99 pamela melroy, commander of sts-120, and crew lift off ... · 9 antelope valley chapter’s...

99 News – January/February – 2008 1

99 Pamela Melroy,Commander ofSTS-120, andcrew lift off forrendevous withthe InternationalSpace Station,October 23, 2007

99 News – January/February – 20082

PERPETUAL CALENDAR

99 News

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

The 99 News4300 Amelia Earhart Dr

Suite AOklahoma City, OK

73159-1140Email:

[email protected] Form:

www.ninety-nines.org/99newsreports.htmlPlease indicate the name and location

of the event, thecontact name and

the phone/fax/email.

On the Cover

2008

MARCH

9 Antelope Valley Chapter’s Famous & FunSt. Patrick’s Poker Run & BBQ, Lancaster,CA, W.J. Fox airport, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pur-chase BBQ tickets before March 3. On theday of event, tickets sold based on avail-ability, and we sell out fast. Contact Elle,661-256-4357, for more information oremail [email protected].

12-26 Incredible India Tour, sponsored by theIndia Section. Special pre-and post-toursavailable. Contact Chanda Budhabhatti [email protected].

13-15 19th Annual International Women inAviation Conference, San Diego, CA.

14-15 South Central Section Spring Meeting, Al-buquerque, NM. Contact: [email protected].

APRIL

1 Due Date for 99 News submissions forMay/June 2008 issue.

4-6 Southeast Section Spring Meeting, BayWatch Resort and Conference Center,Myrtle Beach, SC. Hosted by CarolinasChapter. Registration deadline March 3.Contact Reva Carpenter, [email protected] elizlee@comporium. net.

8-14 Sun ‘n Fun, Lakeland, FL. Visit sun-n-fun.org.

25-27 North Central Section Spring Meeting,Osceola, IA. Fly to the Heartland, hostedby the Iowa Chapter at Terrible’s LakesideCasino & Resort. For information and reg-istration form, visit www.iowa99s.org.Contact Minnetta Gardinier, [email protected]; or Celma Higgins, phiggins@iowatelecom. net.

MAY

2-4 Southwest Section Spring Meeting, PalmSprings, CA. Hosted by Coachella Valleyand Imperial So-Lo Chapters. Visitwww.sws99s.org/sectmeeting.html; con-tact Jeanine Bertrand, [email protected].

JUNE

1 Due Date for 99 News submissions forJuly/August 2008 issue.

7 AOPA Fly-in and Open House, Frederick,MD. Enjoy a full day of safety seminars,exhibits and aircraft on display.www.aopa.org/special/fly-in/.

20-22 Forest of Friendship, Atchison, KS, Secu-rity and Solace through Flight – Militaryaviation and humanitarian flight organiza-tions. Visit www.ifof.org.

24-27 Air Race Classic, begins in Bozeman, MTand ends in Mansfield, MA. Contact LindaMarshall, phone 406-388-7668 or visitwww. airraceclassic.org.

30 Deadline for submitting Professional PilotLeadership Initiatives (PPLI) application.Email [email protected] or visitw w w. n i n e t y - n i n e s . o r g / c a r e e r s /mentoring.html.

JULY

28-Aug 3 EAA/AIRVENTURE, Oshkosh, WI. Visit theNinety-Nines tent, and on July 31 enjoy acomplimentary drop-in breakfast from8:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Rita Adams,[email protected], or visit http://eaa.org/airventure/.

AUGUST

1 Due Date for 99 News submissions forSeptember/October 2008 issue.

1-3 Palms to Pines Air Race, Santa Monica CAto Bend, OR. Visit 99slapalms.com formore information.

5 Northwest Section Meeting, Anchorage,AK or nearby.

6-9 Ninety-Nines International Conference,Anchorage, AK.

SEPTEMBER

26-28 Southwest Section Fall Meeting, OgdenUT. Hosted by the Utah Chapter. Visitwww.sws99s.org.

OCTOBER

1 Due Date for 99 News submissions forNovember/December 2008 issue.

10-12 North Central Section Fall Meeting, New-ark, OH. Hosted by Women With WingsChapter.

Ninety-Nines Address ModificationPlease note that the U.S. Post Office has slightlychanged the official address of The Ninety-Nines headquarters to:

4300 Amelia Earhart Dr Suite A

Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140

Ninety-Nine PamelaMelroy was com-mander of the SpaceShuttle Discovery andits seven-member STS-120 crew as it blastedoff from KennedySpace Center’s launchpad on October 23,2007. The shuttle washeaded towards a link-up with the Interna-tional Space Station tobegin a joint mission tocontinue constructionby delivering theItalian-built U.S. Node2 named Harmony.During the 14-daymission, the crewinstalled Harmony andmoved the P6 solararrays to their perma-nent position anddeployed them.Photo courtesy NASA


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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident

Pat Prentiss

Vice PresidentSusan Larson

SecretaryFrances Luckhart

TreasurerKristine Irvin-Herron

Directors Lisa Cotham, Virginia Harmer,

Frances Strubeck, Patricia ThebergePast President: Elaine Morrow

Copyright 2008, 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 Dr., Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140. The $9 price of a yearly subscription is included inthe annual Ninety-Nines membership dues. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and other addi-tional mailing offices.

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)

January/February 2008

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 34, Number 1

Pat Prentiss Susan Larson Frances Luckhart Kristine Irvin-Herron

Lisa Cotham Frances Strubeck 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 Dr, Suite A

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 Dr, Suite AOklahoma 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

German: Waltraut MoogIndia: Mohini Shroff

Israeli: Avigail Barbara ColorniNew Zealand: Helen Collie

Norwegian: Karen DevoldRussian: Khalide Makagonova

West Canada: Wendy Boyes

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

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

Northwest: Frances PostmaSouth Central: Chris Swain

Southeast: Corbi BulluckSouthwest: Martha Phillips

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 Dr, Suite AOklahoma City, OK 73159-1140

Fax: (405) 685-7985Email: [email protected]


Ninety-Nines Elections 2008

Ninety-Nines 2007 International Conference

Pam Melroy: In Commandby Marcia K. Gitelman

99 News

IN EACH ISSUE

51415232831

President’s MessageRatings and WingsCareers/Pro 99sNew MembersGrass RootsNew Horizons

5

24

166

24

January/February 2008

Left, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy, a Ninety-Nine, andExpedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson add the STS-120crew patch to the growing collection in the InternationalSpace Station’s Unity module.

Photo above, Russian and U.S. Ninety-Nines and friends tour theCosmonaut Training Center at Zvezdny (Star City) near Moscow.Front row, from left: Elizabeth Brock, Bobbi Roe, Kyung Kim, AmyStrebe, Pat Prentiss, Pat Forbes and Trish Beckman. Back row,Karen Olsen, Inna Frolova, Linda Mae Draper, Susan Larson, JerryAnne Jurenka and Galina Astakhova.

Alaska Chapter members invite you to the 2008 InternationalConference in Anchorage on August 6-9. Front row, from left,Waynetta Brasher, Rosemary Zimmerman, Gloria Tomich,Louise Gettman. Back row: Diane Denson, Mio Johnson,Candy Seltenrich, Melanie Hancock, Amy Martin, CJ Glasser.

16


Promoting World Fellowship throughFlight — Moscow, Russia

At the 2007 International Conference in Boul-der, Colorado, Khalide Makagonova and ValentinaKotlyar, Russian Section Governor and Vice Gov-ernor respectively, extended a special invitationto attend the 2007 Aviatrissa Forum. This eventcelebrated Aviatrissa’s 15th anniversary and in-cluded an impressive gathering of noted aviatrixesfrom Russia and former Soviet Republics.

During our visit, our Russian sister Ninety-Nines showed off Moscow with tours of the Krem-lin, the Armory Museum, Red Square, St. Basil’sCathedral, Star City, Tretyakov Gallery, an operaat the famous Bolshoi Theater and more. I particularly enjoyed the evening when 14 of us weretreated to a dinner prepared by Elena Kulkova at her apartment in the heart of Moscow. Elena, avery gracious and courageous woman, flew the Pe-2 dive bomber during WWII and is decoratedwith many military honors. That evening we experi-enced the special bonding of women pilots that makes

The Ninety-Nines so strong. As Elena said, “When the souls, efforts and wishes ofpeople pour together – that is the true force.”

Our last evening was spent at the Suvorov Restaurant enjoying Russian cuisine,entertainment and celebrating our fellowship. New Russian Section member IdaAndreevna Patrakova was overjoyed to receive her official Ninety-Nines pin during thefestivities. As the evening drew to a close, Khalide Makagonova (President of Aviatrissaand Russian Governor) and I joined hands to cut the cake which celebrated the successof Aviatrissa, symbolically linking our two organizations.

I invite you to enjoy some of the photos, and I extend a very appreciative thank youto our Russian sisters who truly made our trip one that will never be forgotten.

President’s MessageBY PAT PRENTISS, International President

Enjoying a chilly day at theKremlin.

Ida Andreevna Patrakova was delightedto receive her Ninety-Nines pin.

Ninety-Nines from both Russia and the United States celebrate an evening ofsisterhood at the apartment of Elena Kolkova, foreground.

Olga Doktorova interprets my message at the 2007 Avia-trissa Forum.

Khalide and I cut a beautiful cake honoringAviatrissa on our last evening in Russia.


Susan LarsonRio Grande Norte ChapterSouth Central Section

Wow, thesepast 25 years ofservice to TheN i n e t y - N i n e shave been an in-credible journey.I would neverhave acquired myaviation creden-tials (commer-cial, instrument, ASEL and helicopter)without the support and more than occa-sional push from the women I so admire.In my non-aviation life, I became a CPAand subsequently co-owned and manageda manufacturing company with up to 50employees for 27 years. I have brought thisbusiness background to the Board of Di-rectors and have served as your Treasurerand Vice-President.

Over the next years we will need toraise funds, preferably from outsidesources, in order to finance structural im-provements to our headquarters buildingin Oklahoma City. Our Endowment Fundwill be taking on continued importance asa source for stability and resources in thecoming years. Additionally, using a pro-fessional and business-like style, we needto continue to promote The Ninety-Ninesto other aviation related organizations inorder to further the respect and admira-tion currently held for us in the commu-nity. “Promote, Provide, Preserve” is ourmission, and with our dedicated volunteerswe will continue to fulfill that mission forthe benefit of all Ninety-Nines.

There may be no greater service toThe Ninety-Nines than as your President.It requires complete dedication and avail-ability, and I find myself now in the posi-tion to offer both. President Pat Prentisshas brought great professionalism andbusiness acumen to the position, and I in-tend to continue that leadership style. Yourvote is greatly appreciated.

Ballots for the 2008 Election

will be mailed by March 1,

2008 and must be returned

postmarked by May 1, 2008 to

be counted. Please make sure

Headquarters has your current

address on file. Members will

be electing a President, Vice-

President, Secretary, Treasurer

and two Directors. We will

also be electing the Nominat-

ing Committee and Trustees

for the 99s Museum of

Women Pilots, Ninety-Nines

Endowment Fund, Amelia

Earhart Birthplace Museum

and the Amelia Earhart Memo-

rial Scholarship Fund. Candi-

dates are listed in postmark or

timestamp order within the

office sought.

Also indicated are the number

of positions available.

By Anna TaylorElection Procedures Chairman

Ninety-NinesElections2008

InternationalPresident (1)

InternationalSecretary (1)Pat ThebergeEastern New England ChapterNew England Section

As one ofyour Directors, Ihave spent a lot oftime over the lasttwo years gettingto know you andthe organization.Participating onthe Board of Di-rectors and Fi-nance Committees, working as liaison tothe 99s Museum of Women Pilots, andworking with the e-Networking Commit-tee and Credentials Committee has pro-vided me an insight to the business of TheNinety-Nines. However, the most impor-tant thing I have done is meet as many ofyou as possible. Getting to know you atSection Meetings and at InternationalConferences is the best way I know to un-derstand your needs as Ninety-Nines.What I have learned from all of you di-rects my decisions and actions. I use theselessons, in union with your other electedofficers, to lead and make decisions forThe Ninety-Nines that will position us tomove forward, cherishing our history, butgrowing and expanding to meet our fu-ture.

As a Ninety-Nine, I have held numer-ous Chapter and Section offices, includ-ing Governor and Council of GovernorsSpokesperson. My professional career inProject Management and IT SystemsAnalysis Engineering requires problemsolving, communication and collaborationskills, skills I use to help achieve our com-mon goals and assure the continuedgrowth of our organization.

I would like to take the next step andrepresent you as your Secretary for theupcoming term. I would be honored toserve in that capacity and as your repre-sentative in maintaining and growing TheNinety-Nines as well as reaching out tomeet the needs of all women pilots.


Lisa CothamNew Orleans ChapterSoutheast Section

Having ser-ved as Interna-tional Director fornearly three con-secutive years, I’meager to further mycommitment toThe 99s by servingas InternationalVice President.

Joining The Ninety-Nines in 1988 lit-erally changed my life by providing op-portunities that rekindled my desire for anaviation career. I subsequently earnedcommercial pilot and flight instructor cer-tificates with single/multi-engine land andinstrument ratings. My multi-engine in-structor rating was made possible by a1993 Amelia Earhart Scholarship.

Ten years of experience and trainingin the Baton Rouge Flight Standards Dis-trict Office as an Aviation Safety Techni-cian has enforced the need to gather allavailable information before making a de-cision; to identify, analyze and managerisk so to achieve an acceptable outcome;and to work as a team — all practices Iapply in my everyday life.

It will be my priority to Promote TheNinety-Nines within the pilot communityand the aviation industry to recruit newmembers and corporate support, Providemembers with quality services and re-sources, and Preserve our gains by foster-ing old and new relationships. I will un-dertake the duties of Vice President withthe same determination I applied whenassigned our calendar project, the mem-bership brochure and FAA National SafetyTeam Member designation: to produce thebest result for The Ninety-Nines.

In addition to many offices and com-mittee chairmanships in the New OrleansChapter, I served as a Trustee of the 99sMuseum of Women Pilots from 2000-2003 and Chairman during 2002-2003;Southeast Section Governor from 2001-2003; and the 2003 International Confer-ence Chairman.

Frances LuckhartTulsa ChapterSouth Central Section

As a memberof The Ninety-Nines since 1992,I have served onthe South CentralSection Board ofDirectors as Trea-surer, Vice Gov-ernor and Gover-nor. In the pastfour years, I have served on the Interna-tional Board as Director and most cur-rently, Secretary. In my professional ca-reer, I taught school and was anaccountant. My accounting backgroundhas enabled me to serve and be an asset onthe International Finance Committee since2002.

Our organization has gone throughmany positive changes. Our membershipis healthy and continues to grow,our financial picture is stable and withinbudget and we are becoming more recog-nized each day by the outside world andother aviation organizations. I would liketo work to keep all of these initiatives mov-ing forward.

I will continue to uphold the Bylawsand Standing Rules that govern our orga-nization, and I believe that all of us needto strive for unity of purpose for TheNinety-Nines. In addition to The Ninety-Nines, I have also been a member of aninternational women’s sorority, BetaSigma Phi, for 30 years, and I have heldall offices and been Council Presidenttwice. This leadership experience, alongwith my commitment to The Ninety-Nines, has enhanced my ability to serveour organization. I ask that you allow methe opportunity to serve as your Vice Presi-dent.

Donna MooreWomen With Wings ChapterNorth Central Section

The stron-gest asset of TheNinety-Nines isthe membership,a vibrant commu-nity of accom-plished women.Members comefrom around theworld, all walksof life, and all levels of experience, fromstudent pilot to ATP. In order for the orga-nization to continue to thrive, it is impor-tant to understand the needs of the mem-bership, which is best facilitated throughclear and open communication. As a mem-ber of the Board of Directors, my primaryresponsibility would be to listen to andlearn from the diverse membership, build-ing a bridge that connects the members tothe leadership of the organization. I hadthe honor of serving on the Board of Di-rectors from 2002-2006. By attendingSection meetings and participating on thee-networks, I learned what members wantfrom The Ninety-Nines.

If elected to the position of Vice Presi-dent, I would use these venues to engagein two-way communication with mem-bers. The Ninety-Nines remain a “bestkept secret” in the aviation community,and we need to work together to get theword out more effectively, thereby in-creasing our numbers and strengtheningthe camaraderie of women pilots.

One of the many projects I have en-joyed bringing to fruition is The Ninety-Nines Fly for Breast Cancer Cure, bothbecause it supports a worthwhile causeand also because it provides a venue tointroduce the non-flying world to thisgreat organization. As Vice President, Iwould research the possibility of otherpromotional opportunities, ways to dis-solve the shroud of mystery surroundingThe Ninety-Nines.

International Vice President (1)


InternationalTreasurer (1)Kristine Irvin-HerronArkansas ChapterSouth Central Section

I received myprivate pilot cer-tificate in 1988and joined TheNinety-Nines in1989. I have beenan active memberof the ArkansasChapter sincethen. At the Chap-ter level, I served as Vice-Chairman, Chair-man, Scholarship Chairman and have beenTreasurer since 1996. At the Section level,I served as Director, Treasurer, Vice-Gov-ernor and Governor. I have been the Sec-tion 501(c)(3) Advisor since 1996. AsGovernor, I served on the International Fi-nance Committee and as Chairman of theInternational Awards Committee. I am cur-rently serving as International Treasurer.

As a member of the International Fi-nance Committee, I assisted in matters re-lated to the required filings with the Inter-nal Revenue Service. As InternationalTreasurer, I have fielded questions regard-ing the 501(c)(3) status of the organiza-tion and answered queries regarding Chap-ter expenditures, sales tax and fundraising.

I am a licensed Certified Public Ac-countant and have been in practice since1982. In this capacity I have dealt with avariety of clients in the areas of tax, ac-counting and auditing, includingnonprofits and business enterprises in avariety of fields.

The Ninety-Nines have made greatstrides in the last several years in gettingour financial records in order and havingtimely and clear financial statements thatare essential to the Board of Directors inmaking financial decisions. I would liketo continue this trend, and I feel I am veryqualified due to my very extensive busi-ness and financial background. I look for-ward to continuing to serve as your Inter-national Treasurer.

International Directors (2)Marie GreinFlorida Suncoast ChapterSoutheast Section

My successas a leader ingroups to which Ibelong is due to avariety of my per-sonal traits: posi-tive outlook, en-thusiasm, deter-mination, will-ingness to listen,ability to follow through and helpingmembers to come to a consensus. If I joina group, I commit to that group, provenby my commitment to The Ninety-Nines.

I joined The Ninety-Nines in 1990and, from that date, have served locallyon the Section level and on an Interna-tional Committee. As a member of theFlorida Suncoast Chapter, I served as Trea-surer and two terms as Chapter Chairman.From 2003-2005, I was Southeast SectionTreasurer followed by serving as South-east Section Governor 2005-2007. AsGovernor, I was a member of The Coun-cil of Governors and served as its Spokes-person 2006-2007. On the Internationallevel, I was Co-Chairman of the AerospaceEducation Committee for four years.

I believe that there are three goals thatneed to be worked towards. First and fore-most, name recognition of the organiza-tion whereby people know The Ninety-Nines is an International Organization ofWomen Pilots with emphasis on womenpilots. Secondly, continue to work towardincreasing the membership, which shouldbe easier when goal one is attained.Thirdly, continue to support and imple-ment The Ninety-Nines Mission State-ment.

Goals for my contribution to the or-ganization are to prepare for issues whichwill be on the agenda, listen with an openmind and support the decisions once theyhave been made.

Laura SmithBay Cities ChapterSouthwest Section

The Ninety-Nines is one ofthe most endur-ing organizationsin the aviationcommunity, aheritage thatgives us all pride.However, the fu-ture is by nomeans certain and much sustained effortand long-range planning are necessary forour future success and viability. Today’swomen pilots have many choices — pro-fessional flying, recreational flying, ortravel flying — it remains our challengeto be the organization that best providesthe appropriate resources.

We must extend a friendly invitationto join us and then foster an appreciativeenvironment, respecting and recognizingthe efforts that are made to promote andpreserve The Ninety-Nines. I believe thecritical key to accomplishing this is bysharing. We can do this by effectively us-ing available technology to facilitate opencommunication.

We, as an organization, need to im-prove our efforts to: Share between themultiple generations of Ninety-Nines,with emphasis on preparing and develop-ing upcoming generations for leadershippositions; Be open and flexible to newideas and diverse viewpoints; Improve ourinternal and external communications;Work towards consensus when possible;Incorporate appropriate checks and bal-ances; Share information and knowledge,passion and inspiration, adventures andfun!

In today’s competitive environment,The Ninety-Nines competes for member-ship with many organizations. To ensureour bright future, we need to share ourstrengths, ambitions and talents as womenpilots. I’m enthusiastic about working to-gether to achieve the mission of Ninety-Nines, and it would be a privilege to beone of your International Directors.


Virginia HarmerSan Gabriel Valley ChapterSouthwest Section

T r a v e l i n garound the coun-try this past yearhas opened myeyes to the vastcapabilities ofthis organizationto make a differ-ence in the role ofwomen in avia-tion. To accomplish this, we need to cometogether with ideas and purpose.

I would like to continue providingencouragement to all members of TheNinety-Nines and be the link betweenthem and the International leadership. Itis important to me to listen to their con-cerns, triumphs and suggestions, and makesure they are passed on to the leadership.

The member files are a project ofmine. The goal is to be able to put our fin-gers on information about anyone who hasbeen or is currently a Ninety-Nine quicklyand easily.

The PPLI and our scholarships aregreat opportunities to reach out to thewomen of The Ninety-Nines and those out-side the organization. They provide a uniqueplatform for obtaining new members.

Through our museum and the AEBirthplace, we are showing the world wecare about these women who have madegreat strides on our behalf. I want to seeour museums grow not only in size but inname.

Insuring our future means getting theEndowment Fund to the million dollarmark. As with any corporation, a strongfinancial base is the key to financial success.

I am dedicated to serving The Ninety-Nines. I would consider it a privilege tocontinue as one of your Directors.

International Directors (2)...continued

Joan KerwinChicago Area ChapterNorth Central Section

I have been aproud Ninety-Nine for 38 years.This has been anexciting, fulfill-ing time of learn-ing new responsi-bilities, meetingnew people andtraveling. I haveworked with all levels of membershipfrom Chapter to International, serving asChapter Chairman in one of the largestChapters in the organization, Governor ofone of the largest Sections, initiating andserving as International Legislation Chair-man for 11 years, Bylaws/Standing RulesChairman for four years and NominatingCommittee Chairman for two years.

I have attended at least 34 Interna-tional Conferences and 90 Section meet-ings, at least 10 of which were outside myown Section. I have had the privilege tomeet and know Ninety-Nines from all overthe world. Attendance at InternationalBoard meetings as an InternationalCommittee Chairman and as Director forthe last two years has given me insightinto what is required of your Officersand Directors.

Membership, finances, public rela-tions require the Board’s attention. I havehad experience in all of them, both in myprivate life as well as in my volunteer ac-tivities with other organizations, all requir-ing cooperation, commitment and commu-nication.

As a retiree, I am able to travel andmeet with our Section members both toinform them and be informed. This is anasset for anyone seeking the position ofDirector.

As Director, I pledge to work with theothers on the Board to continue to seekand retain, provide, preserve and promoteThe Ninety-Nines, as I have for the past38 years.

Elizbeth L. LundinOklahoma ChapterSouth Central Section

I receivedmy private pilotcertificate in 1966and joined TheNinety Nines thesame year. I havebeen very activesince joining andhave held all of-fices at both theChapter and Section level. At the Interna-tional level, I have served as Bylaws Chair-man, Board Member and Financial Com-mittee member and International Trea-surer.

Financial stability, accountability toour members and increased membershipare critically important issues for our or-ganization. We must administer our assetsconservatively and yet continue to meetthe desires and needs of our members. Myrecent four years as Headquarters Man-ager of The Ninety-Nines was spent man-aging money, achieving long range goals,finding solutions to problems withoutjeopardizing future financial security and,most important, assisting the membershipin every way possible and working to in-crease membership. My time with the 99sMuseum of Women Pilots has been spentworking on public relations and writinggrants.

We can do many things for the futureof women in aviation and establish ourposition as a strong voice in the aviationcommunity. I have worked diligently inthe past and continue to do so to increaseawareness of our organization in the lo-cal, state and national areas and bringmany useful skills to the InternationalBoard.


Nominating Committee (5)Trish HannaOregon Pines ChapterNorthwest Section

My visionfor The Ninety-Nines is that wecontinue to have avibrant, growingorganization. Ibelieve we do thisthrough commu-nication and withdedication.

Many organizations today are losingmembership because they do not conveya sense of purpose and direction for ac-tion to this task-oriented, younger genera-tion. We can give more direct assistanceto the Chapters from our InternationalBoard expertise. We are sharing ideas onAerospace Education; we need to expandthe sharing to recruiting, member reten-tion and Chapter development. Thoughmuch has been done, we need to do moreto assist and encourage young womenwanting to fly.

My experience in drama, specificallyin selecting actors, can be valuable in help-ing to find highly qualified people to serveon the International Board. My leadershipposition in the schools taught me the valueof finding just the right person for a task.For example, I had to choose people fortextbook selection, a group for districtwriting assessment and some students tobe peer assistants to slow learners.

I believe in this organization, and Ivalue the many friendships I have madeover the years. I would be honored to serveThe Ninety-Nines on the NominatingCommittee.

Barbara Harris-ParaGarden State ChapterNew York-New Jersey Section

I have beenactive in TheN i n e t y - N i n e sO r g a n i z a t i o nthrough myChapter and Sec-tion; I now feel itis time to moveon to the Interna-tional level.

I have served in a two-year positionon the Aerospace Education Committeeat the International level, as well planningand hosting the 2004 International Con-ference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I amcurrently serving as the Governor of theNew York/New Jersey Section, and myterm will be completed in the summer of2008. Through these experiences, I havegained friendship and support within theorganization that have helped me enjoybeing an active and enthusiastic Ninety-Nine.

I believe I bring a lot of experiencesas an educator, federal employee, certifiedFAA flight instructor, former school boardpresident, and presently, volunteering asa Lead for the FAASTeam in the South-ern Pines, North Carolina area. I am alsomentoring a child who is in danger of slip-ping through the cracks. I have becomeactive in the Carolinas Chapter of theNinety-Nines, and I am very active in mylocal EAA Chapter 1220.

I believe I am a team player and willbe an asset to the Nominating Commit-tee. I have been told that I can see the bigpicture and then home in on the little items.I appreciate all of your help, thank you inadvance.

Martha PhillipsVentura County ChapterSouthwest Section

I have been amember of TheN i n e t y - N i n e ssince 1996 andam currently theGovernor of theSouthwest Sec-tion. I also servedas Section Trea-surer prior to be-coming Governor, and, in my own Chap-ter, I have served as Chairman, Treasurerand Membership Chairman.

Attendance at the International Con-ferences and the Board of Directors meet-ings at those Conferences and in Okla-homa City has given me a chance to makethe acquaintance of members from manydifferent areas. I have also been amazedat the dedication and vision of the currentand past officers of The Ninety-Nines.

As a member of the NominatingCommittee, I would strive to find thepeople who have the interest, talents andenergy to continue the growth and meetthe organization’s future goals.


Nominating Committee (5)...continued

Rita AdamsChicago Area ChapterNorth Central Section

Since I be-came a Ninety-Nine in 1968, Ihave been con-tinuously activeon the Chapterand Section levelseither on commit-tees or as an of-ficer. Through at-tending almost all North Central Sectionmeetings and many International Confer-ences, I have had the opportunity to seeNinety-Nines in action and note their di-versity and capabilities. Also as Ninety-Nines Coordinator for EAA/AirVentureOshkosh for the past 11 years, I have metmembers from around the world and learnedabout their desires in leadership.

The Ninety-Nines have a wealth oftalent and knowledge in the membership.The Nominating Committee’s duty is toseek out and encourage these well quali-fied and energetic potential leaders to rep-resent us at the International level. I feelthat my exposure to a wide range of mem-bers will be an asset for this position.

Sonia BortolinFlorida Goldcoast ChapterSoutheast Section

I am honoredto have the oppor-tunity to run for aposition in theN o m i n a t i n gCommittee. I ama longtime avia-tion enthusiastwith a Commer-cial and Instru-ment rating and over 900 hours PIC. I havebeen a member of The Ninety-Nines forthe past five years, and I am the currentChairman of the Florida Goldcoast Chapter.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, I have re-sided in Miami for the past 27 years. I havebeen married to my husband Edgar for 25years, and I have two college studentdaughters. I am an attorney, and I operatemy own firm, Bortolin & Associates, P.A.,in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My practiceis primarily concentrated in CommercialLitigation and Immigration & NationalityLaw. I have represented clients from allareas of the United States and around theworld. Living in South Florida has pre-sented me with unique opportunities tomeet people from all corners of the world,and I take great pride in seeing that everyperson is treated with integrity and respect.

I believe the Nominating Committeeis one of the most important committeesof our organization. I understand the enor-mous value of having a successful Boardand Membership. I believe that I can bringexperience and insight to The Ninety-Nines Nominating Committee in order toseek out leaders who will guide our orga-nization to fulfill and accomplish its goals.I am running to be a part of the most im-portant development process in our orga-nization.

Deborah CunninghamSanta Clara Valley ChapterSouthwest Section

As a Ninety-Nine who has en-joyed the benefitof an Amelia Ear-hart MemorialScholarship and aTrustee for thepast year, I wouldrequest your con-fidence to con-tinue as a Trustee. I have taken flight, as itwere, learning the operating and runningof the Trust and participating in the selec-tion of the applicants. It would be an honorto continue serving for the next three yearsas an AEMSF Trustee.

I am currently employed as a corpo-rate pilot for a Fortune 500 company fly-ing a DeHavilland Twin Otter and aGulfstream V business jet. I’m here in partbecause of my involvement with TheNinety-Nines, which I joined in 1979 af-ter receiving my private pilot certificate.

I have been involved at the Chapterlevel holding elected positions from Sec-retary, Vice Chairman and Chairman. Ichaired flying companion seminars, pen-nies-a-pound events, IFR refreshers andother local events. I have been involvedwith the PPLI as a Navigator and attendednumerous Section and International meet-ings. In 1988 I received an Amelia Ear-hart Memorial Scholarship for my CFII,which brought me that much closer to mycareer goals. I seek your vote to continueto manage and grow the AEMSF for thebenefit of all Ninety-Nines.

AEMSF (1)


Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (3)Ann ShaneyfeltNortheast Kansas ChapterSouth Central Section

It is my de-sire to serve onthe Amelia Ear-hart BirthplaceMuseum Boardto help promoteand preserve thisbeautiful monu-ment to the firstpresident of TheNinety-Nines. The ownership of theAEBM by The Ninety-Nines is a sacredtrust that can be used to educate the pub-lic about the history of The Ninety-Ninesorganization and our founder, Amelia Ear-hart. I believe, in educating young womenabout the life of Amelia Earhart, we canencourage them to set their goals high andhelp them achieve their dreams as shownby the courage of Amelia.

I started my flight training while be-ing a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Af-ter receiving my private pilot certificate, Ijoined the Northeast Kansas Ninety-Ninesin 1993. I have held many offices in myChapter from Chairman, Vice Chairman,Secretary, Historian, Membership andScrapbook Chairman. I was also a mem-ber of the Spearhead Chapter of the Kan-sas Pilot’s Association in which I held sev-eral offices and served on the Board. Iwork as a volunteer for Angel Flight, acharitable flight organization that helpsunite pilots who have a plane with patientsin need of a flight to medical care or othertypes of compassion flights.

I believe serving on the Amelia Ear-hart Birthplace Museum Board will beanother step in expressing my love foraviation.

Nancy A. Miller-BorgAlabama ChapterSoutheast Section

I have been afinancial sup-porter of theAmelia EarhartBirthplace Mu-seum (AEBM)for many yearsand was honoredwhen I was askedto fill a vacant po-sition on the Board of Trustees. Since thattime I was elected to the position. I havecreated several fund-raisers, both interna-tionally and locally.

The AEBM is a somewhat hiddentreasure of The Ninety-Nines. I would liketo encourage more members to make a tripto Atchison, Kansas to see the work ouremployees and Board members do withthe donations from Ninety-Nines andother sources. It is difficult to raise fundsfor such “unglamorous” items as payingthe winter heating bill in Kansas. All therooms have been restored, and the majordirection is in keeping this wonderfulhome in good physical shape.

The Museum has dedicated docentswho lead the tours and two exemplary em-ployees who manage the day-to-day op-erations. Because of them, the AEBM is afantastic tourist attraction where the pub-lic can learn about The Ninety-Nines andits first President.

If reelected, I pledge my energy andtalent to maintaining, preserving and im-proving the Amelia Earhart BirthplaceMuseum.

Nelda LeeGreater St. Louis ChapterNorth Central Section

My serviceto The Ninety-Nines began in1971 when Ijoined the GreaterSt. Louis Chapter.I joined because Iwas a new pilotand loved flyingand had found anorganization that also loved flying and hada purpose in supporting education and pro-moting aviation.

Throughout my years as a member, Ihave held many offices and served on sev-eral committees and have found the orga-nization supportive of its membership atall levels.

In 2004, I found another niche whereI could serve and that was as a Trustee forthe Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum.This has been a wonderful experience, andI am seeking your support so that I mightcontinue this service to the museum andthe organization. Thank you for yourvotes.


Endowment Fund (3)Marcia K. GitelmanFinger Lakes ChapterNew York-New Jersey Section

When I grad-uated from highschool, becominga pilot was not onmy radar screen. Ihad not even hada ride in an air-plane. However,knowing the ba-sics of investingwas part of my education. It was in the cur-riculum in a required Economics coursefor an academic diploma. A little over adecade later, not only did I have a collegeeducation, a family, a profession and ahome, but a private pilot certificate. Join-ing The Ninety-Nines in 1968, shortly af-ter receiving my license, was not just amatter of paying the dues and going tomeetings but a way of participating, orga-nizing and learning. My family upbring-ing, and the influence of the family I mar-ried into, has always been one of giving ofoneself beyond “your own front door.”And, to this day, that basic economics in-struction has also stayed with me; manag-ing my family’s finances, managing myretirement portfolio and investing just as ahobby has been a continuing activity. Myunderstanding of my husband’s businesshas given me additional knowledge.

In today’s world it is not possible tofulfill the mission of The Ninety-Nineswith dues alone. The Endowment Fundwill be a most important steady source ofincome for our organization once it reachesthe critical $1,000,000. I feel that I canmake a contribution with ideas that comefrom experience. I have the knowledge andthe time to devote to working with the otherTrustees for the future financial indepen-dence of The Ninety-Nines.

Gayl HenzeEastern Pennsylvania ChapterMid-Atlantic Section

The 99s En-dowment Fund iscritical to the fu-ture financial in-dependence ofThe Ninety-Nines, Inc. In or-der for us to con-tinue our missionof Promoting,Providing and Preserving, we must be fi-nancially sound and still keep our dues ata reasonable level. Maintaining our head-quarters building as well as meeting theneeds of all our members is often reallychallenging for our Board of Directors. Weneed the help of all Ninety-Nines in thisendeavor.

Thirty years ago I started to fly, andthat simple action broadened my life andgave it additional meaning. Joining TheNinety-Nines kept me flying and gave methe desire to help other women to have theopportunity, not only of flying but of ex-periencing the camaraderie of a group ofother women with the same passion.

I served the organization in mostChapter and Section offices and thenserved on International Committees, but Ithink the most lasting benefit to TheNinety-Nines will be my time serving withthe other Trustees of the Ninety-Nines En-dowment Fund for the past four years. Wehave made good progress towards our goalof $1,000,000, and I hope to continue foranother two-year term.

Barbara StrachanFlorida SuncoastSoutheast Section

I am a long-time and activeLife member ofThe Ninety-Nines Organiza-tion, serving atboth Chapter andSection levels.The organizationis very importantto me. I have formed many close friend-ships in our organization with women whoboth encourage and support me.

I am currently serving a two-yearterm as a Trustee on the Board of the En-dowment Fund. I would like to continuethis work. The Endowment Fund’s mostsignificant aspect is its contribution to theoverall financial health of The NinetyNines Organization. I will continue to con-tribute to that effort and help to attain ourinitial goal of $1,000,000 in the Fund.

The accomplishment of the Endow-ment Fund in reaching the goal is the keyto our survival as an organization. Theonly way to insure that we, the oldest andlargest group of women pilots, continueas a viable and economically stable orga-nization is through the continued growthof the Endowment Fund.

My background in marketing, salesand accounting helps me with this effortto grow the fund, and I would like to askevery Ninety-Nine who loves the organi-zation and what it represents to make acommitment to this endeavor. We alllearned to fly, some of us in the face ofgreat hardship, so I believe we can andwill be successful. With my experience, Ican help to keep the momentum going.


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

99s Museum of Woman Pilots (2)Carolyn SmithOklahoma ChapterSouth Central Section

I have alwaysbelieved that thereason to preserveinformation fromthe past is to allowfuture generationsthe opportunity tobenefit from itsuse. Our 99s Mu-seum of WomenPilots provides a wonderful venue to sharethe history — and look to the future — ofwomen in aviation.

For the past three years, I have hadthe opportunity to work with the Museum,as a Trustee and a volunteer. I believe mybackground as a professional librarian hasbeen helpful to the Museum. Through theefforts of the Museum Board of Trusteesand our members, the Museum has takengreat strides forward in collection manage-ment, exhibits, education and publicawareness. And, we are in the midst ofexciting plans for the future.

I would welcome the opportunity tocontinue to work with the Museum as amember of its Board of Trustees and bepart of its future development.

Phyllis ScottTulsa ChapterSouth Central Section

It has been anhonor to currentlyserve on the Mu-seum Board asTreasurer. I wouldlike your supportto serve anotherterm. With my ac-counting back-ground, I under-stand the importance of fiscal responsibility.

Our Museum is a rare gem in preserv-ing what women have accomplished in ourchosen field of aviation. We have mademuch progress in re-housing and preserv-ing these collections. We are attractingmore and more visitors, individually aswell as organizations. However, muchmore needs to be done, and I would like tocontinue to be a part of this endeavor.

Because Tulsa is a short driving dis-tance from the Museum, and I am retired,this enables me to be an active memberand help as needed. It will be a privilegeto continue service on your 99s Museumof Women Pilots Board.

RATINGS & WINGSRATINGSLee Ann Baggott – InstrumentKatahdin Wings ChapterMary Build – Designated Examiner,Commercial and InstrumentKatahdin Wings ChapterHeather ‘Martha’ Cook – PrivatePilot, Rio Grande Norte ChapterPam Mizell – Private PilotOrange County ChapterReni Moczygemba – Private PilotSan Antonio ChapterSusie Nguyen – HelicopterOld Dominion ChapterLaurie Probst – InstrumentWisconsin ChapterNalena Rieder – Multi-engineCommercialVentura County ChapterSarah Vertefeuille – CFIConnecticut Chapter

PROFESSIONAL RATINGSBetsy Donovan – Gulfstream 200type ratingAmbassador ChapterLinda Friedman – B 757, B 767type ratingsDallas ChapterTraci Leider – Captain Upgrade,Lear 60Phoenix ChapterLeja Noe – Captain Upgrade, CRJtype ratingGreater Seattle Chapter

WINGSJanet Chang-Pryer – Phase IIBay Cities ChapterLaurie Reeves – Phase XIIConnecticut ChapterPatty Steffen – Phase IIMount Tahoma ChapterKaren Tierney – Phase IConnecticut Chapter

SOLONic Kinsman – SoloMonterey Bay ChapterNancy Ramseyer – SoloConnecticut Chapter


PILOT CAREERS: Hang Up & Fly

PRO 99S PROFILE: Jeannie DismukesBY BETSY DONOVAN, International Careers Committee

BY DONNA MILLERInternational Careers Committee

Did you know that the doors to most airline lavs are notsoundproof? Recently I was running through my preflight

duties on the flightdeck and the captain was in the lav having avery personal discussion with his girlfriend on his cell phone.Even before he introduced himself, I knew way too much. Not anice way to start a four-day trip. I spent way too much time be-tween deciding whether or not to tell him and getting the imagesout of my head.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love my cell phone. It is mylifeline to friends and family far away. But I’ve noticed latelythat cell phones hinder professionalism. It starts out small. Whileyou’re waiting for your crew to show up, you call your friend tocatch up. The next thing you know, they’re waiting for you toend your call to brief the flight. I’ve seen pilots on the rampdoing a walk around while talking on the cell phone. A goodwalk around deserves your full attention. I know one pilot whoalways greets the mechanics on the ramp (something you can’tdo if you’re on the phone). One time, the mechanic told her thatthe inbound crew thought they hit a bird. She was extra vigilantand found it to be true. They were able to take care of the prob-lem early, and the flight left on time.

Replacing texting with talking doesn’t cut it. A captain toldme that her first officer was texting through her entire briefing.That was her first impression of her F.O. She has timed her brief-ings, and they are less than a minute long. Is our attention spanreally that short? Has our level of professionalism sunk that low?

One pilot said, during dinner with the crew, that she can’tturn off her cell phone because she is on reserve and Crew Sched-uling might call. Rule 3 of professional flying (after “don’t bendmetal” and “don’t break any regulations”) is Do NOT underesti-mate Crew Scheduling’s ability to locate you, especially duringa company overnight. Enjoy the company of your coworkers and(gasp!) leave your phone in your room for an hour. If you haveto take your phone, don’t take unnecessary calls at the table.(That’s just common courtesy, but courtesy is part of profession-alism.) Step away from your BlackBerry! Focus on the peoplewith you. I see crews who are Bluetooth-talking to far-awaypeople but won’t even smile at humans who are actually, physi-cally present. Never mind wrinkles! We’re all getting ElevatorFace — that blank, straight-ahead stare. It’s ironic to see thatcell phones are actually impeding communication.

In 1890, Mark Twain’s Christmas card read, “It is my hopethat all of us may eventually be gathered together in a heaven ofeverlasting peace ... except the inventor of the telephone.” If heonly knew!

J eannie Dismukes, UPS first officer and Louisville Blue GrassChapter member, credits her career to her parents and two

teachers. A field trip to the local airport with her 6th grade class,a glider lesson from her parents for her 14th birthday and Mr.Gallagher, a high school teacher, introduced her “to the idea ofchoosing aviation as a career.”

At age 19, Jeannie received her private pilot certificate inNapa, California. A Sacramento Valley Chapter scholarshiphelped her pay for her CFI. Jeannie was a flight instructor andcorporate pilot in Vacaville, Chino and Ontario, California be-fore flying freight in Arizona. She moved on to the Northeast,flying the Saab 340 for Business Express, which was taken overby American Eagle. At UPS for three years, Jeannie flies theMD-11. Along with her CFI, CFII and MEI, she holds an Air-frame and Powerplant certificate, seaplane and glider ratings.Her type ratings include SF340, ATR 42 and 72, CL65, B727,B737 and MD11.

Wanting to be an airlinepilot, Jeannie “made everydecision based on that goal.If people where not support-ive of the idea, I ignoredthem. I did little else in mylife that was not involved inreaching my goal. My re-ward is today I have themoney and time to do any-thing I want to do. Not ev-erything worked out as Iwish it would have. I havefailed checkrides, received rejection letters, experienced strugglesin training and frustration with relationships. With each struggle,I learned a great deal about myself and became a better airlinepilot in the process.”


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 20086:30 am – 8:00 pm Denali In A Day Tour7:00 am – 4:00 pm NOVA Raft & Hike Combo7:30 am – 1:00 pm Portage Glacier/Wildlife Ctr Tour8:00 am – 2:30 pm Fly In Bear Viewing Tour8:15 am – 8:15 pm Talkeetna Day Trip via AK RR10:00 am – 6:45 pm Grandview Tour via Alaska RRMorning Flight Mt. McKinley Flight Seeing TourNoon – 5:00 pm Registration OpenAfternoon Flight Mt. McKinley Flight Seeing2:00 – 7:00 pm Iditarod Sled Dog HQ / Musk Ox

FarmDinner on your own

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 20086:30 am – 8:00 pm Denali In A Day Tour8:00 am – 2:30 pm Fly-In Bear Viewing Tour9:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration and Credentials9:00 am – noon Pre-Conference Board Meeting9:00 am – 4:30 pm Hospitality Suite OpenMorning Flight Mt. McKinley Flight Seeing TourNoon – 5:00 pm Portage Glacier/Wildlife Ctr TourNoon – 5:00 pm Iditarod Sled Dog HQ / Musk Ox

FarmAfternoon Flight Mt. McKinley Flight Seeing Tour4:00 – 5:00 pm Comm Session (Bylaws)6:00 – 8:00 pm Welcome Hangar Party

Hotel Information

Hilton Anchorage Hotel500 West Third Avenue

Anchorage, Alaska 995011-907-272-7411

Room Rate: $206 (plus taxes) single/double.Group Code: “NNN”. Identify yourself as being with“The Ninety-Nines”.

For online reservation: www.hilton.com (choose“Rates & Reservatons” at the top, select by hotel“Hilton Anchorage,” your dates, and enter GroupCode “NNN”).

Cut off date: July 6, 2008 at 5:00 pm Alaska DaylightSavings Time. Reservations received after that date willbe on a space and rate available basis.

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Overflow Hotel

Anchorage Marriott Downtown820 West 7th Avenue

Anchorage, Alaska 99501Tel: 1-907-279-8000; Fax: 1-907-279-8005

Room Rate: $219 (plus taxes) single/double.Group Code: ‘NNI’ and the name of the conference,“Ninety-Nines, Inc.”Identify yourself as being with “The Ninety-Nines.”

Cut off date: Monday, July 7, 2008.Reservations received after that date will be on aspace and rate available basis.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 20087:00 – 8:00 am Continental Breakfast7:00 – 8:00 am Registration and Credentials8:30 am – noon Annual Business Meeting1:00 – 5:00 pm Fly Market / Trade Show1:00 – 5:00 pm Hospitality Suite Open1:00 – 5:00 pm Educational Seminars1:00 – 3:00 pm Governors Luncheon3:30 – 4:30 pm MWP Trustees Meeting4:30 – 5:30 pm Endowment Fund Trustees

Meeting6:00 – 6:45 pm No Host Reception6:45 – 9:00 pm AE Scholarship Banquet

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 20088:00 am – noon Anchorage Aviation Highlights

Bus Tour9:00 am – noon Post Conference Board Meeting9:00 am – 4:00 pm Fly Market / Trade Show9:30 am – 5:00 pm Hospitality Suite Open9:00 – 11:00 am Educational SeminarsNoon – 1:30 pm Luncheon & Fashion Show2:00 – 4:00 pm AEMSF Trustees Meeting2:00 – 5 pm Educational Seminars6:00 – 6:45 pm No Host Reception6:45 – 9:00 pm Awards Banquet

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 20088:00 – 9:00 am Weather Briefing

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Questions? Contact Conference Chairman AngieSlingluff at [email protected] or

Registration Chairman Brenda Staats [email protected].


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PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

MAIL REGISTRATION TO:

Ninety-Nines 2008 International Conferencec/o Alaska 99s Brenda Staats

P. O. Box 91962, Anchorage, AK 99509-1962E-mail: [email protected]

FAX: (907) 222-7499

Alaska Airlines offers Discount on Airfarefor the International Conference

Alaska Airlines is pleased to support The Ninety-Nines2008 International Conference in Anchorage by offeringa discount on airfare for flights to Anchorage on AlaskaAirlines and Horizon Air between August 3 and August12, 2008. The discount code is ECCMA0918. On theAlaska Airlines web reservations page, select your des-tination city (ANC) and dates of travel, and then underDiscount Code enter ECCMA0918. It will show you therates that apply to various categories of fare.

YOUR INFORMATION:Full Name _________________________________________ Badge Name_________________________

Mailing Address ____________________________________ City ________________________________

State/Province/Country _______________________________ Zip/Postal Code_______________________

Email _____________________________________________ Phone______________________________

Chapter ___________________________________________ Section _____________________________

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:___ International Board Member ___ Past President ___ Current Governor ___ Chapter Chairman

___ International Committee Chairman ___ A.E. Scholarship Winner 2008 ___ First Conference

___ WASP ___ Future Woman Pilot (FWP) ___ AWTAR Alumnae ___ Student Pilot

___ Trust Member, Trust Name ____________________________________

GUEST INFORMATION:Full Name _________________________________________ Badge Name_________________________

Mailing Address ____________________________________ City ________________________________

State/Province/Country ______________________________ Zip/Postal Code ______________________

Email _____________________________________________ Phone ______________________________

ARRIVAL INFORMATION:

Via Commercial Airline to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Arrival Date _______________________________ Departure Date ____________________________________

Via Private Aircraft to Merrill Field (MRI) (PAMR)

Arrival Date _______________ ETA _______________ Departure Date _____________ ETD ______________

Aircraft Make/Model __________________________ Registration # ___________________________________

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE REQUEST: _________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL DIET REQUEST: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Full Name _____________________________________________________________

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEESFull registration includes name badge and printed material, Welcome Hangar Party, AE Scholarship Banquet,Luncheon & Fashion Show, Awards Banquet, Continental Breakfast, access to Hospitality Suite and Fly Mar-ket, Trade Show and Seminars.

TOTAL COSTRegistration - postmarked on or before 5/31/08 ____@ $275 USD $_________Registration - postmarked on or after 6/01/08 ____@ $350 USD $_________

One-day Registration - (includes registration materials and events for that day):Thursday (includes International Welcome Reception) ____@ $75 USD $_________Friday (includes Banquet, Seminars & Continental Breakfast)

____@ $125 USD $_________Saturday (includes Seminars, Fashion Show Luncheon, Banquet)

____@ $175 USD $_________Guest Tickets (if not a Ninety-Nine or full registration)

Thursday - International Welcome Reception ____@ $55 USD $_________Friday - Continental Breakfast ____@ $25 USD $_________Friday - Amelia Earhart Scholarship Banquet ____@ $75 USD $_________Saturday - Luncheon & Fashion Show ____@ $65 USD $_________

Conference Banquet ____@ $ 75 USD $_________

Fly Market (to reserve a 6-foot table) 99 MEMBERS ONLY ____@ $30 USD $_________ Chapter and/or Section ___________________________________________________

Government Agencies & Non-Profit Organizations ____@ $75 USD $_________ Name of Organization __________________________________________________

Vests Color ___ Blue ___ Black ___ Purple

Size ___ S ___ M ___ L ___ XL ___ 2XL ___3XL ___4XL ____@ $40 USD $_________

TOTAL REGISTRATION FEES $ _______TOTAL TOUR FEES FROM TOUR REGISTRATION FORM $ _______

GRAND TOTAL ALL FEES $

Page 2 of 2

Make checks payable to: ALASKA CHAPTER 99s CONFERENCE ❏ VISA ❏ MastercardPAYMENT INFORMATION: Check/Money Order preferredIf paying by credit card, only VISA or Master Card accepted unless paying online with PayPal

Card # ________________________ Three Digit Security Code # ______ Expiration Date _________

Name on Card ____________________________ Signature __________________________________

REGISTRATION CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: Cancellation request must be made inwriting (postal service or email) to Brenda Staats. If postmarked on or before June 30, 2008, pay-ment less $20; on or before July 14, payment less $60. No refund after July 15 unless approved byConference Advisory Committee.

Ninety-Nines 2008 Conference Anchorage, ALASKA

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# of People TOTAL COSTPPPPPooooorrrrrtttttagagagagage Ge Ge Ge Ge Glllllaciaciaciaciaciererererer / / / / / WWWWWililililildddddlifliflifliflife Ce Ce Ce Ce Cooooonsnsnsnsnsererererervvvvvaaaaatttttiiiiiooooon Cn Cn Cn Cn CenterenterenterenterenterWednesday, August 6, 2008 7:30 am – 1:00 pm _______ @ $145 USD ____________Thursday, August 7, 2008 Noon – 5:00 pm _______ @ $145 USD ____________

MMMMMttttt..... McK McK McK McK McKinlinlinlinlinleeeeeyyyyy F F F F Flililililiggggghhhhhtttttssssseeeeeeing eing eing eing eing TTTTTourourourourour (4 hours (4 hours (4 hours (4 hours (4 hours,,,,, t t t t time dime dime dime dime depepepepepenenenenendddddententententent o o o o on n n n n wwwwweeeeeaaaaattttther)her)her)her)her)Wednesday, August 6, 2008 Morning flight _______ @ $375 USD ____________Wednesday, August 6, 2008 Afternoon flight _______ @ $375 USD ____________Thursday, August 7, 2008 Morning flight _______ @ $375 USD ____________Thursday, August 7, 2008 Afternoon flight _______ @ $375 USD ____________

FFFFFly-In Bly-In Bly-In Bly-In Bly-In Beeeeeararararar VVVVViiiiieeeeewwwwwing (ining (ining (ining (ining (inccccclululululudddddeeeees fs fs fs fs feeeeeeeeees ans ans ans ans and td td td td taaaaaxxxxxeeeees)s)s)s)s)Wednesday, August 6, 2008 8:00 am – 2:30 pm _______ @ $606 USD ____________Thursday, August 7, 2008 8:00 am – 2:30 pm _______ @ $606 USD ____________

IIIIIddddditititititarararararoooood Sd Sd Sd Sd Sllllleeeeed Dd Dd Dd Dd Dooooog Hg Hg Hg Hg Heeeeeadquadquadquadquadquarararararters anters anters anters anters and Md Md Md Md Musususususkkkkk O O O O Oxxxxx F F F F FarararararmmmmmWednesday, August 6, 2008 2:00 – 7:00 pm _______ @ $ 99 USD ____________Thursday, August 7, 2008 Noon – 5:00 pm _______ @ $ 99 USD ____________

GGGGGrrrrrananananandvdvdvdvdviiiiieeeeewwwww TTTTTourourourourour vvvvvia ia ia ia ia AlAlAlAlAlaaaaassssskkkkka Ra Ra Ra Ra RailrailrailrailrailroooooadadadadadWednesday, August 6, 2008 10:00 am – 6:45 pm _______ @ $125 USD ____________

NNNNNOOOOOVVVVVAAAAA R R R R Rafafafafafttttt & Hik & Hik & Hik & Hik & Hike Ce Ce Ce Ce CooooombmbmbmbmboooooWednesday, August 6, 2008 7:00 am – 4:00 pm _______ @ $175 USD ____________ (You will need to furnish your own lunch and transport to Chickaloon)

Denali In Denali In Denali In Denali In Denali In AAAAA D D D D Daaaaayyyyy (in (in (in (in (inccccclululululudddddeeeees fs fs fs fs flililililiggggghhhhhttttt an an an an and bus tour)d bus tour)d bus tour)d bus tour)d bus tour)Wednesday, August 6, 2008 6:40 am – 8:00 pm _______ @ $525 USD ____________Thursday, August 7, 2008 6:40 am – 8:00 pm _______ @ $525 USD ____________

TTTTTalalalalalkkkkkeeeeeeeeeetttttna Dna Dna Dna Dna Daaaaayyyyy TTTTTrrrrrip ip ip ip ip vvvvvia ia ia ia ia AlAlAlAlAlaaaaassssskkkkka Ra Ra Ra Ra RailrailrailrailrailroooooadadadadadWednesday, August 6, 2008 8:15 am – 8:15 pm _______ @ $175 USD ____________Thursday, August 7, 2008 8:15 am – 8:15 pm _______ @ $175 USD ____________ Additional Talkeetna Activities (available both days)

Denali Grand Flight Seeing Tour (1½ hours) _______ @ $265 USD ____________McKinley Experience (1 hour flight) _______ @ $190 USD ____________Wilderness Jet Boat Adventure (2 hours) _______ @ $ 55 USD ____________

AnAnAnAnAnccccchohohohohorrrrragagagagage e e e e AAAAAvvvvviaiaiaiaiatttttiiiiiooooon Hin Hin Hin Hin Higgggghlihlihlihlihliggggghhhhhttttts s s s s TTTTTourourourourour (in (in (in (in (inccccclululululudddddeeeees s s s s AAAAAvvvvviaiaiaiaiatttttiiiiiooooon Mn Mn Mn Mn Musususususeeeeeum)um)um)um)um)Saturday, August 9, 2008 8:00 am – noon _______ @ $ 75 USD ____________


PLPLPLPLPLEEEEEAAAAASSSSSE E E E E ADADADADADD D D D D TTTTTHIHIHIHIHIS S S S S TTTTTOOOOOTTTTTALALALALAL TTTTTO REO REO REO REO REGIGIGIGIGISSSSSTTTTTRRRRRAAAAATTTTTIIIIIOOOOON PN PN PN PN PAAAAAGE GE GE GE GE TTTTTOOOOOTTTTTALALALALAL

Additional arrangements for Pre- and Post-Conference Tours on your owncan be made through Logistics Inc. Contact Christy Andresen at Logistics Inc.,907-276-6060 x 13 or [email protected]

2008 C2008 C2008 C2008 C2008 COOOOONFNFNFNFNFEEEEERERERERERENNNNNCE CE CE CE CE VVVVVESESESESESTTTTTS!S!S!S!S!Order a Conference vest with our colorful Conference logo for that extra layer orto spot your friends along the streets of Anchorage. Vests may be ordered on theConference Registration form and will be available for pick up at The Ninety-Nines International Conference registration desk.

GR GR GR GR GRAND AND AND AND AND TOTOTOTOTOUR UR UR UR UR TOTOTOTOTOTTTTTALALALALALSSSSS ________________


FFFFFly-in Bly-in Bly-in Bly-in Bly-in Beeeeeararararar VVVVViiiiieeeeewwwwwing aing aing aing aing attttt R R R R Reeeeedddddouououououbbbbbttttt B B B B BaaaaayyyyyEnjoy a guided tour with the opportunity to view Alaska’s black and brown bears in theirnatural habitat. Board a float plane at Lake Hood for a six-hour tour that will take you about70 miles southwest of Anchorage to the entrance of Lake Clark Wilderness Preserve. FromRedoubt Bay Lodge at the entrance of the preserve, you will board a covered pontoon boatto view resident brown bears up close. Your naturalist guide will lead you to the bears in theirnatural habitat. The bears follow the salmon, so the best viewing is from June throughAugust. You will also receive a checklist of flora and fauna specific to this region. A home-made lunch served in the lodge before you fly back to Anchorage is included. Ground

transportation to/from downtown hotels and Lake Hood is provided by the air taxi operator. Offered Wednesday morningand Thursday morning: $606 USD. *Price includes taxes and fees.

OPTIONAL TOURS AND EVENTSWe are pleased to offer multiple tour opportunities for Conference attendees. Weunderstand that many of you will be visiting Alaska for the first time. With that inmind, we have arranged for many tour options to provide you with the trip of alifetime, adventure and opportunity.

PPPPPooooorrrrrtttttagagagagage Ge Ge Ge Ge Glllllaciaciaciaciaciererererer Cr Cr Cr Cr Cruiuiuiuiuissssse ane ane ane ane and d d d d AlAlAlAlAlaaaaassssskkkkka a a a a WWWWWililililildddddlifliflifliflife Ce Ce Ce Ce Cooooonsnsnsnsnsererererervvvvvaaaaatttttiiiiiooooon Cn Cn Cn Cn CenterenterenterenterenterSpend your day enjoying the Portage Valley. After boarding the motor coach at the conference hotel,

you will travel along the breathtaking Turnagain Arm, famous for itsunusual bore tide. This drive has been voted one of the Top TenMost Scenic Drives in America by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.Watch for eagles, Dall sheep, moose and perhaps beluga whalesfeeding on the hooligan in the Arm. Rustic old buildings and ghostforests are visible signs of the 1964 earthquake that flooded thearea. Explore Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Alaska’s only drive-through wildlifeviewing exhibit. This will be your opportunity to glimpse many Alaskan animals such asgrizzly bear, black bear, reindeer, bison, elk, musk ox, moose, eagles or Sitka blacktaildeer. Drive on to Portage Valley where you will take a glacier cruise that will take you

face-to-face (or face-to-toe) with an active fresh water calving glacier. Board the M/V Ptarmigan for an unforgettable one-hour cruise across iceberg-dotted Portage Lake to the face of Portage Glacier. Narrated by a forest service representa-tive, the cruise is informative and breathtakingly beautiful. Return to the Conference hotel by motor coach. Box luncheonand refreshments will be provided. Offered Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon: $145 USD.

MMMMMttttt..... McK McK McK McK McKinlinlinlinlinleeeeeyyyyy F F F F Flililililiggggghhhhhttttt S S S S SeeeeeeingeingeingeingeingAt Lake Hood, America’s largest float plane airport, you will step aboard a floatplane for aspectacular flight that will take you within six miles of Mt. McKinley’s 20,320-foot summit.Fly over foothills and spot wildlife while on your way to the Alaska Range. You will get toview Ruth Glacier, the Great Gorge and the massive south face of McKinley where climb-ers attempt their ascent. You will make a floatplane landing on a lake at the base of Mt.McKinley (weather permitting) before flying back to Anchorage. Ground transportation to/from downtown hotels and Lake Hood is provided by the air taxi operator. Departure timesare weather dependent. Flights offered Wednesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Thurs-day morning and Thursday afternoon: $375 USD.

GGGGGrrrrrananananandvdvdvdvdviiiiieeeeewwwww TTTTTourourourourour vvvvvia tia tia tia tia the he he he he AlAlAlAlAlaaaaassssskkkkka Ra Ra Ra Ra RailrailrailrailrailroooooadadadadadCab, carpool or walk downhill the three blocks from the Conference hotel to the traindepot. Once there, step aboard the historic blue and gold cars of the Alaska Railroad fora train ride to Grandview. Travel deep into the Grandview Valley and the historic “loopdistrict” where you’ll be surrounded by alpine meadows, wildlife and wildflowers. Enjoygreat views of Trail, Bartlett and Spencer Glaciers. A Chugach Forest Service naturalistwill join you onboard. This train ride will take you through some of Alaska’s most pristineand scenic wilderness areas with rugged gorges, spectacular peaks and a glacier-carved valley that you can reach only by train. Final return leg to the Conference hotel in Anchorage is by motor coach.Limited food service available on the train (not included in tour price). All-day trip offered Wednesday only: $125 USD.



IIIIIddddditititititarararararoooood Sd Sd Sd Sd Sllllleeeeed Dd Dd Dd Dd Dooooog Hg Hg Hg Hg Heeeeeadquadquadquadquadquarararararters anters anters anters anters and Md Md Md Md Musususususkkkkk O O O O Oxxxxx F F F F FarararararmmmmmBoard the motor coach at the Conference hotel for the Matanuska Val-ley, an area that was shaped by two mighty rivers, the Matanuska, whichflows between the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains, and the Susitna,which flows from its headwaters in the Alaska Range. The first stop willbe the Musk Ox Farm, a former colony farm that is presently the country’sonly domestic musk ox farm. It is home to about 70 musk oxen, shaggyanimals that look like a cross between sheep and water buffalo thatwere once contemporaries of wooly mammoths. Alaska Natives knit their soft wool (Qiviut) into hats, scarves and otherclothing items. Qiviut is warmer than sheep wool and lighter than llama yarn. After leaving there, we will drive a shortdistance to Wasilla to visit the Iditarod Race Headquarters. The Iditarod Headquarters offers movies, displays, photos andtrophies of the Last Great Race. Learn about the work of the volunteer pilots of the Iditarod Air Force. There will also bedog sled rides available for a small extra fee. Return to Conference hotel by motor coach. Offered Wednesday afternoonand Thursday afternoon: $99 USD.

Denali in a DDenali in a DDenali in a DDenali in a DDenali in a DaaaaayyyyyThis is the only tour that will take you to see Denali National Park andNorth America’s tallest mountain in one day. Cab or carpool to/from MerrillField, about one mile from the Conference hotel. At Merrill Field, you willboard a 7-9 passenger Navajo for a 40-50minute scenic flight to Healy, AK. Each per-son has a window seat. Once in Healy, youwill be transported via van to the Denali Na-tional Park entrance. At the Visitor’s Center,you will board the Denali National Park Ser-vice shuttle that will take you on the only roadinto the park for a 6-8 hour guided bus trip.Watch for bears, moose, caribou, wolves,foxes, wolverines and Dall sheep. Many

smaller animals such as arctic ground squirrels, hoary marmots, pikas, snowshoe hares andbeavers also inhabit the park. For those interested in bird watching, there are approximately150 species that live in and around Denali in the summer. They include the arctic tern, Ameri-can golden plover, long-tailed jaeger, the surfbird, arctic warbler, the wheatear, willow ptarmi-gan, golden eagles and ravens. By using the park’s shuttle system, visitors support the Na-tional Parks Service’s mission of preserving and protecting park resources while providing a high quality experience.Riding in a bus enhances the chances of spotting wildlife with all those extra eyes looking for them. A box lunch andtransportation are included. Upon completion of your tour, you will be transported back to Healy for your flight back toAnchorage. Cost does not include $10 Park Service Fee payable on site. Offered all day Wednesday and all day Thursday:$525 USD.

TTTTTalalalalalkkkkkeeeeeeeeeetttttna Dna Dna Dna Dna Daaaaayyyyy TTTTTrrrrrip ip ip ip ip vvvvvia tia tia tia tia the he he he he AlAlAlAlAlaaaaassssskkkkka Ra Ra Ra Ra RailrailrailrailrailroooooadadadadadCab, carpool or walk the three blocks to/from the Conference hotel to the train depot. Step aboard the historic AlaskaRailroad for a four-hour ride north to Talkeetna. Railroad tour guides will narrate the history of the railroad and points ofinterest. Talkeetna, reminiscent of a “Northern Exposure” village about 60 air miles from Mt. McKinley, is the staging areafor mountain climbers. The community is near the confluence of three rivers – the Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna. Lunchon your own. Spend your afternoon in Talkeetna exploring the village, shops and museums or taking an optional tour (seenext page). Leisurely walk around Talkeetna at 200-foot elevation within a one-and-a-half mile radius of the train depot,airport and village. Offered all day Wednesday and all day Thursday: $175 USD.



AAAAAdddddddddditititititiiiiiooooonal nal nal nal nal TTTTTalalalalalkkkkkeeeeeeeeeetttttna na na na na AAAAAccccctttttiiiiivvvvvitititititiiiiieeeees (s (s (s (s (pppppllllleeeeeaaaaassssse ade ade ade ade add to bd to bd to bd to bd to baaaaasisisisisic $1c $1c $1c $1c $175 c75 c75 c75 c75 cooooost):st):st):st):st):Denali GDenali GDenali GDenali GDenali Grrrrrananananand Fd Fd Fd Fd Flililililiggggghhhhhttttt S S S S Seeeeeeing eing eing eing eing TTTTTourourourourourYour 1½-hour narrated flight with an air taxi service will depart Talkeetna and enter aworld of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier-filled valleys. You will see thesouth side of McKinley’s west buttress, the Sheldon Amphitheater, Ruth Glacier andGreat Gorge. Fly over the Continental Divide and see McKinley’s incredible WickershamWall. Air taxi operator will provide local ground transportation. Cost does not include$10 Park Service Fee payable on site: $265 USD.

McKMcKMcKMcKMcKinlinlinlinlinleeeeeyyyyy E E E E ExxxxxppppperererereriiiiienenenenenccccceeeeeThis one-hour narrated flight with an air taxi service from Talkeetna takes you withinsix miles of McKinley’s summit. As you fly over the wide glaciers, sense the motionof the ice and see how it has shaped the land. Visit the Sheldon Amphitheater, flyalong the Ruth Glacier and through the world’s deepest gorge. On your return,watch for moose in the valley. Air taxi operator will provide local ground transporta-tion. Cost does not include $10 Park Service Fee payable on site: $190 USD.

AnAnAnAnAnccccchohohohohorrrrragagagagage e e e e AAAAAvvvvviaiaiaiaiatttttiiiiiooooon Hin Hin Hin Hin Higgggghlihlihlihlihliggggghhhhhttttts s s s s TTTTTourourourourourJoin us for a guided motor coach tour of the highlights of Anchorage aviation. Wewill leave from the Conference hotel and spend time in the Alaska Aviation Heri-tage Museum on Lake Hood, the world’s busiest float plane base. As we drivethrough the airport complex, you will see typical and unusual Alaskan airplanes aswell as shared use roads/taxiways. Next, we will take a brief photo stop at Earth-quake Park where you can view downtown Anchorage across Cook Inlet with theChugach Mountains in the background. Continue to Merrill Field, Anchorage’s firsttrue airport and the 104th busiest airport in the nation in 2000. Then return to theConference hotel by motor coach. This tour will be guided by local 99s, so beprepared for a tour filled with local insight, information and aviation trivia. OfferedSaturday morning: $75 USD.

NNNNNooooovvvvva Ra Ra Ra Ra Rafafafafafttttt an an an an and Hikd Hikd Hikd Hikd Hike Ce Ce Ce Ce CooooombmbmbmbmboooooThis is an excellent first-time whitewater trip that is also popular with experi-enced enthusiasts as well. If you’re looking for thrilling whitewater views of a27-mile long glacier, towering peaks, glimpses of Dall sheep, hiking to a gla-cier or just enjoying your picnic lunch, this river trip is for you. The tour beginsin Chickaloon, about a 1½ hour drive north of Anchorage on the Glenn High-way. To start the day, you will have a guided hike of awesome ice formationson the Matanuska Glacier. At 27 miles long and four miles wide, this glacier isthe largest road-accessible glacier in Alaska. After the hike, start yourwhitewater raft trip on the upper reaches of the Matanuska River where theconverging Matanuska Glacier encounters Lion’s Head, a massive rock wall.There the resulting squeeze play has created several miles of exciting classIV whitewater. Ice Crampons, boots, ski poles, helmets, life jackets, dry suits, neoprene gloves, boots and guided whitewaterrafting and glacier hiking included. You will need to furnish your own lunch and transportation from Anchorage to Chickaloon.No physical requirements or experience required. Offered Wednesday, all day trip: $175 USD.

WWWWWililililildddddererererernenenenenessssss s s s s JJJJJeeeeetttttbbbbboooooaaaaattttt AAAAAdvdvdvdvdventententententururururureeeeeBe whisked away on a two-hour narrated jet boat tour through the heart of the wilderness on the 51-passenger “TalkeetnaQueen.” This glass-domed and environmentally controlled jet boat is the most technologically advanced in Alaska. You willhave the opportunity to view nesting bald eagles, beaver activity, moose and bear in their natural habitat. At a mid-tourstop, you can take a leisurely ¼ mile walk to visit an authentic trapper’s cabin with its rustic furnishings to see how trapperslived at the turn of the century. Your guide will display furs from the local area and demonstrate trapping methods. Natural-ists will acquaint you with the abundant local wildflowers and plants. On a clear day, you will have a panoramic view of Mt.McKinley. Tour operator will provide local ground transportation: $55 USD.



Welcome New Ninety-Nines Members! SODERLUND, Sable Nicole (FWP)Far East Section KIM, Kyung OFirst Canadian Chapter GILES, Jackie NOPPE, Lynda EllenFlorida Suncoast Chapter BYLSMA, Jessica MarieFort Worth Chapter GARLAND, Amber JEFFERY, Anne K. (FWP)Intercollegiate Internet Chapter HERREN, Taylor Lynn (FWP)Intermountain Chapter DE VERTEUIL, Dina Jeannine TEAL, Jessica MarieKeystone Chapter MARINA, Toni M.Kitty Hawk Chapter BIENZ, Patricia O’NEAL, Debbie D.Lake Erie Chapter MARTZ, Dolores MariaLas Vegas Valley Chapter FORSTER, Mary AnnMat-Su Valley Chapter SCHOMMER, Ruth AnnMemphis Chapter SHERMAN, JanannMichigan Chapter ANDERSON, Kacy Lynn (FWP)Midnight Sun Chapter MARTIN, Amy LynnMinnesota Chapter JOHNSON, Kristen Y.Montana Chapter ESTABROOKS, Hannah Margaret (FWP)Montreal Chapter ROY, Fannie (FWP)New York Capital District Chapter RUNGE, Tiffany Autumn (FWP)North Central Section BAYER, Marykate ScottNorth Georgia Chapter MCCRAW, Kimberly BrookeOrange County Chapter BOGOSH, Aling (FWP) CAVINDER, Juana Rubia LASLO, Deborah M.Oregon Pines Chapter ARCHER, Sandra K.Paradise Coast Chapter FREEMAN, Margaret F. Johnston KING, Rebecca A. (FWP)

Phoenix Chapter HELGESON, Dorothy E.Reno Area Chapter WOOLMAN, Sarah Jayne (FWP)Reno High Sierra Chapter ENRIQUEZ, Serenity Anne (FWP)Russian Section PATRAKOVA, Ida AndreevnaSan Diego Chapter DUNCAN, Bethany Grace STENBOCK, Natasha C. (FWP) WHITE, Carole A. WOLF, Tiffany K. (A)

Santa Barbara Chapter SCOTT, Katie R. (FWP)Santa Clara Valley Chapter MUNCH, Carol AnnShenandoah Valley Chapter CULPEPPER, Karen G.South Central Section GODWIN, Linda M.Tucson Chapter CRABTREE, Colleen WISNESKI, Kristin Dominique (FWP)Tulsa Chapter BLACK, Cheryl Lynn (FWP)Utah Chapter PITTS, Jenika (FWP)Ventura County Chapter DUENAS, Terrisa A. (FWP) SCHULER, Margaret Marie (FWP)Virginia Chapter KNOX, Theresa W. MILES, Margaret D.Washington DC Chapter EDWARDS, Jennifer O’NEIL, Kathleen MaryWisconsin Chapter KOERWITZ, Janet Marie

Alabama Chapter CAIN, DeVonne (FWP) CARROLL, Linda J.Alaska Chapter ROY, Camila Shanel (FWP)Alberta Chapter BENTZEN, MichelleAll-Ohio Chapter BALLOU, Margaret HL PegAmbassador Chapter PARTON, DanielleAntelope Valley Chapter BENNETT-MEDICIS, Emilie G. (FWP)Austin Chapter JEFFREY, Claire E.Bakersfield Chapter MALONE, Kathleen AnnBritish Columbia Coast Chapter MITCHELL, Jennifer ElizabethCanadian Rockies Chapter SHERET, Kelly E.M.Central New York Chapter CAIN, Caralyn KChicago Area Chapter CASE, Janice MarieCoachella Valley Chapter LINDSEY, Tara Marie (FWP)Colorado Chapter BROWER, Mary Beth NELSON, Kristen April (FWP)Columbia Cascade Chapter JARRELL, Justine June (FWP) NGUYEN, Huyentran Thi (FWP)Connecticut Chapter CULLEN, Peggy Louise DOLAN, Debra T MOUNTJOY, Virginia D. (FWP) PEARSON, Marilyn G. WADSWORTH, Sarah D. (FWP) WEISS, Ronnie LynneDallas Chapter SCHULZ, Gayle (FWP)Eastern New England Chapter CARL, Hillary M. (FWP) COOLIDGE, Christine Elizabeth (FWP) DIXON, Katherine L. (A)Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter ASP, Mandy Kate BELINSKI, Sandy (FWP) KOZEL, Linda Adell (FWP) LILLIE, Jessica Rebecca (FWP)Embry-Riddle Daytona Chapter CASSONE, Junie Harriett (FWP) GREEN, Ashley (FWP)

New member Ida Patrakova,Russian Section.


Astronaut Pam

Melroy, STS-120

Commander, and

Peggy Whitson,

Commander of the

International Space

Station, made his-

tory in November

when, for the first

time in the 50-year

history of space

flight, two women

were in charge of

two spacecraft at

the same time.

October 23, 2007, 11:38 a.m., Pamela Ann Melroy launched intospace from the Kennedy Space Center on the orbiter Discovery.She is the second woman to command a shuttle flight and theonly remaining female pilot astronaut. The mission’s primary goal

was to take the Italian-built module Harmony to the International Space Stationto expand the station’s research capacity. Not only was this an important mis-sion, but it was historical as well. It marked the first time two female missioncommanders had been in space at the same time. Peggy Whitson is Commanderof the International Space Station. The shuttle returned to the Kennedy SpaceCenter on November 7 at 1:01 p.m. with a perfect landing on a picture perfectday. Pam, or Pambo as her crew referred to her, is a Ninety-Nine.

BY MARCIA K. GITELMANFinger Lakes Chapter

Background photo: STS-120 lands atKennedy Space Center on November7, 2007 after a successful missiontaking the module Harmony to theInternational Space Station.

Photo upper left: STS-120Commander Pamela Melroy at apress conference after the landing.


Pam flew as pilot (right seat in NASAlingo) on two space flights (STS-92 andSTS-112) before being appointed com-mander for STS-120. Learning to fly anorbiter takes many years of training. Dur-ing the launch, the commander has to beever vigilant and be prepared to deal withany abnormality, should one occur. At theJohnson Space Center, there are computerdriven simulators that help prepare thecommander and the pilot for their respec-tive tasks. Rendezvous with the ISS is thefirst primary activity.

In the initial phases of the rendezvous,there are several places where the com-mander is flying manually. Rendezvousnormally takes place on day three of theflight schedule. Since the Columbia acci-dent, incorporated into the flight plan is a“back-flip” maneuver, formally known asthe Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver (RPM).The purpose of this maneuver is to inspectthe bottom of the orbiter to see if any dam-age was sustained during the launch.“Typically you take over manually atabout 2,000 feet from the station. You are

approaching the station from behind andunderneath. At about 600 feet away youget the RPM started with the autopilot andthen take the flight controller power offand just let it coast around. When the ma-neuver is completed, you put the control-ler power back on and fly up in front ofthe ISS. This transition from underneathto front is known as TORVA.”

Discovery is now in a position 400feet in front of the ISS along a vector (V-bar), which is the direction of travel ofboth the station and the orbiter. “Then youback up gradually to the station. This iskind of non-intuitive. A lot of orbital me-chanics is non-intuitive for pilots; you re-ally have to practice to understand what’sreally going to happen next.”

The primary visual reference for thedocking is a camera in the Orbiter Dock-ing System. An image is projected onto amonitor in the flight deck. Pam also usesa Crew Optical Alignment Sight which isaimed out the commander’s overhead win-dow, and she looks out the rear windowsin the aft part of the flight deck for situ-ational awareness. The pilot is using alaptop computer loaded with softwarecalled the Rendezvous Prox Ops Program(R-POP). The Pilot gives “call-outs” to thecommander for range and rate of closure.The inputs to the program come from atrajectory control laser in the payload bay,a hand-held laser in the hands of anothercrew member and the Ku-band radar onthe orbiter.

Once Discovery’s docking port is pre-cisely centered with that of the ISS, a rela-tive speed to the station of one-tenth of afoot per second is maintained while keep-ing the center alignment within a toleranceof three inches. When contact is made,preliminary latches automatically attachthe two spacecraft. Undocking, a duty as-signed to the pilot, is essentially the re-verse of the docking procedure.

Learning to land the orbiter is accom-plished with corporate jets modified tosimulate its landing characteristics. NASAresearch pilots have dubbed the orbiters“flying bricks with wings.” FourGulfstream GIIs, called Shuttle TrainingAircraft (STA), have been modified so thatthe engines can use reverse thrust in flight,fly with its two sets of landing gear down

NA

SA


at speeds in excess of 300 mph and pullout of steep dives. (Two ground-basedsimulators are also used for training, butthey do not give the real dynamics of airgoing over the aircraft.) A Shuttle Train-ing Aircraft is outfitted with an orbitercockpit on the left side and the conven-tional controls on the right side. Both seatshave HeadUp displays.

In flight, when the STA reaches35,000 feet and is abeam the point of land-ing, the instructor pilot drops the maingear, selects reverse thrust and activatessimulation mode. The purpose is to givethe astronaut the best sensations of howthe orbiters handle and what the correctapproach to the runway is supposed tolook like. Normal performance is to de-scend to 20,000 feet with a speed of 280kts and arrive 15 miles from the touch-down target. The STA then rolls out on ahigh final at 12,000 feet and 7 miles fromtouchdown.

At this point the astronaut pushes thenose down to increase the airspeed to 300kts and to intercept a 20-degree dive angle.At 1,750 feet agl, the astronaut executes apullout to intercept a 1.5-degree innerglideslope. The gear is simulated down at300 feet. If everything is correct at 32 feetabove the runway, the instructor pilot de-

selects the simulator mode, and a manualgo-around is executed. Pam has some-where between 1,500 and 2,000 dives.

In space, the orbiter can assume anyattitude without regard to its flight pathbecause of micro-gravity (free-fall). Theusual aerodynamic controls are ineffec-tive. “Stick” inputs are translated by com-puters, and orientation is obtained by fir-ing a combination of small rockets orthrusters. In preparation for landing backon earth, the orbiter is turned tail first, andtwo thrusters are fired for approximatelytwo minutes to reduce the speed from17,500 kts so that gravity can take over. Atypical landing starts with a deorbit burnapproximately one hour before touch-down.

The crew was given the “go” fordeorbit burn at 11:59 a.m., and 30 min-utes prior to landing, the thrusters werefired to turn the shuttle to normal orienta-tion and establish an angle of attack of 40degrees. The angle at which it enters theatmosphere is critical. Too steep an angleand orbiter skips like a stone off the topof the atmosphere. Too shallow an anglewill cause excessive speed and frictionalheating that could damage the leadingedges of the wings. Aerodynamically, theorbiter now becomes a glider with normal

flight control responses and no possibil-ity of a go-around.

Approximately 25 minutes prior totouchdown, the orbiter completes a seriesof four roll maneuvers with bank anglesapproaching 80 degrees to bleed off ex-cess energy and further slow its speed.These are computer controlled, but theastronauts are trained to take over if there“is a problem with their energy or you getwhat they call a bad NAV state… the NAVaids are giving bad information. We havenever had a case that was so bad that youhad to take over manually.”

As the orbiter came through the at-mosphere faster than the speed of sound,the sonic boom — two distinct claps —was heard across Florida. At approxi-mately 50,000 feet and speed of Mach 1,Pam took manual control and flew all theway to touchdown. The first part of thedescent profile had a glide angle of 20degrees, six to seven times steeper thanthat of an airliner. Pam set up to land onrunway 33 at the Kennedy Space CenterShuttle Landing Facility with a right over-head turn.

There are many different aids in placeto help the commander. A TACAN sys-tem provides range and bearing measure-ments to the orbiter up to 145,000 feet. AMicrowave Scanning Beam Landing Sys-tem (MSBLS) provides more precise guid-ance signals on slant range up to 18,000to 20,000 feet. GPS is also utilized. Theseautomatically update the orbiter’s onboardnavigation systems.

“There is an algorithm that incorpo-rates incoming information from all inputsand comes up with what it thinks is theright answer. This is the information be-ing displayed in front of you. It is not likean instrument approach where you are dis-playing data directly.” The MSBLS sys-tem has the capability to auto-land theorbiter, but it has never been used.

Outside visual aids to landing includePAPI lights and a Ball-Bar system. PAPIis used to delineate the outer glide slopebetween 18 and 20 degrees. These are thesame type of lights used at many airportsaround the world but modified for theshuttle configuration. Thirty-two secondsprior to touchdown and at a speed of ap-proximately 300 kts, a pre-flare is initi-

STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy, left, greets Astronaut Peggy Whitson, Expedition 16commander, after hatch opening between the International Space Station and Space ShuttleDiscovery, October 25, 2007. Whitson is partially in the Pressurized Mating Adapter andMelroy is in the Orbiter Docking Compartment.

NASA


ated, changing the glide path to 1.5 de-grees. The Ball-Bar light system is a vi-sual reference for the inner glide slopethat, depending on how the lights are seen,will indicate if the vehicle is on, above orbelow the glide path.

The two main landing gears are low-ered by the pilot at 14 seconds prior totouchdown. The landing occurs at a speedof approximately 200 kts. Rudder controlis used to maintain alignment. At a speedof 185 kts, the nose begins to pitch down,and the drag parachute is deployed by thepilot. At around 160 kts, the nose gearmakes contact with the runway as thechute further slows the orbiter.

Once the nose gear is down, it be-comes the primary control system foralignment down the runway. When askedhow the actual landing compared with thesimulated landings in the STA, Pam re-plied, “It’s one of the things that was in-teresting to me. I think that after being onorbit for a while, your gains really slowdown in micro-gravity, because if theydon’t you’ll crash into things. So, itseemed to take a lot more back stick thanI was expecting to flare the aircraft.”

As commander, Pam had other dutiesbesides flying; when asked about them heranswer was unique, not duty specific butmore philosophical. “The challenge as acommander is not a unique leadership

challenge in the sense that all high perfor-mance teams struggle with the same thing.How do you balance individuality andpeople’s individual strengths and gifts andintegrate them into a team so that they canperform. For me, the most rewarding partabout the whole flight was the trainingleading up to it. Getting to know each in-dividual crew member and their gifts, andthen trying to see the picture. How do theyfit into this crew, who are they to this crew,what do they mean, what are they goodat, where do I need to rely on them, and soforth. And so I think that was actually themost rewarding part about the mission.”

In a special message for The Ninety-Nines, Pam said, “As women, our abilityto integrate information in a more paral-lel fashion as opposed to linear can be awonderful thing, especially on a crew air-plane where you are concerned about yourcrew and at the same time you are tryingto fly and do multiple other things. I thinkthat’s one of the things that is a great giftthat we seem to culturally value in women.I think it has to do with juggling kids, andthe household and your job and all of thosethings. To me, being a good pilot encom-passes a lot of things, not just good eye-hand coordination, but also good judg-ment. Those are things to be proud of, andI’m certainly proud to be a Ninety-Nineand represent The Ninety-Nines in space.”

NASA

NA

SA

“To me, being a good pilot

encompasses a lot of

things, not just good eye-

hand coordination, but

also good judgment. Those

are things to be proud of,

and I’m certainly proud to

be a Ninety-Nine and

represent The Ninety-Nines

in space.”

Backdropped by the Earth, Space Shuttle Discovery is featured in this image photographedby an Expedition 16 crewmember on November 5, 2007 after the shuttle undocked fromthe International Space Station. Earlier the STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews concluded 11days of cooperative work onboard the shuttle and International Space Station.

Astronauts Pam Melroy, STS-120 com-mander, and European Space Agency’sPaolo Nespoli, mission specialist, receive acongratulatory call in the Harmony nodeof the International Space Station.


GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities

EASTERN IDAHO CHAPTERThe Eastern Idaho Ninety-Nines, some of their 49½s

and flying friends met at Howe International Air Strip inSeptember to work on the airstrip.

In 2006, we began the project of marking the bound-aries with pavers painted white. Our plan is to add morepavers until one day you can actually see the air strip from800 feet above the ground five miles away. This year, armedwith pavers, paint shovels and some muscle, we added an-other 84 pavers. Rain and even snow threatened, but becausewe were determined, we didn’t let the weather stop us.

— Sandi Bills

BRITISH COLUMBIA COAST CHAPTERThe West Canada Section held its annual fall meeting on

October 20, 2007. It was held at the Vancouver InternationalAirport (YVR) in British Colum-bia, Canada.

BC Coast Chapter memberMarcia Strang organized the boardroom, a tour of the airport’s Emer-gency Programs area and a tour ofthe tower.

A wonderful wine and cheesetasting was hosted by BC CoastChapter Chairman Joan Lynumand her husband Thor in October.

Joan received a recognitionaward, a Ninety-Nines pendant, forher continuous work for our Sec-tion. She has been a pillar for theWest Canada Section as well as for

the BC Coast Chapter. She joined The Ninety-Nines on August16, 1982. She always attends Section and Chapter meetings andnumerous International Conferences, representing our Sectionand Chapter as a voting delegate. She was our Section’s ViceGovernor from 1992-1994, Governor from 1994-1996 and iscurrently the Chairman for the BC Coast Chapter.

— Wendy Boyes

THREE RIVERS CHAPTERThe Three Rivers Chapter completed two more airmarkings

for a total of three this year.Another airport has contacted us about having one painted

next spring, too. We painted a 16-point compass rose at SmithField Airport in Fort Wayne, Indiana on October 6. It was a sur-prisingly hot and sunny day for the time of year. Also that month,we painted a 12-point compass rose at the Kendallville Munici-pal Airport. This was a very windy day, but we made it through.We even made the front page of the Fort Wayne newspaper aftera reporter stopped by.

— Sara Esterline

Surveying the completed airmarking of Smith Field are, from left,Linda Pulver, airport manager Tim O’Donnell, Lewie Wiese, HelenLaws and Sara Esterline.

FORT WORTH CHAPTERNovember 4 was a very special night when we hon-

ored the charter members of our Dallas and Fort WorthChapters. Dallas was chartered on November 17, 1957 andFort Worth on November 18, 1957. The evening’s speakerwas Colonel Kim Olson, author of To Iraq and Back.

— Ellie Block

Speaker at the Ft. Worth and Dallas Chapters’ 50thCelebration was Colonel Kim Olson, pilot, officer, wife,mother and author of To Iraq and Back.

Joy McDonald and Jonnie Landis help out with the ongoingproject of marking the air strip at Howe, Idaho.

Joan Lynum and WendyBoyes.


GRASS ROOTS — Section and Chapter reporters share their recent activities

ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTERIn November, Past President Thon Griffin hosted one of our

Chapter’s favorite social gatherings, New Members Night, at herNewport Beach home. The 25 women who attended enjoyed thecompany of old and new friends and a feast of homebaked dishesprovided by our members.

Membership Chairman Vicky Anderson then introduced andpresented gifts to our special guests and new members, includ-ing Debbie Laslo, Juana Cavinder, Aling Bogosh, AdrieneJohnson, Nicolina Hunt, Pam Mizell, Christine Wilson andKathleen O’Brien. All other members then introduced themselvesand shared their flying experiences.

— Carol Bennett

NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTEROver a three-day period in October, the North Georgia Chap-

ter, along with aviation students from the Georgia Aviation Cam-pus of Middle Georgia College (KEZM), painted a beautiful red,black and white compass rose. The colors were chosen to matchthe school colors. There are future plans to paint the airport andcollege name as well.

It was great to meet future women pilots and share the joyof flying while making our mark on the airport and school. Aspecial thanks to Ninety-Nines members Kara Kessler and KeelyThomas (official photographer) for their dedication to the project.

— Susan Delgado

NORTHWOODS CHAPTERAs a Chapter, we agreed to conduct a fundraiser for the

Northwoods AirLifeline, which is a wonderful charitable or-ganization of pilots who fly medical patients to various hos-pitals and clinics in the Midwest. It has helped so many sickand needy people in our area, so our members had indi-vidual Pampered Chef catalog parties, culminating with anactual Pampered Chef party in December held in Tomahawkto benefit Northwoods AirLifeline.

The morning following the party, five members drovefive hours to Aurora, Illinois to tour the FAA’s Chicago Cen-ter, hosted by Dean Clark, a friend of The Ninety-Nines andan air traffic controller at Chicago. Thank you, Dean. Wesaw and learned a lot. And thank you to all of the controllerswho help to keep us safe in our air travels.

— Pamela Trask

Northwoods Chapter members Dee Dreger, Lynn Sykes, PamTrask and Chantel Steele visit Chicago Center in November.Not shown is Sheryl Rains.

BAY CITIES CHAPTERIn October, the Bay Cities Chapter met up for a Winging

Party to Columbia, California. In keeping with the tradition ofencouraging new members, the group included two FWPs aswell as potential Ninety-Nines recruits. In all, five airplanesembarked from both Oakland and Livermore airports and weregreeted with blue skies and crisp autumn temperatures.

Organized by Judy Baron (who flew a Cessna 172), the groupincluded Kath Holcombe and Pat Chan (Cessna 150), HelenMcKinley and FWP Maya Moore (Cessna 152), FWP ChristyReining and her guest CFII Drew Kemp (Citabria 7KCAB) andexperienced pilot and hopeful recruit Ginny Wilken (Cessna 172).

The highlights of the event were an autumn walk in the Si-erra Foothills and trying to video fellow Ninety-Nines landingand being marshaled by Judy to their tie-down spots. Duringlunch at the Lickskillet Café, the group and guests engaged in adiscussion on flying, ratings and changing FAA rules and regu-lations. Overall the Bay Cities October Winging Party was trulymemorable and a great learning experience for the FWPs.

— FWP Christy Reining

The completed airmarking at Middle Georgia College (KEZM).

Debbie Laslo, Juana Cavinder, Aling Bogosh, Adriene Johnson,Nicolina Hunt, Pam Mizell and Christine Wilson attend OrangeCounty Chapter’s New Member Night.


LAKE ERIE CHAPTERThe Lake Erie Chapter held

their annual Pilot of the Year Ban-quet in November at the MustardSeed Restaurant in Solon, Ohio.Last year’s Pilot of the Year, HilaryPeterson, was the hostess for thisevent and received an engraved AEmedal to commemorate winningthe trophy last year. This year’swinner of the trophy is LyndaMeeks. Lynda started her flyingcareer in the army at the AviationOfficer Basic Course helicopterflight school at Ft. Rucker, Ala-bama. She was stationed in Heidel-berg, Germany for three years, and during that time she trainedfor fixed wing aircraft and flew in Europe and Southeast Asia.She was Flight Operations Officer in an Aerial ReconnaissanceUnit. She currently flies a Beechjet for Flight Options, LLC. Lyndawas also inducted into the Forest of Friendship this year.

Other members receiving awards were Carol Stocker, Fu-ture Woman Pilot Award, Darlene Grant, the Achievement Award,Nancy Wood, the Fledgling Award, and Nancy’s husband Jimwas inducted as a 49½.

Bernice Barris was presented the Wright Brothers MasterPilot Award in November.Bernice is a charter member ofthe Lake Erie Chapter and aformer member of All-OhioChapter. She learned to fly in1941 and was accepted intoWASP training, but the warended before her trainingstarted. While waiting to beginher WASP training, she was ac-tive in the Civil Air Patrol inSouth Carolina and Florida. Sheis now a Lt. Colonel in the CAPand taught aviation groundschool. Bernice flew in many airraces over the years. She placedin the top 10 many times and

placed first with Marion Jayne in a Great Southern Air Race.She also chaired the 99 LEAD Race several years and chaired

the re-run of the last leg of the original Powder Puff Derby aswell as the re-enactment of the “last” leg of the first Powder PuffDerby that was flown by Susan Dusenbury in the reconditionedStagger Wing Beech. Her ratings include commercial, instrument,ground school instructor, sea plane, multi-engine, CFII, seaplanemulti-engine and instrument instructor.

Bernice received the Pilot of the Year Trophy twice and is aGold member of the Silver Wings.

— Evelyn Moore

Bernice Barris was presentedthe Wright Brothers Master PilotAward.

Lynda Meeks was honoredas Lake Erie Chapter’s Pilotof the Year.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE CHAPTEROur New Year 2007 was off to a great start in January as we

finalized plans to publish our cookbook. Carolyn Brooks, ourmember in Arkansas, suggested it, the members agreed andBeverly Stephens, our Cookbook Chairman, did a great job mak-ing it happen.

Our 49½s were honored in February during an AppreciationLuncheon at Danny D’s Bar-B-Que. We gave them model air-planes and other items to show how much their support means toour Chapter.

In March, we toured the WASP Collection at Texas Woman’sUniversity in Denton. Dawn Letson, Coordinator, Special Col-lections, was delighted when we presented her with a copy ofour newly published cookbook, We Can Cook, But We’d RatherBe Flying. A copy of the Times Book, Women in Aviation, wasalso given to the library.

Beverly Stephens, Betty Thomas and Mary Wheelock at-tended the April SCS Spring Meeting in Lincoln. Betty andBeverly crocheted a Ninety-Nines afghan for a raffle, which waswon by a San Antonio member.

The annual Hot Dog/Pool Party in July around the pool atBetty and Jerry Thomas’ home was delightful, complete with goodfood and lots of hangar flying.

August found us wrapping the lovely “snowflakes” DottieHughes, Beverly and Betty crocheted for delegates to the Inter-national Convention in September.

The Golden Triangle Chapter celebrated its 38th Anniversarywith a luncheon at Pizza Garden. We were delighted that DottieWarren, the SCS Governor who presented our charter in 1969,attended, as well as current Governor Chris Swain and DirectorJill Williams.

— Mary Wheelock

DELAWARE CHAPTEROur annual Girl Scout Avia-

tion Day was attended by over 40young women and culminatedwith their receiving a new patchdesigned by our charter memberVirginia Batzel.

— Christine Schissler

NORTH JERSEY CHAPTERIn 1996, the North Jersey Chapter set up the Dodie Riach

Memorial Scholarship to help aspiring pilots and student pilotsmeet their aviation goals. To date, 32 scholarships totaling over$50,000 have been awarded. In December at the Winter Dinner,the 2007 scholarships were presented to Kathleen DeFilippo,Robin Kim and Ute Stenkamp by Chapter Chairman MarionStarer.

— Jacqui A. Sturgess


EARLINE AMESPlacer Gold Chapter

Earline Ames, mother, grand-mother, teacher, writer and pilot flewto new horizons on August 5, 2007. Ofall her accomplishments, she consid-ered becoming a pilot at the age of 74the most gratifying.

As a teenager, she idolized AmeliaEarhart, and while she dreamed of fly-ing, education came first. Earline grewup in West Texas. She married and hadfour children but still longed for flight.Her husband Charles Ames died in1994, and Earline moved to San Jose,California. There she finally realizedher dream by taking flying lessons. Sheearned her private pilot certificate andjoined the Placer Gold Chapter.

Earline wrote of her flight instruc-tion, and her fears and frustrations. Herflight instructor, Roy Richardson, collabo-rated on the manuscript. The book, WhenGrandma Learned To Fly, was published.

We, of the Placer Gold Chapter,will miss her. Fly on, Earline!

DR. WALLACE B. FRIERSON49½ of Pat FriersonAlabama Chapter

Wallace “Wally” Frierson practicedFamily Medicine in Tennessee untilheart problems made a change to Indus-trial Medicine necessary. He was NASAMedical Director at Marshall SpaceFlight Center during the late 1960s andthen returned to Family Practice inHuntsville.

Wally, Pat and Al Berisford workedon building N101EZ, plus many pilotsand friends at Hazel Green helped withthe project. It now hangs in the South-ern Museum of Flight in Birmingham.He enjoyed flying his glider and the twoultralight planes that he built.

Wally was a great supporter of TheNinety-Nines who proudly wore his49½ badge when he flew on to newhorizons on June 10, 2007. He is trulymissed by the Alabama Chapter and hismany friends in aviation.

— Harriett Hall

NEW HORIZONS

WASHINGTON DC CHAPTERThe Washington DC Chapter has been active in our flying and in our community

outreach efforts, which have included hosting tables at local airport open houses andeducational expos. We have been very active in giving rides and exposing people toaviation in both fixed and rotocraft.

Our big news is that we would like to invite everyone to join us for the celebrationof our 75th anniversary to be held at DCA November 15, 2008. Yes, the WashingtonDC Chapter is going to be 75, and we would like to invite everyone to party with us atour Capital Gala.

— Pat Manos Kraemer

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER2007 was a busy year for the Eastern

Pennsylvania Chapter. Not only were weinvolved in all of our usual scheduledmonthly activities, our wonderful fly-outsand our famous Lunch with the Bunch get-togethers, but it was also a year that al-lowed us to watch and participate in manyactivities outside of our routine, “just forthe fun and flying of it.”

Some of our activities beyond “flyingfor the fun of it” included a presentationabout the history of The Ninety-Nines, ourannual Pennies a Pound scholarship fundraiser, attending the International Confer-ence in Boulder, Colorado, working at theVintage Aircraft Day at Wings Field, at-tending Section meetings, supporting theAmerican Helicopter Museum’s annual

Rotorfest event, airmarking PottstownMuni, attending the AOPA Expo in Hart-ford, Connecticut, representing TheNinety-Nines at the Air and Space Museumin Washington DC as they celebrated theopening of their new “America by Air”exhibit, attending the Pennsylvania AeroClub’s Wright Brothers Dinner and gettingtogether at Mary Wunder’s house for ourannual scholarship fundraising auction anda pot luck dinner with lots of laughs andshared stories.

Three members went on to new hori-zons this year and six members joined usto begin their new journeys as Ninety-Nines. To those who are already members,and to those who are just beginning theirjourneys, “May you have tailwinds and aNinety-Nine always beside you.”

— Mary Ellen Morris

The Eastern Pennsylvania airmarking crew includes, back row, from left, Mid Atlantic SectionGovernor Alison Chalker, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter Chairman Carole Wyman, HarveWyman, Bob Hastings, Diane Jackson, Ethel Bailey, Kate Macario. Front row: Tyler Hill,Airmarking Chairman Heather Hill holding daughter Autumn, Mary Wunder with AmandaHill in front, Mary Ellen Morris, Lola Tomlinson, Adelle Bedrossian, and Dan Hill holdingdaughter Kaitlyn with Hill family dog Chomper.

99 pamela melroy, commander of sts-120, and crew lift off ... · 9 antelope valley chapter’s...

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