make up 19 percent of the Air Force, the highest of any service. Women have struggled to gain a foothold in military aviation, however their role in Oklahoma is well recognized both in economic and community impact. In Oklahoma there are five military installations all supported by the workforce of female pilots, ground crew, and engineers. The military is actually the larg-est of the three segments that comprise the aviation and aero-space industry in Oklahoma with a $19.3 billion annual impact.

Braids and Battles

PHOTO CREDIT: Scot Meek AviationFighterJetGeek Photography

OKLAHOMA WOMEN IN AVIATION DAY - DECEMBER 9 ANNUALLY 5

Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day was placed into state statute through the signature of Governor Mary Fallin during the 2017 meeting of the Oklahoma State Legislature. The date marks the birth of the famous Chickasaw aviator, Pearl Carter Scott, of Marlow, Oklahoma.

Senator Paul Scott, of Duncan, agreed to carry the measure and filed the request bill on behalf of the Aeronautics Commission via Senate Bill 230. “Pearl Carter Scott was an inspiration to all women in and outside of aviation. There are many women who have made great strides in aviation and aerospace in our state, and I believe all female aviators and aerospace personnel should be recognized for their contributions,” said Scott. Representative Scott Biggs of Marlow carried the measure in the House of Representatives.

In 1930, there were 200 licensed female pilots and by 1935 there was an estimated 800 licensed female pilots. With eighty years now passed, the United States is facing a pilot shortage like never seen in the aviation industry.The Federal Aviation Administration reported on December 31, 2016, that there were 39,187 licensed female pilots. That is 6.71% of all pilots in the United States. Over 10,000 of those female pilots were classified as private, while just over 6,000 were serving commercial aviation. Promising a new generation of female pilots, there are almost 16,000 students making up 12% of the total pilot population.

Plane Spoken Women

Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day went into effect carrying the weight of law November 1, 2017 and was the first day of its kind across the United States.

PHOTO: Oklahoma Airport Managers

OKLAHOMA WOMEN IN AVIATION DAY - DECEMBER 9 ANNUALLY 6

As the director of the Aeronautics Commission, over the past fifteen years, I have had the priv-ilege to observe the Oklahoma aviation and aerospace industry flourish in the State of Oklahoma. In 2017, the Commission unveiled the most comprehensive study of the economic impact of our

aviation and aerospace industry ever done in our state.Today, airports, off-airport aviation and aerospace

businesses, and military aviation produce almost $44 Billion in annual economic activity in Oklahoma. That makes aviation and aerospace the second largest eco-nomic engine in our state. Altogether, these segments support 206,000 jobs and an $11.7 billion payroll. The average salary in aviation and aerospace is $73,000.

Oklahoma is well served by the 105 general avia-tion airports and 4 commercial airports in the Oklaho-ma Airport System; 45 of these airports are jet-capa-ble, meaning they have at least a 5,000 foot runway. We have more jet-capable airports per capita than any other state. 95% of our state’s population is with-in 30 minutes drive time of a jet-capable airport.

Businesses that use a plane in their business are three fold more efficient than a business that doesn’t. Devon, Quik Trip, Grondyke Transport, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma University, Walmart, Miche-lin, and the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, are just a few of the businesses that use our aviation system.

These businesses are many of our largest employers. Our airports and airways are being used by our major employers to conduct their business.

The heritage of aviation in our state is, indeed, a rich one. Aviation has really been with us since statehood as Clyde Cessna did test flights of his early aircraft in western Oklahoma just a few years after statehood.

Business aviation began right here, in Oklahoma, when Frank Phillips, W.G. “Bill” Skelly, and other oilmen found that the fastest most efficient way to get to their oilfields was with an airplane. One of Phillips’ pilots was Wiley Post. But, men were not the only aviation pioneers in Oklahoma. Bessie Coleman, who attended Langston University, was the first African American female pilot.

Shannon Lucid grew up in Bethany and attend-ed the University of Oklahoma where she obtained her Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1973. Lucid was se-lected by NASA for the first class of female astro-nauts. She was the only mother in this first class.

Geraldyn Cobb from Norman was part of the “Mercury 13,” a group of women selected to undergo physiological screening tests at the same time as the original Mercury Seven astronauts, as part of a private, non-NASA program.

From Pearl Carter Scott to Amelia Earhart, women have made an invaluable contribution to aviation. We are proud to be the FIRST in the nation to commemorate the achievements of women in aviation and aerospace.

Victor Bird, DirectorOklahoma Aeronautics Commission

From the Director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission

OKLAHOMA WOMEN IN AVIATION DAY - DECEMBER 9 ANNUALLY 2

First in the Nation! Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry is the state’s second largest economic engine providing more than 206,000 jobs and an $11.7 billion payroll.

Measured in 2017, the footprint of aviation and aerospace in Oklahoma has grown dramatically in the past 20 years as one of the fastest growing sectors of the state’s economy, increasing by 250%, generating economic activity of $43.7 billion annually.

More than 1,200 aerospace compa-nies are located throughout the state. The average annual salary for an Oklahoman working in the aerospace industry is nearly $73,000. Aerospace is the state’s top export and there is no doubt the female workforce is a significant contributor to that success.

Aerospace with Grace

Braids and Battles

PHOTO CREDIT: Scot Meek AviationFighterJetGeek Photography

PHOTO: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.

OKLAHOMA WOMEN IN AVIATION DAY - DECEMBER 9 ANNUALLY 3

Oklahoma’s Eula Pearl Carter Scott was born December 9, 1915 in Marlow, to father George, and mother Lucy, who was an enrollee of the Chickasaw Nation. Pearl’s colorful life took her from Marlow to the Chickasaw National “Hall of Fame”. After learning how to drive at the age of 12, she soared to new heights and learned to fly at the age of 13 under legendary aviator Wiley Post. She became the youngest pilot in the United States with her first solo flight on September 12, 1929. She later worked as a stunt pilot where she performed until ending her career to focus on her children and family. She started a second career with the Chicksaw Nation in 1972 as a member of one of the Tribe’s first Community Health representatives after studying at the Desert Willow Indian Training Center in Tuc-son, Arizona. In 1983, Pearl was elected to the Chickasaw Legislature where she served three terms and helped bring about the tremendous growth in tribal operations and services. Pearl’s spice for life has been recognized across the nation. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame, the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame, the International Women’s Air and Space Museum Hall of Fame, and is a Charter Member of the National Museum of Indians at the Smithsonian. A complete file of her aviation experiences is included in the “History of Aviation Collection on Women” at Texas University in Dallas. She was listed in the 1978-79 addition of “Personalities of the South”, the 1989-90 addition of “Outstanding Women in America” and in 1990 she was honored as “Homecoming Queen and the Guest of Honor” for the 60th anniversary celebration of Wiley Post’s trip around the world. She was also a member of the Marlow Chamber of Commerce, Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliary and the 0X5 Aviation Pioneers. Pearl Scott was an important person in many counties in Oklahoma. She was extremely helpful to the Chickasaws, as well as all other people. Because she complet-ed so much for so many, Representative Ray McCarter, long-time friend of Scott, honored her at the Speak-er’s podium in the Oklahoma House of Representatives at the State Capitol with Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby in 2002. Pearl passed away March 25, 2005. She is survived by her son and daughter and 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. A documentary titled Pearl Carter Scott: On Top of the World, and a non-documentary film about her titled Pearl, are productions by the Chickasaw Nation. A book by Paul F. Lambert was published in 2007 titled Never Give Up!: The Life of Pearl Carter Scott.

Dr. Ray McCarter, Ed.D Retired State Representative, HD 51, Marlow, OK

OKLAHOMA WOMEN IN AVIATION DAY - DECEMBER 9 ANNUALLY 4

The logo used on the cover of this program was used with permission by the artist Christopher Nick. Nick was commissioned by Senator Ford, Representative Ray McCarter, and Governor Bill Anoat-bubby with the Chickasaw Nation, to capture the tapestry of Pearl’s amazing life. Christopher Nick was born and raised in rural Oklahoma and received his formal art training at the Atelier LeSueuer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Atelier school system is based on the curriculum of training the artist in the tradition of the old masters. Christopher then continued his training by appren-ticing in the studio of the national illustrator Mike Wimmer and branched out on his own as a full time professional artist. His images have been published on book covers, children’s books, figurines, textiles, puzzles, ceramics, calendars, greeting cards and magazines. In 2001, Christopher was chosen among Oklahoma artists by First Lady Cathy Keating to paint the state’s Official Oklahoma Governor’s Christmas Card. The original oil titled ‘Believe’ is now in the collection of the Governor’s Mansion. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission would like to thank Christopher Nick and Senator Charles Ford for the image use permission. We encourage you to tour your Oklahoma State Capitol and seek out the painting of Pearl Carter Scott and remember that December 9 will always, and now forever will be, Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day. Congregate! Celebrate! Commemorate!

The Pearl of Oklahoma EULA PEARL CARTER SCOTTDecember 9, 1915 - March 25, 2005Pearl Carter Scott was memorialized on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at the Oklahoma State Capitol through a portrait that is displayed prominently in the House of Representatives lounge. The well attended dedication brought Pearl’s remaining brother and sister from across the country to celebrate Pearl’s achievements. The portrait was a project of the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. curated by retired Senator Charles Ford of Tulsa.

PHOTO: Oklahoma House of Representatives Staff Photo

PHOTO: Rep. Ray McCarter (Ret.), Pearl Carter Scott, Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby