A day-long seminar, Aviation 101 For Women, is planned to take place on Friday, August 11, the opening day of the three-day Abbotsford International Airshow. Co-hosted by Edmonton-based Elevate Aviation and the Ninety-Nines, Inc. (the international body), the two women-focused organizations want to attract more girls and women to take up aviation for recreation or as a career.
“We are committed to breaking down barriers and encouraging more women to consider the aviation industry as their future careers, or simply to learn what flying is all about,” said Ninety-Nines International president Robin Hadfield in a press release.
The event, scheduled for 9:00 to 15:30, will take place at Abbotsford airport-based Chinook Helicopters, itself owned and led by women-in-aviation pioneer Cathy Press. Classroom-based instruction, a guided tour of Chinook Helicopters and of the Abbotsford control tower are all included, as is lunch. Tickets are $15 for students and $30 for the public and include a one-day pass to the airshow on Friday.
“Currently women represent only a small percentage of pilots, mechanics and air traffic controllers,” said Elevate Aviation’s Dina Jammaz, also an air traffic controller with Nav Canada.
According to the press release, the event will focus not just on career opportunities, but will also provide insight into the theory of flight, radio communications, navigation and other related topics, including general aviation.
To learn more, and to pre-register, click here. Pre-registration is required.