Events Scheduled Throughout The Week

By Maxine Scheer

During the week of EAA’s AirVenture, thousands of women who have an interest in aviation are expected to attend. Additionally, a number of organizations that support the growth and success of women in the aviation industry have a noticeable presence and include Women in Aviation International (WAI) and Women Soar You Soar, others include the Ninety-Nines, and the Association of Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM).

Growing collaborations, such as those between EAA and WAI are bringing increased attention during AirVenture to the accomplishments of women in the aviation industry and to encourage more women to learn about how aviation can elevate their lives.

Catching up with WAI President Peggy Chabrian at AirVenture on Sunday, she relayed WAI’s ongoing participation in multiple events at AirVenture. “This is my 33rd EAA conference, “said Peggy. “I joined the board of EAA when I was Dean of Parks College and served on the board for many years.” “WAI has many synergies with EAA, not the least of which is our support for students, which continues the work we started on the EAA education committee.”  Peggy noted that at this year’s Reno conference, the WAI organization passed the $7 million mark in scholarships.

On Thursday evening at 1900 CDT, Peggy will be moderating a special "Women in Aviation" Theater in the Woods presentation. Panelists will include a number of highly accomplished women aviators that include Suzanna Darcy Henneman, Chief Training Pilot, Boeing Company; Captain Kay Hire, U.S. Navy pilot and astronaut; Lt. Jill Long, U.S. Air Force pilot and air show performer; Connie Tobias, Captain, U.S. Airways and Harriet Quimby, re-enactor.

Friday morning from 0800-0900 CDT, everyone who supports WAI is encouraged to come to the EAA Nature Center on the air show grounds for the annual WAI Connect Breakfast which includes a full buffet and the opportunity to network with an estimated 200 or more air show celebrities and heads of industry to line pilots, students, mechanics, teachers and enthusiasts. It’s a great event to bring young women who are considering careers in aviation. Peggy will also be announcing the WAI Membership Campaign top recruiters and drawing a winner for the Disney Cruise grand prize.  Tickets for Friday’s breakfast are available online at WAI or on site by stopping at the WAI Booth, located in Hangar B, booths 2041.

All women pilots and student pilots (any aircraft type), current and non-current, attending AirVenture are invited to gather in ConocoPhillips Plaza at 1030 CDT, for the fourth annual group photo called WomenVenture.  Women in the photo wear WomenVenture T-shirts, which are available for distribution beginning Wednesday, July 27th (and while supplies last) at the EAA Welcome Center, WAI booth in Exhibit Hangar B, or at AOPA and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University exhibits.  Additionally, women pilots and student pilots can record their participation on any day during AirVenture by signing the logbook at the EAA Welcome Center.

The U.S. Air Force is honoring Peggy’s accomplishments at AirVenture with a ride in a Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. On Wednesday at 1130 CDT there will be a briefing about the flight and at 1230 Peggy will be one of three people taking off with the Blue Angels.

AirVenture 2011 will also feature Women Soar You Soar, an educational experience for high school girls held in conjunction with University Wisconsin-Oshkosh and ERAU on July 28-31. This ongoing program has been expanded to four days and is benefiting from increased support. AirVenture attendees may see Women Soar You Soar participants at various venues throughout the week at many of AirVenture’s hands on activities. AirVenture attendees who know of a young woman who would like to participate next year and others who are looking to support programs that promote aviation to women should look at the program’s website.

A number of workshops focused on women are also of note. On Thursday, July 28th from 1430 to 1545 CDT in the EAA Museum’s Vette Theatre, Mireille Gover will discuss what happened when pilots, flight training facilities, and aviation businesses from around the world came together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's day and the first annual Women of Aviation Worldwide Week - a week of awareness and action. The discussion is described as highlighting data covering five decades of Women Of Aviation’s statistics in the United States and comparing them to those of other male dominated fields for perspective. The presenters will also describe what other industries have done to change the trends and what can be done to shape the future.  Attendees will also have a chance to meet many special Women of Aviation from around the world including Patricia Mawuli Nyekodzi, the first woman to earn a Ghana National Pilot License.

On Friday, from 1130 - 1245 CDT at the Homebuilders Hangar is a workshop titled “Women Who Build, Maintain, Restore & More”.  Attendees will learn from EAA women making their aircraft building dreams a reality. This workshop is presented by Denise Waters, President of AWAM and speaker on aircraft kit-building, maintenance, and an award winning pilot, that includes having won the Air Race Classic, twice.

There are many more workshops, including forums associated with the history of the WASPs, the 1st Women’s Air Derby, numerous book signings, and movies, all available by keyword search, women, on the EAA website.

FMI: www.womenofaviationweek.org, www.wai.org, www.eaaapps.org