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
