AIR
MAIL
SpeaK youR MInd
I noticed that the January/February is- sue of Aviation for Women feels thinner. Looks like you’ve made a change in
the paper. Smart move, and it is certainly
preferable to cutting the number of pages
or number of issues (as has happened
with another organization I belong to).
I appreciate the hard work that goes
into the publication. From my perspective, some of the things that are listed
under “Careers” are not career achievements. Perhaps it is time to come up
with a more appropriate description—
milestones, achievements, Yippees, or
whatever?
In this last issue, there is reference
to the “International Ninety-Nines For-
est of Friendship.” For clarification, one
of the charter Ninety-Nines, Fay Gillis
Wells, was instrumental in establishing
the International Forest of Friendship,
but The Ninety-Nines do not have own-
ership of the The International Forest of
Friendship. Here is a helpful clarification
from the web site ( www.ifof.org): “The
International Forest of Friendship is a
living, growing memorial to the world
history of aviation and aerospace. The
Forest was a gift to America on her 200th
birthday in 1976 from the City of Atchi-
son, Kansas (the birthplace of Amelia
Earhart); The Ninety-Nines (Interna-
tional Organization of Women Pilots),
and the University of Kansas Forestry
Extension.”
The International Forest of Friendship
is well worth a visit, providing inspi-
ration for all of us who are passionate
about aviation.
Laura Smith (WAI #2610)
Congratulations to you, the WAI Staff and Volunteers on another successful International Women in Aviation
Conference! This year was one of the
best. From the opening tours and seminars to the General and Educational Sessions, Scholarships, Luncheon, Banquet,
Speakers, Receptions, Gatherings, Exhibit
Hall, Pioneer Hall of Fame and finally the
special Disney Minnie (Pilot) and Daisy
(Mechanic) Conference logo—all were
professional, educational and fun, reflecting the connections and major roles that
each attendee plays. “It’s a Small World”
was an appropriate theme. The Conference variety reaches every aspect of our
aviation world allowing experienced as
well as students or just interested to meet
up and connect. General, Corporate,
Commercial, Business, Education and
Military aviation are all represented.
AWAM enjoys organizing and sponsoring the FAA Maintenance Recurrent
Training sessions for WAI and bringing
aviation technical topics of interest to
the Conference attendees. It is a pleasure to work with the WAI staff who are
all helpful, pleasant and professional.
I know they work tirelessly behind the
scenes to make everything run smoothly.
Their energy carries over and is fueled
by the numerous volunteers and then in
turn by the attendees who carry it outbound throughout this small world.
AWAM plans its annual meetings, in
conjunction with the WAI Conference,
to network with those in the technical
fields and beyond. Our planning has
begun for next year. We look forward to
working with you and seeing everyone
in Reno 2011.
Denise Waters (WAI #221)
President AWAM
Brewerton, New York
The article “Heart of a Teacher” by Pa- tricia Luebke (March/April 2010) is
one of the best that I have seen published
in Aviation for Women. I had a ground
instructor’s words come back to save
my life ten years after I heard them, on
a scary takeoff into IFR conditions. Aside
from the very human recall of an instruc-
tor’s words, it is Patricia’s words about
teaching “something we know to some-
one else,” and the reward you reap by
giving “something of yourself to another
person” that resonates so true. This is the
essence of Women in Aviation.
Just a note to tell you I think this current issue of AFW (March/April
2010) is the best ever! I loved it all, and
especially Jenny Beatty’s article and Jo
Damato’s column (I just returned to flying after having a son, and it’s so helpful
to have other mom’s input). And even
after hearing her speak, I still got a lot
out of Denise Wilson’s story. Overall,
the whole magazine was just great.
Cindy Rucker (WAI #10277)
JetBlue Airways
Jeykll Island, Georgia
I just finished reading the excellent ar- ticle on emergency preparedness by
Jenny Beatty ( WAI Connect newsletter
December 2009). I compliment Beatty
on her writing, both style and subject.
Having been a private pilot only since
2002, and a Ninety-Nines member since
2001, I’ve read many of her articles, and
always enjoy them, but this one somehow caught my attention as no other.
Maybe my future involves something
that will require the advice found in this
article, maybe not, but it will be something I DEFINITELY will pass along to
my future flight students. Preparation
is just that...prepping for something
that could happen. I’ve been a skydiving instructor since 1996 and realize the
responsibility I have to secure the lives
of my students. Thinking, and walking,
through emergency procedures BEFORE
getting in the plane is mandatory. Lately
I’m finding myself much more complacent in my own airplane. This article
will make me a better thinker...or shall I
say, return me to the good habits I’ve let
lapse somewhat. I thank you.
Victoria (Vickie) Croston (WAI #14291)
Conroe, Texas
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and clarity. Send mail to: 18735 Baseleg
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