Celebrating 100 Years Of Licensed Women Pilots
Susan Larson, President of the Ninety-Nines, has committed to
flying women who have never flown before in both her Cessna 182 and
Hughes 500 helicopter during the week of March 6-12, in celebration
of 100 years of licensed women pilots. "I can't imagine a more
satisfying reason to go fly, not that we really need one," said
Larson.
On March 8, 1910, Raymonde de Laroche, a French balloonist,
became the first woman ever to earn a pilot's license. One century
later, the ranks of women pilots continues to grow, but women
represent only 6% of all licensed pilots in most countries. As this
first-century milestone is reached, a group of modern women pilots
is taking steps to make sure the second century is off to a flying
start.
Mirielle Goyer, an Airline Transport Pilot in Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada, has created Centennial of Women Pilots which
seeks to have women pilots fly women non-pilots during the week of
March 6-12 in honor of de Laroche with the express goal of
introducing women to the world of flight. Women pilots from four
continents and over 10 countries have registered to participate in
the attempt to set a worldwide flying record: the most women pilots
introducing a woman to flying in one single day, March 8, as well
as within one single week, from March 6 to March 12.
To participate, women pilots must hold a pilot's license, be
current, fly an aircraft certified for the carriage of passengers,
and register free of charge the Centennial of Women Pilots website
to be counted in the official tally.
The French Section 99s was the first 99s group to register in
support of this record-setting attempt. Larson encourages all 99s
and other women pilots to participate in the world record attempt.
"Our founding members, many of them record holders, knew the
importance of women supporting women. We honor them by continuing
to introduce more women to aviation," Larson added.
The 99s was founded in 1929 in Long Island, New York with 99
members. It has grown to include over 5,000 members in 35
countries. Membership is open to any woman who holds a pilot
certificate of student or higher. The organization sponsors the
Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship program, an e-network designed
specifically for professional pilots, another for student pilots,
and a successful mentoring program.