Community unites to Promote Women in Aviation

Although we learned about the Young Eagles Flight Program of the local Chapter 1171 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) a few years ago, we truly didn’t realize the depth of the program until this weekend.

Their goal is “to introduce our nations’ youth to some of the many career possibilities in aviation”. After attending the Girl Scout Aviation Day this weekend, we believe they’re doing an incredible job!

The Community came together as pilots and many people donated their time, food, fuel, and their knowledge to teach girls ages 8 – 16 how they can grow up to be part of aviation!

The Girl Scouts learned about many opportunities in aviation fields to include weather, mechanics, the military, and numerous occupations that are associated with flying an airplane.

The Bonus: Touring the Control Tower and flying in a small airplane!

Special thanks to Tradewind Aviation; Tom Braaten and the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport; Rick Schans and the Flying Bears; Robert “Buddy” Stallings of Eastern Aviation Fuels; Lieutenant Colonel Melissa P. Kelly, Executive Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 14; and Corporal Angelique Pinkston, Meteorology and Oceanography Analyst Forecaster, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point; SouthEast Section, Ninety Nines Women Pilots, Jennifer Wenk and Rosemary Gibson; Gail Watts and the NC Coastal Pines Council of the Girl Scouts of America; Craven Community College; and everyone who volunteered their time to get the girls excited about aviation.

For more information about the Flying Bears EEA Chapter 1171, call Frank Albertini at 252-349-8355 or their website.

Tell us what you think sending us an email. Visit New Bern Now’s Facebook page or sign up for the latest updates by submitting your email address in the right margin on New Bern Now’s website.

Wendy Card