Women in Aviation Honored at Kitty Hawk

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Women in Aviation will be honored by the First Flight Society by dedicating one of the pillars in the Century of Flight Monument to Women in Aviation. This dedication will take place during the activities surrounding the week of December 17, 2011. 

 ìThis is an incredible honor for women pioneers throughout aviation history.î said WAI President Peggy Chabrian. ìAnd I will be on hand to represent Women in Aviation, International at the historic site where powered flight began. Members of WAI are encouraged to attend the December 16 and 17 events in Kitty Hawk.î

In addition, WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame member Betty Skelton will be inducted into the First Flight Societyís Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine, a portrait gallery that surrounds the Wright Flyer reproduction displayed in the visitor center at the Memorial.  The Shrine honors those individuals and groups that have achieved significant “firsts” in aviationís development.

Betty Skelton, known as the ìFirst Lady of Firstsî holds 17 individual land and speed records.  Her Pitts Special, Little Stinker, is on display in the Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.  A new member of the First Flight Shrine has been inducted during December 17 ceremonies every year since 1966 and is honored with the unveiling of their portrait. 

ìAlthough Betty is not the first woman to be included in the First Flight Shrine, she joins iconic women pilots such as Amelia Earhart, Harriet Quimby, Jacqueline Cochran, Jeana Yeager, and others.î added Chabrian. ìWe are delighted to see this remarkable woman honored.î

Tickets are available both for a banquet on December 16, 2010, and a luncheon honoring Women in Aviation on December 17, 2010, which will include a presentation by Dr. Julie Hedgepeth Williams, author of Wings of Opportunity: The Wright Brothers in Montgomery, Alabama. Tickets may be purchased from the Outer Banks Community Foundation by telephoning (252) 261-8839.

Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to providing networking, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women and men who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, contact WAI at 3647 State Route 503 South, West Alexandria, OH 45381, Phone (937) 839-4647; Fax (937) 839-4645 or through www.wai.org.

 

Updated: July 18, 2011 — 3:23 PM
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