Aviation for Women - May/June 2015

Every time I write this column I think back to all the growth and events that have happened in the chapter network since I wrote last. I love reading the chapter news you send in and seeing what you are doing. To sound a bit cheesy, it makes my heart feel very warm. Our chapters work so hard to better themselves and their community through scholarships, pro fessional development, networking, and educational outreach.

In today’s world, we are all so busy and I realize how hard it is to squeeze in just one more thing into the schedule. So, for all those chapters and their members to carve out time to promote aviation and spread the passion is something I cannot say thank you enough for. WAI would not be what it is without you and your hard work, so on behalf of WAI, thank you!

By the time you’re reading this I’ll already be well into my new role as Director of AeroInnovate and Aerospace/Aviation Initiatives at the University of Wisconsin Osh kosh. Being the chapter relations manager at WAI has been so incredibly rewarding. I have made so many friends, and I have learned so much—not only from a job per spective, but also from the chapters and our great WAI members.

I will never be far away. I am still a chapter president myself and will be at WAI events and conferences. Please stay in touch! You all know how to find me. So, with a warm heart I say blue skies, Godspeed, and tailwinds. ✈

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A Time to say Thanks

by Audra Hoy

HONG KONG cHAp Ter

The WAI Hong Kong Chapter toured Shek Kong Airfield (VHSK) in Hong Kong in March. Shek Kong is a People’s Liberation Army Air Force base but is open for lim ited general aviation/civilian traffic during weekend hours. Aside from Hong Kong International (VHHH), Shek Kong is the only other airport in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Aviation Club (HKAC) operates several singleengine aircraft and helicopters for flight training there. Due to the restrictive training hours, it takes the average student approximately one year and costs about $52,000 to obtain a private pilot certificate (which is restricted for crosscountry operations). HKAC President Gigi chao, WAI 60889, organized the visit.

St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, a secondary school in Hong Kong, hosted its annual Career Expo on March 13. More than 150 girls ages 12 17 participated in the event. Ten career fields were represented and members of the WAI Hong Kong Chapter managed the aviation booth. This was the first year the school has included avia tion in its Career Expo. Chapter member Vivian poon, WAI 16535, coordinated the event assisted by several other chapter members including Tinny Tse, WAI 60998; Mei chan, WAI 6400; Wenyu Fu, WAI 8459; and simone storey, WAI 60767; nonmembers included Toni Anton Zoya, Jacqueline Au, and suzanne Zwart. The Hong Kong Chapter is already in discussions with another local girls school regarding a similar event! ✈