AirVenture Can Help You Share Your Love Of Aviation With Your Daughter

Are you a Dad with a teenaged daughter? Do you have trouble relating? You are not alone! Given the difficulty most men have relating to women, even their wives, it's not surprising that Dads sometimes just don't "get" their daughters -- and vice versa. Of course, a lack of shared interests makes it difficult to spend quality time together.

Does this mean you have to bite the bullet, go the mall with your daughter and hold her purse while she tries on clothes in order to foster a meaningful relationship? If you are desperate to find things to do with your daughter (that you both can enjoy) fret no more, AirVenture 2006 to the rescue!

Women Soar, presented by the EAA in cooperation with the FAA, is an event whose goal is to help girls from the ages of 13-18 explore interesting career possibilities they may not have considered. If your attempts to kindle an interest for aviation in your daughter are met with glazed-over eyeballs and the common refrain, "Dad, pilots are boys," Women Soar can help.

This program is a great way for Dad to do something fun with daughter while giving him some much needed "cred" when he next suggests she might become a pilot.

The program consists of two days of presentations and interactive experiences hosted by some of the most influential people in their areas of expertise including engineering, education, science and journalism. Because there are so many different subjects, activities can be tailored to your daughter's interests.

You and she will meet test pilots, military combat pilots, scientists, educators, journalists and leaders of industry and government -- all of whom happen to be women. Talk about crushing stereotypes!

According to Debey Von, directory of the program, this is the second year EAA has presented Women Soar. Fifty girls attended last year, with 60 already registered this year; their goal of 150 leaves plenty of room for more.

She is excited about young women teaming with mentors who can help guide them through the preparation necessary to succeed in careers not traditionally considered by women, including aviation.

"They are going to meet some very interesting women," Von said, "especially during the panel discussion with the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) of World War II. Plus they get to spend opening day at AirVenture and see the Beach Boys in concert -- what a great deal!"

If this sounds like a fun opportunity to spend time with your daughter you should contact the EAA and register today. Registration fees cover all meals, presentations, special activities and admittance to Opening Day of AirVenture.

FMI: www.airventure.org/2006/events/women_soar.html