Will Engage Teenage Girls At EAA Airventure 2010 In July

Inspirational women aviators will mentor and engage teenage girls about aviation careers as part of EAA's sixth annual Women Soar You Soar event, being held July 25-27 at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.

Among the approximately 40 mentors scheduled to appear are Lt. Col. Jill "Raggz" Long, a U.S. Air Force pilot and an aerobatic performer; Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo, the first woman to fly for a major airline; Jessica Cox, who was born without arms but became the first pilot certificated by the FAA to fly with her feet only; Amanda Wright Lane, the great grandniece of first flight pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright and a trustee of Wright "B" Flyer Inc.; and members of the WWII Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), who received the Congressional Gold Medal in March 2010. 

This year, Women Soar You Soar will host 100 girls in a variety of activities, including flight simulation, workshops, wing rib assembly, and mentor sessions. "Mentors will share their success stories and offer advice on how to set goals in order to fulfill their aviation dreams through this EAA pathway to participation," said Elissa Lines, EAA vice president of business and donor relations. "These young women will undoubtedly come away inspired about the opportunity they have before them in pursuing an aviation career."

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2010, and are available online. The cost is $50, which includes lodging at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, meals and admission to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."  Space in the program is limited. Need-based financial aid is also available to cover registration fees, subject to certain requirements.

FMI: www.airventure.org/WomenSoar