I would like to thank our community for banding together to offer a great opportunity to girls and women of all ages.
Last Saturday, pilots and businesses at Arlington airport offered free flights to those who had never flown in a small aircraft or helicopter before. This effort was in recognition of the centennial of the first female pilot and will undoubtedly become a popular annual event, organized internationally by WomenofAviationWeek.org, and designed to encourage more women to “Give Aviation a Try.”
Despite the crummy weather, 152 passengers were taken up for a first flight!
Huge thanks go to our volunteer pilots: Lane Gormley, Dick Smith, Todd Bohon, Casey Cowan, Pete Newman, Mike Lynch, Jeanne Howe, Laith Barnhill, Marla Patterson, Teri Carpenter, Jerry Sorensen, Mike Talley, Tim Mensonides and Tara Thompson. Each of these pilots volunteered their time and aircraft to introduce passengers to flying.
In addition, ground support was given by Cathy Mighell, Maureen Valentine, Wendy Kelley, Ariel Taylor, Mariah, Amanda Lyn, Rachel Cowan, Holly and Kahryn Kuhnl, Linda Schinman, Judy Johnson and James Anker.
Finally, a huge thanks to Out of the Blue Aviation for making this event happen and for contributing over $1,000 in great prizes, along with support from fellow sponsors — Ridgeline Helicopters, NASA Restaurant, Castle & Cooke, and Northwest Soaring Club.
Let’s hope some of these girls pursue the dream of flying, one of life’s greatest adventures.
Kathy Lechuga
Arlington
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