Sport Pilots, Aerobatic Pilots, And Former WASPS Will All Be Attending

The California Capital Airshow (CCA) will celebrate of the Centennial of Women in Aviation at Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR) this weekend. CCA would like to invite the public and attendees of the show to meet the amazing women that will be celebrating this honor at the 2010 Airshow. "We are honored to share these remarkable women as they will leave an impression that will last a lifetime,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow, in making the announcement Wednesday. “All of these women are remarkable in their own way and a true inspiration to others.”

Be on the look-out for a young lady at the show sporting a baseball cap and sunglasses with long dark hair and an infectious smile. You might also notice the fact that she does everything with her feet, as she was born without arms. Her name is Jessica Cox, and she’s an FAA-certified sport pilot. Jessica’s story personifies the dedication, innovation, and pioneering spirit that women have brought to the aviation industry.

Jessica Cox

Another woman that will be present at the show is LT Meagan “Vargas” Flannigan. She was the last female to be qualified to fly the F-14 Tomcat before the aircraft was retired from service a few years ago. She is now an instructor pilot at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, and teaches students how to fly and fight with the F-18 Super Hornet.

The youngest female team member ever to join the United States Unlimited Aerobatics Team will take to the skies over the weekend. Melissa Pemberton’s air show routine is high energy and action packed! She is an inspiration to young people and women across the world showing them that no dream is too big and nothing is impossible.

WASP Wings

From 1942 to 1944, more than 1,000 women were trained to ferry aircraft, test planes, instruct male pilots, and tow targets for anti-aircraft artillery practice. The women came from all socioeconomic backgrounds: teachers, nurses, secretaries, factory workers, waitresses, students, housewives, debutantes, and actresses. They were, and still are, known as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) and the California Capital Airshow is fortunate enough to have several of them in attendance.

These are just a few of the women that will be representing and celebrating the Centennial of Women in Aviation this year at the California Capital Airshow.

FMI: www.californiacapitalairshow.com