Lin Caywood

After months of cold that chills the bones to the core and winds that exceed our demonstrated or personal minimums, its time for some sunshine, airshows, and flying.

Our diverse membership is busy reminiscing about their flying days, teaching the next generation how to fly, polishing up their planes to fly to new and well loved destinations, or doubling down on their flight training to earn a well deserved certificate or rating.

I accelerated my quest for warmth by taking my biennial trip with Carlo to South Africa in February to catch up with friends and family. We were able to fly a couple of times in GA aircraft and learn about the differences between US and SA airspace, flight planning, and radio work. We even attended a South African EAA fly-in.

I recently returned from Sun n Fun, lovingly referred to as spring break for pilots.  It was in the low to mid 90’s all week; pretty toasty compared to our temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic region.  I was only able to be there for two days but I want to convey a success story to you to highlight the power of the sisterhood of the 99s and the value that mentorship and networking on our next generation of pilots.  A few weeks before the show, Eastern PA member, Mary Wunder, asked me about a student member that she was mentoring.  The student was checkride ready except she couldn’t complete her solo activities because her medical was stuck in a review queue at FAA medical offices in OKC since late 2022!  The student had complied with every request made to her and was unsure where to go next after being told she was number 400 in the queue and it might be another 9-12 months before they could even look at the request.  On a long shot, we recommended she attend Sun n Fun because there would be FAA medical personnel present and last year I helped another student pilot from Alaska successfully get her 7-month long delayed medical reviewed and approved during the show.  Although I had no pull with the FAA, just the support and of being there with both students made a big impact to them emotionally and allowed them to stand in the line just to get their questions answered.  With the help of one of the FAA physicians, her medical was pulled and reviewed and approved by Thursday afternoon of that week!  Because of the support and mentoring from her sister 99s, she now has a path forward and can fulfill her dream to become a pilot versus walking away from a difficult situation.  

Giving back is a major focus of the Ninety-Nines. Mentoring, teaching, volunteering, leading discussion groups, speaking at STEM events, attending chapter meetings, and leading this organization is so extremely rewarding not just for myself but to be able to see how the efforts of our group positively impact the lives of others. Being present and volunteering can also be the difference between earning a scholarship, being hired for your dream job, or being tapped for an opportunity you didn’t think was possible to achieve. Donations of time and knowledge often far outweigh those of the monetary type (although cash is always welcome and accepted!).

Last, but not least, I want to thank my board and committee chairs, who are working behind the scenes to keep the section growing and running smoothly. Their willingness to step up and provide advice, support, and effort, keep us organized and functioning like a well-oiled machine.

Blue Skies to all and hope to see you at our spring section meeting,

Lin Caywood   * Mid-Atlantic Governor *   2022-2026

Fall evokes lots of memories for us each year; thoughts of shopping for back to school clothes, wearing shoes after months of bare feet and sandals, watching the leaves change, planning for upcoming holidays, looking forward to cooler days – or missing those hot sizzles of summer days, and hitting the books to study for upcoming exams.

Mid-Atlantic Teams in the Air Race Classic

Summer flying memories don’t fade fast – they bring back some of my fondest thoughts as the air chills. I became the proud ¼ share owner of a Lockwood Air Cam this summer;  a unique open cockpit twin- engine airplane that is more fun than an amusement park ride but, is really best enjoyed during the warmest of sunny summer days.  Summer also allowed many students to complete their cross country flights and complete checkrides before they headed back to school or work. My studying is kicking into high gear as I hope to earn my multi-engine instructor certificate this fall.  Most importantly and dearest to my heart is my annual summer “fly camp”, racing in the Air Race Classic.  Not only did I have a blast but my race partner from 2011-2016, Susan Beall, rejoined me for the fun.  We achieved fourth place this year, bested by fellow Mid-Atlantic racers Alicia Sikes and Nancy Rohr in third place and Team DC-3, Deb Dreyfuss and Joy Halcott, who claimed first place!  Mary Wunder’s team also had a great showing, bringing home a leg prize.  We had many other Mid-Atlantic members supporting the race behind the scenes. Many thanks to those who participated and represented our section.

Our section was well represented at the 99s International Conference in

Vancouver, BC. We enjoyed visiting with our 99 sisters from around the world and got to explore a beautiful port city by land, sea, and air! Mark your calendars to attend the next international meeting July 8-13, 2025 in Burlington, Vermont. A fantastic opportunity for a group of us to plan a flyout to this lovely destination that is only a few hours flight.

Many thanks to the volunteers who provide leadership and support to the section. As an all-volunteer group of over 460 members, we do our best to represent your interests at the chapter, section, and international level. Don’t forget that section elections for our officers will be held this spring. Consider stepping up to run for a position. We are unique in that we elect our entire slate of officers and directors every two years vs. using a staggered format. 

Last, but not least, congratulations are in order to Sugarloaf Chapter member, Michelle Dvorak, who successfully earned her instrument rating in September with the help of our section scholarship. Chapters, Sections, and International provide opportunities to our members to receive mentoring and monetary support to make dreams come true. Volunteer to give back to recruit, mentor, teach, or donate to keep this great organization relevant.

Blue Skies to all and hope to see you at an aviation event near you soon,

Lin Caywood   * Mid-Atlantic Governor *   2022-2026

Governors Message – Spring 2024

Spring is in the air and in the words of poet Robert Frost “The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April Day”.  I am looking forward to warmer and calmer wind days so my students can complete some long awaited checkrides, solo cross countries, flight reviews, and first solos. I’m sure you are eager to increase or re-start your flying adventures as well.

To get you movitated, be sure to mark your calendars and register for our Spring Section Meeting on April 26 and 27 at Martinsburg Airport (KMRB). Our youngest chapter, the Mountaineers, are eager to welcome you to their home base and show you some wild and wonderful West Virginia hospitality as you are CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF into Spring!  The chapter, assisted by the Sugarloaf Chapter, have lined up some fun events for us to enjoy. Go to www.sugarloaf99s.org to register for the section meeting. Our international representative with be past 99s president, Corbi Bullock. Questions? Contact Mountaineer chapter chair Cindy Gresham.

This winter we did not slow down too much, however, CFI extraordinaire, Mary Latimer, flew up to Maryland to help me put on one of her wildly successful G.I.F.T. academy ground schools.  We had eight participants, three private and four instrument students along with a CFI candidate. As of March 1, we had three participants pass their written exams, and one of our volunteer ground instructors passed her commercial written. All four were awarded scholarships by the Sugarloaf 99s, GIFT, and an anonymous donor to cover the cost of their written exams.  We look forward to seeing more success from this group – and the best part, almost everyone participating was a 99!

And now, here’s a chance for you to give back! The section will be hosting their first ever Mid Atlantic Section Girl Scout Day on May 18 at College Park Aviation Museum in College Park, MD. Our section Aerospace Education coordinator, Melinda Viteri, has organized a full day of activities and needs your help to volunteer for a slot to help with activities or to speak to the children about aviation.  No experience required! Melinda has created kits and instructions for the activities. Contact Melinda Viteri to volunteer.

Be the ultimate volunteer!  Section elections for our officers will be held this spring. Consider stepping up to run for a position. We are unique in that we elect our entire slate of officers and directors every two years vs. using a staggered format.  Contact Laura Savino to volunteer to serve.

Last, but not least, congratulations are in order to DC Chapter member, Kathleen O’Neil, who successfully graduated from the 99s Professional Pilot Leadership Course (PPLI) and to Eastern PA chapter member, Shahd Majid, not just on achieving her CFI but also becoming a published author! Her story of growing up in a traditional middle eastern household and moving to the US to eventually pursue her dream of becoming a pilot is quite inspirational.

Blue Skies to all and hope to see you at an aviation event near you soon,

Lin Caywood   * Mid-Atlantic Governor *   2022-2024