April 8 event includes panel discussion
Women in Aviation International's Connect Lunch at SUN 'n FUN 2016 will include a panel discussion, moderated by WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian, of aviation notables and role models. The lunch, in partnership with SUN 'n FUN, is scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2016, and will begin at noon in the Buehler Aerospace Skills Center.
Panelists include:
Pia Bergqvist has been flying since 1999. With about 3,200 hours of flight time, her background includes flight instruction, aircraft sales, and aviation journalism. Pia owned a 1948 Cessna 170, which she flew all over the western United States and the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. She currently owns a 1974 Mooney M20C and works as executive editor at Flying magazine.
Lori Cline is a Standards Check Airman and FAA Designee for a major airline. She is the former Director of Flight Safety and Quality Assurance, an experience directly applicable to airshow ops. Her diverse aviation experience includes ratings in helicopters, seaplanes, and gliders. She has collaborated on several published books about women's aviation history.
Jessy Panzer is a member of the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team. She was mentored by Sean D. Tucker, Bill Stein, and Wayne Handley on the Stars of Tomorrow Aerobatic Flight Team and has qualified to race at Reno in the Formula One class. In addition to aerobatic flying, Jessy is an ATP, corporate pilot, and flight instructor.
Melissa Pemberton is an award-winning aerobatic pilot, a member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team, and champion rock climber, who brings a high-energy, action-packed display of Unlimited Aerobatics with her Edge 540 to audiences worldwide. She is also an avid skydiver and free flyer in a wingsuit with more than 300 base jumps.
Patty Wagstaff is a six-time member of the US Aerobatic Team who has won the gold, silver, and bronze medals in international aerobatic competition and is the first woman to win the title of US National Aerobatic champion and one of the few people to win it three times. She is one of the world's top airshow pilots, performing before millions of people each year.
"In addition to networking, a great lunch, and lots of fun, those who join us have an opportunity to meet and hear from five amazing women in a totally relaxed atmosphere," said WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. "We thank SUN 'n FUN for this partnership and the ability to present such an incredible panel of women."
Tickets for the WAI SUN 'n FUN Connect Lunch are available for $18 in advance and may be purchased at www.wai.org. A limited number of tickets will be available on site, as space is available.