'Record Breaking' Year On Hand for Women in Rotary Flight

Whirly-Girls International, a non-profit dedicated to advancing women's roles in the helicopter aviation industry, named recipients of its 2024 scholarship programs.

The lucky winners will be awarded at the February 25th HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim, California, where each will be given a moment of appreciation at the Whirly-Girls Annual Reception. Thanks to better than usual turnout from the nonprofit's corporate donors, this year's crop of educational assistance is better than ever, and the team couldn't be more grateful to a generous industry. The group has seen its offerings swell from a single $500 scholarship to no more than half a million dollars of support for female aviators.

“The 2024 Scholarship offering has been record-breaking, and we are immensely grateful to our Sponsors for their generosity and support,” said Joanna Forrester, Whirly-Girls International Scholarship Director. “The cost of flight training can be prohibitive for any pilot and, with the continued help and involvement of our sponsors, we are able to provide crucial training opportunities and mentorship to a new generation of female helicopter pilots."

Forrester continued, saying there's still much to do. "Only 6% of helicopter pilots are women, and by raising awareness in the community and providing a strong scholarship program, one of our goals is to help widen the talent pool and bring a broader range of experience, skills and background to the aviation industry.”

FMI: www.whirlygirls.org