WAI Chapters Organize for September 23rd International Girls in Aviation Day for 2017

WAI chapters busy at work to plan memorable days for girls

Women in Aviation International has declared September 23, 2017, as the third annual Girls in Aviation Day where WAI chapters around the world host their own one-day event to attract more young women to the aviation and aerospace communities with a day of activities appealing to girls 8 to 17 years of age. This program is an outgrowth of the successful Girls in Aviation Day events held during the past five International Women in Aviation Conferences.

"Because each chapter has its own venues and resources, the chapter plans a Girls in Aviation Day event unique to them,” says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. "The creativity, organization and planning that the chapters devote to a successful event is a source of pride for us. Our chapters put their hearts into making a memorable day for the girls in their own communities.”

WAI’s network of more than 100 chapters worldwide are hard at work developing their plans for this year’s events. For example:

San Diego (California) Chapter will partner with the Greater Los Angeles Chapter for their event, held at the Palomar Airport from 2-5 pm. Plans call for a dozen educational tables from local aviation organizations, a career panel full of accomplished women, and a fly-in from an all-female flight crew aboard a MH-60 helicopter. Girls will have the chance to meet female role models from many career fields in aviation, from military pilots to aircraft mechanics to flight attendants. Says Serena Hart of WAI San Diego, “This is our first Girls in Aviation Day teaming up with another WAI chapter, and we couldn't be more excited!"

The Nigeria Chapter is planning an event to begin at 11 am at Calverton Helicopters’ hangar at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja Lagos. With support from Calverton Helicopters Ltd, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace management agency, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Accident Investigation Bureau, Zenith Bank and others, the day will include static airplane and helicopter displays, an airport tour, mentoring event, a visit to the weather forecasting office and air traffic control tower and other activities. This is the third Girls in Aviation Day event for the Nigeria chapter.

The Houston (Texas) Chapter will host an event for 100 girls at Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Airport, with support from the museum and the Houston Airport System. The Lone Star Flight Museum provides a hands-on experience to learn about basic aviation concepts. Participants will get an up close look at a Mooney aircraft, and fly an actual simulator. Guest speakers will talk to the girls about aviation and career options. This chapter says its goal for Girls in Aviation Day is “to inspire the girls that they can achieve their dreams and reach for the sky, no matter how lofty a goal it may be.”

The Willamette Valley (Oregon) Wings Chapter event will be from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24, at the Oregon International Airshow at Hillsboro Airport. With support from the National Weather Service, Willamette Aviation, Airway Sciences, Columbia Helicopters, and the Oregon International Airshow, the event will include a look at a variety of aviation careers, how to preflight an airplane, how helicopters work, sectional chart activities, aviation weather, and more. Attendees receive free admission to the airshow as well -- and the opportunity to possibly meet some of the airshow performers.

"Girls who participate in these events will enjoy a fun-filled day learning and exploring,” adds Dr. Chabrian. "Thanks to our chapters, many girls will be introduced to aviation who otherwise never would. Girls in Aviation Day will reap benefits to the aviation community for years to come.”

In addition to a selection of educational materials, each participant in Girls in Aviation Day will receive this year’s edition of Aviation for Girls. This magazine, now in its third year, includes information about scholarship opportunities, aviation and aerospace colleges and universities, feature articles showcasing role models and articles to position aviation as an exciting career and lifestyle.

More information on Girls in Aviation Day, September 23, 2017, including information about other local chapter events, can be found at www.wai.org/giad.

Women in Aviation is grateful for the generous support of these Girls in Aviation Day sponsors:

Air Wisconsin

American Airlines

Bell Helicopter

California Baptist University

Cape Air

Delta Airlines

Envoy Air

ISTAT Foundation

Piedmont Airlines

PSA Airlines

Sporty’s Pilot Shop

UPS