Press Releases

2019-08-19 12:45

Worldwide outreach scheduled for October 5, 2019

Women in Aviation International’s network of corporate members, partners and more than 130 chapters, are making their plans for individual events for Girls in Aviation Day 2019. Girls in Aviation Day is truly a worldwide event with activities planned by WAI chapters from Australia to the Netherlands, from India to Botswana. Dozens of Girls in Aviation Day events are planned for the United States.

Individual chapter and corporate members plan their own day’s events, based on varying venues, local WAI members and availability of local resources.

2019-08-14 (All day)

Funds used for Girls in Aviation Day and Aviation for Girls magazine

Women in Aviation International received a $15,000 grant from the International Society of Transport Aircraft Training (ISTAT) Foundation, which funds educational programs that advance commercial aviation. This is the fifth year that WAI has received an ISTAT Foundation grant.

As in past years, this grant will be used to expand the distribution of Aviation for Girls magazine with the ISTAT Foundation identified as the sponsor of this year’s issue. With this grant, the number of copies printed will be increased and its distribution expanded in hard copy and digitally. The 2019 issue of Aviation for Girls will be available digitally to all Women in Aviation International members and any interested individuals at WAI.org .

2019-07-24 (All day)

Now in its twelfth year, WomenVenture, a week-long social and networking event for women during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, attracts hundreds of women who are part of the aviation community and enjoy getting together to be inspired, to network, and to just plain have fun. More than a thousand women gathered in Boeing Plaza today for WomenVenture’s annual group photo, with most participants wearing their purple WomenVenture t-shirts.

2019-07-24 (All day)

Association Marks 30 th Conference and 25-Year Anniversary

During her annual remarks at the WAI Connect Breakfast today at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019, Dr. Peggy Chabrian announced her intention to retire as president and CEO of Women in Aviation International effective April 2020.

2019-07-08 (All day)

All systems go for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019

For the twelfth year, women attending EAA AirVenture will enjoy a show within a show as a host of WomenVenture activities take place. EAA WomenVenture is an annual celebration of women from all facets of the aviation community.

Activities are scheduled during the week of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July 22-28, 2019) to provide women the opportunity to connect with other women who love aviation and build camaraderie within the EAA and WAI communities.

WAI’s Connect Breakfast, co-sponsored by Avemco and United Airlines, takes place on Wednesday, July 24, starting at 8 a.m., and held at the Paul H. Poberezny Conference Center (“PHP Tent”). This event features former naval aviator and Southwest Captain Tammie Jo Shults who will share her story of safely landing Southwest Airlines flight 1380 and talk about her upcoming book Nerves of Steel.

Tickets for the WAI Connect Breakfast may be purchased online for $17 each until July 21 (purchase tickets here: https://www.wai.org/events/wai-connect-breakfast-eaa-airventure ), and $20 onsite, as space permits, at the WAI booth, Hangar B-2041.

2019-06-27 (All day)

Start applying for available scholarships!

With new scholarships being posted weekly, WAI is ready to accept applications for dozens of scholarships. Currently, there are 85 scholarships offered for flight training, scholastic study, maintenance training, and a variety of scholarships for individuals in all stages of life. Internships are also being offered. Additional scholarships will be added in the coming weeks and months, and applicants are encouraged to check for new scholarships often. Applicants may apply for up to 3 scholarships per year.

2019-06-26 (All day)

June 26, 2019

Safety Standards Remain Consistent for All Pilots

RE: Your recent story by Andy Paztor and Andrew Tangel “Boeing’s Latest MAX Concern: Pilots’ Physical Strength” failed to recognize today’s stringent safety standards for ALL pilots.

As a 14,000-strong worldwide organization, our Women in Aviation International members represent pilots, mechanics, engineers, astronauts, educators, and aviation students that collectively contribute their talents to the safest transportation system in the sky and to the world transportation...

2019-05-30 (All day)

…And one filled with friendly competition!

Fifty-one teams of women will take off for the 42nd Air Race Classic, racing from Jackson, Tennessee, beginning on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, for a 2,538-mile race course which ends in Welland, Ontario, Canada, on Friday, June 21, 2019.

“We wish blue skies and tailwinds to all the racers, many of whom are WAI members,” says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “This year, 17 collegiate teams represent aviation colleges and universities nationwide, and we wish safe landings to all.”

2019-05-28 (All day)

More than one hundred WASP gravesites are decorated during Memorial Day weekend visits

The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were remembered and honored for their service this past Memorial Day weekend when gravesites were visited and decorated by Women in Aviation International (WAI) members and friends. Graves from Connecticut to California were decorated and photos and videos were posted and shared on social media tagged #HonorTheWASP. A contingent of WAI members and friends decorated a multitude of WASP graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

“What was reinforced this weekend was that each WASP holds an intriguing life story,” says WAI President Peggy Chabrian. “From WASP Eleanor Feeley Lawry who was the first woman to earn a pilot’s license at Danbury [Connecticut] Airport and the 100th woman to earn a pilot’s license in Connecticut to Utah WASP Frances Green Kari who post-war became a wingwalker with Sammy Mason airshows and later a police officer, the WASP lived fascinating and pioneering lives, and today and always, we thank them for their service.”

2019-05-15 (All day)

Visit and decorate a WASP gravesite from May 24-27, 2019

Women in Aviation International members and friends will #HonorTheWASP over Memorial Day weekend by visiting their graves and leaving an appropriate decoration in the form of flowers or other remembrances.

“For individuals and families – and even companies – looking for a meaningful way to observe Memorial Day, #HonorTheWASP provides a way to do that,” says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “Visiting and decorating a WASP gravesite is a history lesson, a way to honor these pioneering pilots, and, for most, a moving and emotional experience.”

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