The theme for the 20th Annual International Women in Aviation (WAI) Conference, concluded late last month, was "A New Approach for Your Tomorrow," but the Conference's underlying thrust was unquestionably jobs and the economy. Despite furloughs, fears and dwindling retirement funds, Conference-goers were full of determined optimism about their futures. Those WAI members who have spent their careers in the aviation industry were quick to assure younger attendees that the aviation industry operates in cycles and this one, too, shall pass.
"Companies and organizations continue to hire, and we had active career recruiting by many of our exhibitors, especially for mechanics and technicians, but also for pilots, air traffic controllers and other positions as well," said WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. "Our members and Conference attendees are proactive and steadfast; they are the top-tier candidates that any employer would want to hire."
Conference highlights included:
- Attendance reached nearly 3,000 women and men, including representatives from 15 countries.
- The Exhibit Hall displayed 125 separate companies and organizations, representing all aspects of the aviation community
- $459,450 in scholarships was distributed to WAI members at every stage of life from university students to mature members seeking a mid-life career change to aviation.
- The WAI silent auction raised $18,500 for WAI's Endowment Fund, bringing the total in the Endowment Fund to $629,500. The money in the WAI Endowment Fund is used for scholarships.
- WAI member Arlynn McMahon was named the 2009 National Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year. She is a chief flight instructor, a ground instructor, and the training center manager for Aero-Tech, a Part 141 Cessna Pilot Center at Lexington's Blue Grass Airport (LEX). McMahon is the first woman in 14 years to achieve this distinction.
In another positive development, the Experimental Aircraft Association announced at the Conference that the organization will continue its partnership with Women in Aviation, International, to manage and host WomenVenture during EAA AirVenture 2009. This is the second year for WomenVenture, a week-long initiative to showcase women's aviation achievements while attracting more women to aviation by making resources and information more accessible and visible to them.
Five women were inducted into WAI's International Pioneer Hall of Fame including Jacqueline Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier; Patricia Malone, a US Navy WAVE who trained aircraft carrier-based pilots on instrument flight procedures; Ruth Nichols who holds more than 35 women's aviation records; Dawn Seymour, the first woman accepted into the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) at Cornell University, and who later was chosen for the WASP program; and Anna Timofeyeva-Yegorova, one of the most famous Soviet women to fly in a male combat regiment during World War II and holder of the Hero of the Soviet Union award.
Added Dr. Chabrian, "This Conference was a celebration of 20 years of Women in Aviation conferences, and a rededication of our commitment to look forward by providing career opportunities for women in all aspects of the aviation community while looking back to recognize and honor the accomplishments of the determined women who made today's accomplishments and career choices possible."
The 21st Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held at Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando, from February 25-27, 2010. As always, ANN will be there.
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