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As the recipient of a 'scholarship' made by an anonymous donor, I had the pleasure of attending the Ninety-Nines International
Conference that took place from July 8-13, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Our
Emerald Angels of the Gulf Coast Chapter of Ninety-Nines, Inc. is a very new chapter and I really had no idea what to expect
with this opportunity. I knew that there would be some very impressive females at this event and that it is a
'once a year' business meeting but didn't have any specific expectations, although knew it would be a fulfilling
experience.
There were ladies that came in from all over the world to participate
in this International meeting.
While at the conference I attended several seminar
events including:
99s 101: This event was primarily
for first-time conference attendees and new 99s. Topics covered included the scholarship bank, museums, headquarters,
publications, eNetworks and opportunities to support the organization. I even won a coffee mug during this seminar
for being the youngest and only student pilot:)
Leadership
Training: International Director Maureen Kenney conducted the Leadership Training session. She focused on
the importance of Chapter Communications including newsletters, telephone, online forums and social media (including
Facebook) to make sure we all stay in touch and keep chapters updated as to events.
Lite Flight Formation Flying: A retired Air Force instructor pilot, Robert Viator briefed
us on formation flying in a classroom setting and then took us out for actual formation flying!
Survival and Safety Training: This seminar was very interesting!
Brett Stoffel, the VP of Emergency Response International (IRA) (a training contractor to the US Department of Homeland Security)
taught us the foundations of basic survival in a post-crash situation and the importance of a survival kit. One of
the things he suggested for a survival kit is a 'shelter bag'- click here.
Barbara Schultz Aviation History: I really enjoyed
this session. Barbara, an aviation historian and author reviewed some great female aviators and provided us with some
of their photos and professional histories. Very interesting. You can order her books here.
There were so many amazing events during this five day conference that I was not able
to document or photograph everything as I had hoped to. One of these events was the Amelia Earhart Memorial
Scholarship Luncheon that took place on Friday the 11th It truly was a celebration of aviation excellence
and I was able to learn about the stories of AE scholarship winners- both present and past. I also learned
about the perpetual scholarships the Amelia Earhart Memorial Fund holds.
The Awards
Banquet was also a privilege to attend as the Award of Inspiration was presented to Terry Carbonnel, an inspiring lady that has taken me under her wing during this journey to learn to "fly for the fun of it".
The award she received was special recognition from the International Board of Directors for her participation, achievements
and activities that have had a significant impact on The Ninety-Nines, the world aviation community and the art/science
of aviation and aerospace. It was hard not to shed a tear as she was on stage accepting the award. Read more about one
of Terrys goals here:
The Business and International Reports meeting was held on Saturday
the 12th from 8 until noon. This was a very formal meeting with reports from various people regarding the state of
affairs. I had volunteered for a floor teller position during this time assisting the Chief Teller along with many other
ladies.
Not only was this event educational, I also found it encouraging AND fun!
Many times during my introductions at this "female pilot" event, one of the first questions asked to me was --"how
long have you been flying?" Well, I simply explained I was not flying *yet*. Yes, I've had a few hours of flight
instruction at the local FBO, but I have not went on a solo flight and am still in the beginning stages of my ground
training. Many of the ladies got tears in their eyes when I told them I was in these premature training stages and enthusiastically
replied that they are here to answer any questions, to contact them any time and that "Honey,
you got this, we are here for you!"
Now I realize what was meant when others have consistently told me "once you have attained
your pilots certicate and are flying, make sure you contact 99s at the various FBOs you will land at, the 99s are always
excited to see, meet or visit with another 99!". All of the ladies were extremely welcoming to my presence.
How inspiring to be around those who have accomplished
exactly what I am working hard towards and to be embraced as warmly as I was. From doctors and professionals to airline
pilots and aviation mechanics the diversity in women was unified by all that
"flew for the fun of it". And for me, the girl that is working towards "flying for the fun of it."
Attending the conference has boosted my motivation, drive and self faith that I can accomplish this private pilot certificate
and more.
Since being home from this conference,
I now have a renewed sense of enthusiasm while studying for this FAA exam and have no doubts I can do this! Is all of the
reading material incredibly foreign to me? Yes, absolutely! Am I capable of understanding it all and translating the unknown
into methods of knowledge and safety that will enable me to fly an airplane for the first time at 38 years old? Yes, ABSOLUTELY
YES!
...And if I ever have any
doubts, I know there is a large group of women that I can count on to talk some sense right back into me:)
It was nice to meet you all and I appreciate your words
of wisdom and advice. As an update I am almost half way done with my ground training. Baby steps, but steps
none the less!
SPECIAL NOTE: To the anonymous
registration fee donor: THANK YOU.
 | | Astor Crowne Plaza, New Orleans |
 | | Astor Foyer |
 | | Barbara Harris at the Registration
Table |
 | | Lakefront Airport Reception |
 | | Letter to be mailed to Jerrie Mock |
 | | Ninety-Nines cookies |
 | | Seminar: Barbara Schultz |
 | | Lakeview Airport- KNEW Welcome Reception |
 | | Mary Wunder: Received Presidents Award
and accomplished Endowment Fund Resolution |
 | | History of The Ninety-Nines, Inc. Book |
 | | History of the Ninety-Nines, Inc. Book I
won as part of the silent auction |
 | | Oreck Vacuum Cleaner Inventor and also
a sponsor of the welcome reception. |
 | | Tamra Sheffman and
Myra Bugbee, Air Race Classic Team: Cloud Dancers |
 | | Having a little fun with new friends |
 | | Formation Flying with Terry Carbonell,
Tamra Sheffman and Debbie Henneberry |
 | | Flew in this RV plane- (Home Built) |
 | | Safety Briefing before the Formation
Flying |
 | | Judith Bolema-Tokar, Trustee of The
Endowment Fund |
 | | Deb Price |
 | | Out for a morning walk on Bourbon before
the seminars begin. |  | | 2014 Ninety-Nines International Conference
Books |  | | Few of the ladies I met |
Last but not least, if you are a Ninety-Nine or one of the lovely ladies at the New Orleans
Conference, I would love to hear from you! Comment or email me and feel free to share this blog! God Bless, Amy
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