Event Set For The First And Second Of October

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome will feature "Women Fly Weekend" on October 1 and 2 to expand awareness among girls and young women about the fun of flying for recreation and the potential for careers in aviation. Girls, parents and young women and will have opportunities to discuss aviation with women pilot role models and aviation professionals throughout the weekend. Girls With Wings seminars, specially created for grades 1 – 8 will be held on Sunday. The museum and grounds open at 10:00 AM with air shows on both days at 2:00 PM.  

There will be presentations about early women aviators like Harriet Quimby, Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart and the Women's Air force Service Pilots (WASP). Former WASP President, Bee Haydu, author of "Letters Home 1944-1945," will overview WASP training, history and her life as an aviatrix. The New York and New Jersey section of the Ninety-Nines (99s) will hold a section meeting at the aerodrome on Saturday. Members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote their first elected president, Amelia Earhart, they fly "for the fun of it!"

On Sunday, Lynda Meeks, Executive Director Girls With Wings will conduct two workshops... one for girls in 1st grade through 4th grade and a second for 5th grade through 8th grade... register at www.girlswithwings.com . Lynda earned her wings in the military and has flown everything from helicopters to the Citation X as a professional pilot. "Our goal is to increase self confidence in girls by encouraging them to realize their full potential through opportunities in aviation," Lynda explained. 

Biplane rides are available for $75 on a first-come-first-served basis. Parents and adults who accompany the girls and young women will get special admission rates of $15... young women and girls 13 -17 years of age... $10 and girls ages 6 – 12... $5.  There is an additional $5 fee for seminar materials for those who participate.

Women pilots and those interested in offering aviation services should contact Don Fleming at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (860) 354-6722.

FMI: www.oldrhinebeck.org