According to WAI, approximately 30,000 girls took part in the 185 events at airports, FBOs, and aviation museums in 33 countries, 43 states, and two U.S. territories.

• READ MORE: Frontier of Flight Museum Event to Celebrate Women in Aerospace

WAI boasts multiple chapters in the U.S., as well in Europe, Africa, and Asia, in addition to year-round virtual resources available for free through the Aviation for Girls (AFG) app.

The event is designed to appeal to girls ages 8-18 and show them what careers are available in aviation and meet women who hold these careers and can act as mentors. In addition to pilots, mechanics, and flight attendants, girls participating in the event have an opportunity to learn about engineering, dispatching, and the numerous technical applications that go along with aviation.

Participants had a chance to meet female role models, listen to career panels, and get up close with different aircraft. The events often also include age-appropriate, hands-on activities, such as scavenger hunts and model making.

“We know Girls in Aviation Day has been instrumental in introducing opportunities in aviation and STEM to thousands of participants all around the world,” said WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. 

The first WAI International Girls in Aviation Day was held in 2015 and featured 32 events. According to WAI, the day is made possible through the support of many, including the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, PPG Foundation, Emanuel Bachmann Foundation, Sporty’s Pilot Shop, and JCL Aviation Services.

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According to the NAA, as a founding board member of WAI, Bosco helped create multiple platforms to nurture, educate, and inspire future generations of aviators. She helped establish WAI’s Young Professional Advisory Group, Super Mentor Program, and  Jobs Connect platform. One of her largest and most impactful collaborations was with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the online course “‘Leadership for Women in Aerospace and Aviation,” which has drawn more than 2,200 attendees. 

At the present time, Bosco serves as co-chair of the Aviation Accreditation Board International Industry/Educator forum. The group’s focus is to promote collaboration of industry and educators to cultivate the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals.

“I am thrilled and honored to be the recipient of the Brewer Trophy,” Bosco said. “Throughout my career, I have loved sharing the excitement of opportunities afforded by aviation and aerospace with both career seekers and enhancers—in the hope that they will power our industry forward to even greater heights. So many past Brewer recipients have been lifelong friends and mentors and an inspiration for my own passion for aviation education. I am humbled to be included among this esteemed group of professionals.”

Said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO: “Few people in our industry have the drive and passion that Cassandra has. Her impact has created meaningful exposure and lifelong opportunities for all who desire a place in our industry, especially women and minorities. She is a staunch ally and friend of aviation around the world.”

H2: About the Brewer Trophy

The Frank G. Brewer Trophy. established in 1943,  is awarded annually to an individual, group of individuals, or organization for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States.

The Brewer Trophy is under the care of the National Aeronautic Association, a nonprofit membership organization devoted to fostering opportunities to participate fully in aviation activities and to promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight to the U.S..

Among the past recipients are the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s You Can Fly program, aviation educators and founders of King Schools John and Martha King, and Women in Aviation founder Dr. Peggy Chabrian.

The selection committee for the 2023 Frank G. Brewer Trophy includes Frank and Robert Brewer and Jana Denning, NAA board of directors; Jim Gregory, 2020 Brewer Trophy recipient’, Susan Mallett, 2022 Brewer Trophy recipient; and Shannon Weidekamp, Equus Flight Academy.

The Brewer Trophy will be presented on a future date and location to be determined. More information and a complete list of previous recipients can be found here.

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According to WAI, there are more than 150 events planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. 

Links to events in your area may be found here.

These age-appropriate activities are designed to introduce girls ages 8-18 to the career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace. Girls are presented the opportunity to meet female role models, attend career panels, get up close with aircraft, tour airports, and take advantage of hands-on fun and educational activities, including chart reading, scavenger hunts, exploring the moon and Mars research sites, and learning about aircraft engines and avionics with the help of aviation maintenance technicians. 

However, Girls in Aviation is not a one-day event, according to Kelly Murphy, WAI director of communications.

“In addition to the around-the-world event, we have new content on the Aviation for Girls app,” Murphy said. “We encourage girls all around the world to download the free Aviation for Girls app and to enjoy a virtual Girls in Aviation Day and access WAI resources all year.”

Girls 18 and younger can also access a free junior WAI membership, Murphy said.

Membership is required to apply for the many scholarships that the organization facilitates. “If they become a junior member by October 1, they can apply for up to three scholarships. The deadline for the application is October 12,” Murphy said.

WAI’s GIAD event hosts will offer free activity kits while supplies last to participants featuring a Girls in Aviation Day backpack filled with Aviation for Girls 2023 Issue 2, a propeller activity, an aviation sectional chart, a WAI sticker, a glitter tattoo, the new WAI Career Guide, and a bandana. Additionally, caps, keychains, and GIAD T-shirts for adults and children are available for purchase.

“Thanks to the generous support of our partners, Women in Aviation International has significantly expanded this one-day event to reach girls interested in aviation and aerospace year-round through our Aviation for Girls program,” WAI interim CEO Stephanie Kenyon said. “As a part of this comprehensive youth STEM education program, we launched a new, free junior membership for girls and boys 18 years and younger so they can enjoy all the WAI benefits and resources, including the ability to apply for up to three WAI scholarships. We know Girls in Aviation Day has been instrumental in introducing opportunities in aviation and STEM to thousands of participants all around the world.”

History of GIAD

The first WAI international Girls in Aviation Day was celebrated in 2015, with 32 events and 3,200 participants. The event has grown each year, and in 2019 GIAD sported 20,000 attendees and 119 events in 18 countries. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the launch of the Aviation for Girls app, which has enabled virtual access worldwide.

This year, WAI published The Sky is Unlimited: Careers in Aviation and Aerospace, which will be included in each GIAD activity kit and will be available on the Aviation for Girls app as well as the WAI website.

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Kenyon has served as the organization’s chief growth officer since 2021, and helped promote the financial growth of the organization dedicated to advancing the interests of women in all areas of aviation and aerospace.

Kenyon has more than two decades of leadership experience in nonprofits and the aviation industry. As vice president of the AOPA Foundation, she designed and launched the popular AOPA High School Aviation Initiative, now a nationwide program that introduces teachers and students to aviation.

She also served as executive director in the philanthropy and alumni engagement division at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and was a member of the university’s women’s initiative committee. She is also a private pilot. At WAI she launched Harvard University/WAI Emerging Leaders professional education program designed to give women the leadership skills needed to assume executive positions within their organizations and the aviation/aerospace industry. She also managed WAI’s scholarship program, including its new international university scholarships.

Captain Deborah Hecker, chair of the WAI Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Kenyon’s ability to lead the organization, noting her “leadership coupled with her understanding of the industry and nonprofit management make her an excellent choice as interim CEO. We are confident in her ability to drive WAI’s mission forward as well as create new opportunities for women in aviation and aerospace.”

Kenyon replaces former CEO Alison McKay, who, according to WAI, “Is now pursuing new opportunities aligned with her personal and professional goals.”

The WAI board of directors notes McKay was instrumental in guiding the organization through the Pandemic’s upheaval of the aviation and aerospace industry. The board and staff of WAI expressed appreciation for McKay’s significant contributions during her tenure and for her dedication and commitment to WAI’s mission.

McKay was hired in 2020 upon the retirement of long-time CEO and founder Dr. Peggy Chabrian. Chabrian held the position for 30 years.

The post WAI Names New Interim Leadership Following McKay’s Departure appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The three-day event this week in Long Beach, California, hosts professional development, networking, and education sessions for aviation career paths, while a handful of special tours take place on Wednesday, February 22, before the main event begins and runs from February 23 to 25.

Last year’s conference, in Nashville, hosted more than 4,500 attendees from around the world and more than 170 exhibitors.

Industry Briefings

The primary value of the conference to many attendees has traditionally been its role in helping match candidates with jobs at leading companies in the aerospace industry. While developed to assist women with attaining their career goals, these opportunities have been open to those of all genders who are members of Women in Aviation International.

The 2023 conference industry briefings start on Thursday, February 23, featuring Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, UPS, Airbus, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, PSA Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, The Boeing Company, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with additional sessions from governmental organizations such as the FAA, and Customs/Border Patrol. Opportunities continue on Friday and Saturday, coupled with hiring events.

General Sessions

On Friday, the first general session features keynote speakers Dr. Michelle Parker, vice president and deputy general manager for the space and launch division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security; Col. Merryl Tengesdal (USAF Ret.), the first and only Black woman to pilot the Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady; and Dr. Susan Ying, senior vice president of global operations for Ampaire. For Saturday’s general session, keynote speakers include Maya Ghazal, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and Syrian pilot; Sherrexcia “Rexy” Rolle, vice president of operations and general counsel for Western Air; Huy Kim Tran, director of aeronautics at the NASA Ames Research Center; and Paige Stanton Wilson, chief operating officer for Acubed.

Education Sessions

A variety of topic streams are featured at this year’s conference, including lean manufacturing, airspace in the modern age, and mental health in both pilot and maintenance careers. Longer sessions take place on Thursday, with additional one-hour presentations on Friday and Saturday beginning after the general sessions each day. These cover tracks such as personal development, career, maintenance/tech ops, military, history, and innovation.

The closing banquet on Saturday night announces the last of the scholarship winners for the year—with a value of $889,140 for the taking—and hosts the induction of the 2023 members to the Pioneer Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include Martha and John King, Nancy Bird, and Col. Merryl Tengesdal.

Girls in Aviation Day on Saturday

Just like last year, WAI will bring in girls from ages 8 to 18 from around the region on Saturday, February 25, to take part in Girls in Aviation Day, part of the organization’s events throughout the year that culminate in GIAD 2023 on September 23.

For the Saturday portion of the conference, activities run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Throughout the day, hands-on activities lead participants through a broad range of aerospace touchpoints and concepts. A luncheon features Stephanie Chung, global ambassador for Wheels Up, and a career panel will introduce the girls to a variety of career paths. Preregistration is required.

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That gap, however, is set to shrink in the future if the numbers from the WAI’s 2022 Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) are any indication. 

WAI’s 8th annual day of worldwide educational outreach took place September 24 with more than 120 events held at airports, FBOs, museums and hangars in 19 countries across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia.  

This year, more than 16,000 girls participated in the event, according to WAI. 

Participants had the chance to meet aviation role models and learn about careers and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace. The event included hands-on activities such as tours of airplanes and airports, a sectional chart treasure hunt, making paper airplanes and helicopters, and learning about aircraft engines and avionics, weather systems, and space.

• READ MORE: Girls in Aviation Day at #WAI22

This year’s GIAD received a special commemoration with the relaunch of the Aviation For Girls app. The app—created during the COVID-19 pandemic—provides year-round educational content, including digital issues of Aviation for Girls magazine, aviation and STEM activities, videos of female aviators highlighting various careers and aviation books, virtual tours of manufacturers, museums, and airports, information about WAI scholarships, and a timeline of Pioneer Hall of Fame inductees. The app has been downloaded by nearly 1,000 users in 37 countries.

In addition, WAI launched a new and free junior membership for those aged 18 and younger that has all the benefits of regular membership.

“We know that Girls in Aviation Day has been instrumental in lighting the spark of interest in aviation and aerospace where girls are introduced to all the various career possibilities in a positive and fun event that is a trademark of our WAI chapters and corporate members,” said WAI CEO Allison McKay. 

“Seeing the excitement from the attendees of our Girls in Aviation Day events, we can now continue to engage them throughout the year with our Aviation for Girls App, free Junior membership, and all the WAI resources,” McKay said. “Our programs, in addition to the work of our industry partners, will finally change the face of this industry.” 

The post WAI App Gives Girls Access to Year-Long Aviation Education appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Airshow Stars

You can catch the ultimate in airshow stylings in the air above show center—but did you know there are opportunities to meet and greet the performers themselves once they come back to terra firma? Stars like Michael Goulian and Patty Wagstaff often host meet-ups at their respective sponsors’ booths—for example, look to Whelen Aviation Technologies and their big black-and-yellow exhibit near the flight line for Goulian’s schedule.

You can also track down other top names on the airshow scene, such as Matt Younkin, Vicky Benzing, Chuck Aaron, and the AeroShell Aerobatic Team. And if the warbird flyovers cause your pulse to race, head over to the Warbird area on the show grounds to find your favorite airplanes—and their pilots.

Patty Wagstaff’s Oshkosh Schedule (all times local)

Forums Fantastic

Phil Lockwood, CEO of Lockwood Aviation Supply and Rotax engine guru, always draws a crowd for good reason. This year at AirVenture, he’ll host a forum on the Rotax 9-series powerplants, with service and maintenance tips pulled from his position leading the No. 1 service provider in the U.S. Catch Lockwood on Wednesday, July 27, from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

You won’t run into EAA legend Paul Poberezny, as he flew west in 2013. But you can learn from those in his legacy, at Paul’s Vintage Hangar. A&Ps Jim Hamilton and Don Bartlet take participants through the ins and outs of those skills needed to make a serious restoration project fly, such as welding and fabric covering. First session: Monday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Get Your Training On

Want to know some real stars at the show? Head over to the new Pilot Proficiency Center and meet the rockstar CFIs leading the training sessions there. You’ll want to plan some real time to focus on your proficiency, featuring instruction in the center’s flight training devices from Redbird Flight Simulations. FLYING’s own Meg Godlewski is one of those star instructors this year.

The FAA has returned to AirVenture after a pandemic-induced hiatus, and you can find them—and forums for WINGS program credit—at their new location in the International Federal Pavilion at Hangar D. They join forces with agencies from the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas. In fact, one of the sessions is on flying to the Bahamas—a great tool for pilots if you’ve never been there, or if you haven’t been in the last couple of years. The first session (of several) is on Monday, July 25, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. at the Pavilion.

Low-Key Rock Stars

Want even more proficiency tips? Check out the Fly Like a Pro Panel with Sean Elliott of EAA, Charlie Precourt of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Karen Kalishek of the National Association of Flight Instructors, Mike Goulian, Mike Graham of the National Transportation Safety Board, and Richard McSpadden of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. With a focus on attitude, technical knowledge, realistic scenarios, training, equipment, and debriefs, this august group of experts will provide you with rock solid advice you can apply to your own proficiency plan—and it takes place on Friday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Forum Stage 5.

• READ MORE: FLYING‘s Complete coverage of EAA AirVenture 2022

There are also pioneering women who return to AirVenture each year—and you can catch a number of them at the WAI Connect breakfast hosted by Women in Aviation International. You’ll need to sign up for tickets ahead of time. The gathering takes place on Wednesday, July 27, at 8 a.m., and this year it’s at the PHP tent on the EAA grounds near the Forest Home. Past speakers have included astronaut Eileen Collins—and you never know who will show up this year.

All times and locations subject to change—check the main EAA AirVenture schedule on eaa.org/airventure for updates and to build your own calendar to track them at the event.

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Fast forward a few decades, and Meyers has now been awarded the Katharine Wright Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA).

Launched in 1981 and bestowed jointly with the Ninety-Nines International Association of Women Pilots, the trophy honors an individual who “… has contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period of time.”

A Series of Critical Roles

Her work in the USAF took her across the Atlantic to support NATO operations in Germany, specifically the ground radar sites around the country. She deployed to Italy, and while there she supported an international exercise coordinating the participation from 12 NATO countries. From the NAA’s statement, “Meyers single-handedly identified and resolved a major computer problem, resulting in success of the operation. She received an award in recognition of her efforts in saving the mission.

She applied to the Airmen Education and Commission Program—a special program sending top candidates to college full time while they remained on active duty—after witnessing the first space shuttle launch in 1981 and wanting to join the ranks of aerospace engineers. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and spent the next 30 years in her new chosen career.

Along the way, according to the NAA, Meyers took on roles as “a lead systems engineer at Boeing on the NATO, U.S., and U.K Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) reconnaissance aircraft program, for which she was presented a prestigious Vice-Presidential award for her efforts; she served as senior program manager for Connexion by Boeing’s government and executive customers, managing mission-critical airborne communications systems for aircraft including Air Force One; and working for Northrop Grumman on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter “Lightning II” program, Meyers was one of two senior managers overseeing production and delivery of the F-35’s communications, navigation, and identification systems.”

Supporting Others Lends New Fulfillment

Meyers led the Women in Aviation International chapter in San Diego for several years, during which time she was instrumental in the planning and execution of Girls in Aviation Day. And in 2017, she left the F-35 program to work full time with Shaesta Waiz’ nonprofit organization, Dreams Soar, which supported Waiz’ goal to fly solo around the world.

As program board member and prior media/communications director and FLYING business reporter Michael Wildes recalls, “She was Shaesta’s point person during the trip and worked with the local outreach persons to ensure all those connections went well from a practical standpoint. Overall, we coordinated outreach events that reached 3,000-plus kids during the flight, and more than 11,000 following the flight the year after.”

The Trophy Presented

NAA president and CEO Greg Principato particularly enjoys honoring individuals with the Katharine Wright Trophy. “I always say the Katharine Wright Trophy goes to someone who has not only accomplished awesome things but also makes those around them better,” said Principato. “In her career and in her broader aviation activities, Jill has personified those characteristics. It will be our honor to present Jill with this wonderful award and to recognize her consequential career.”

“This award means a great deal to me as it represents my goal of being a driver of good things,” said Meyers in response to the news. “Having an impact on young people’s lives makes all of my hard work worth it.  The most important thing to me is to inspire others to know that the sky is not the limit!”

Members of the 2022 Katharine Wright Trophy Selection Committee included: Darby Becker, GE Aviation; Dorothy Cochrane, 2020 Katharine Wright Trophy Recipient; Major Eleanor Morgan, 2021 Katharine Wright Trophy Recipient; Pat Prentiss, Past-President, The Ninety-Nines; Barbara Walters-Phillips, 2019 Katharine Wright Trophy Recipient; and Brian Wynne, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).

NAA will award the trophy during a special event to be determined soon.

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• READ MORE: Renée Zellweger to Star in Drama Series Inspired by WASP

While they weren’t recognized as military veterans until 1977, women pilots have long held the WASP as heroes, mentors, and friends. Since most have now flown west—passed away, in aviation parlance—those pilots honor their kindred spirits by attending to the graves of the WASP no longer with us on Memorial Day.

From a WAI statement, the mission is made clear: to visit the graves and leave flowers or other “appropriate remembrances.” Now in its fifth year, the #HonorTheWASP program has adjusted slightly to suit the times. It “was originally envisioned to take place over the Memorial Day weekend each year. In an effort to allow participants to observe best social-distancing practices, WAI offers that large groups can be easily avoided by visiting gravesites over the entire month of May as opposed to just on Monday, May 30, Memorial Day.” 

If you locate a WASP gravesite near you to visit, mark the occasion if you wish, by sharing a photo on social media with the hashtag: #HonorTheWASP

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