Pilots Accepting Pledges

The Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, is sponsoring a worldwide "Fly for Breast Cancer Cure" during September and October, 2004.

Members of The 99s will be asking for pledges for every hour flown over the two-month period. Donors will be asked to direct their pledge money to one of two charities, the American Cancer Society or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Anyone may participate by soliciting pledges for hours flown as either a pilot or passenger. Participants need not be a member of The 99s.

For The 99s, this is an especially poignant project in that the immediate past president is a breast cancer survivor. According to current statistics, one out of every eight women will suffer with breast cancer. For women who fly, the diagnosis triggers the arduous task of regaining medical certification from the Federal Aviation Administration so they can resume their flying activities, whether career or personal. "This event will encourage more flying and raise money for an important cause that affects so many of our members," says Donna Moore, International Secretary of The 99s and co-chairman of the event.

Donations and pledge forms are due by November 30 at 99s International Headquarters, 4300 Amelia Earhart Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73159. Checks should be made out to The Ninety-Nines Fly for Breast Cancer Cure.

All participants must have proof of aircraft hull and liability insurance to cover all persons aboard during the flight. Experimental aircraft, helicopters, and balloons are not eligible to participate.

FMI: www.ninety-nines.org/breastcancercure/index.html