Aero-TV: The Ninety-Nines - Inspiring Women Pilots Since 1929

The First Women's Flying Organization Has Plenty of Life Left In It

While Peggy Chabrian's amazing work with the Women in Aviation organization has helped to popularize the role of the "better sex" (as Vicki used to remind me, persistently, to describe them), it was the Ninety-Nines that first put women and aviation together in the public eye.

The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring their unique history and sharing their passion for flight. Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. The Ninety-Nines, Inc., boasts licensed women pilot/members from 35 countries - and the organization notes that it has thousands of members throughout the world. They are a non-profit, charitable membership corporation holding 501(c)(3) U.S. tax status. International HQ is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and while there are other female pilot organizations in various states and nations, virtually all women of achievement in aviation have been or are members of The Ninety-Nines.

The organization came into being November 2, 1929, at Curtiss Field, Valley Stream, Long Island, New York. All 117 American female pilots had been invited to assemble for mutual support and the advancement of aviation. Louise Thaden was elected secretary and worked tirelessly to keep the group together as we struggled to organize and grow until 1931, when Amelia Earhart was elected as first president and the group was named for the 99 charter members.

Copyright 2011, Aero-News Network, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

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