One month out, WAI readies for first global Girls in Aviation Day
WAI chapters around the world will present fun and interactive programs on September 26

With just one month to go, excitement is building for WAI’s global outreach to girls ages 8 to 16 with the first international Girls in Aviation Day on September 26, 2015.

Approximately half of WAI’s chapters have unique, local events planned designed to attract girls to the aviation lifestyle and inform them as to the diverse career opportunities available to them in the aviation community.

“This is the largest outreach WAI has ever attempted,” said WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “Chapter participation and partnerships with related organizations have put us on the path for a very successful day.”

Proclamations from 50 United States governors have been requested to declare September 26, 2015, as Girls in Aviation Day in their states. So far, with many requests pending, the following states have issued such a proclamation: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Vermont.

An example of joining forces is WAI’s North Texas Chapter and Lone Star Aviators Chapter who will host their Girls in Aviation Day at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. These chapters expect 200 girls in the museum’s auditorium for a panel discussion and other activities. This Girls in Aviation Day event will be promoted by the Smithsonian as part of its “Smithsonian Day” activities where all attendees have free museum admission. The chapters are expecting 1,000 to 1,200 total attendees overall, including boys, girls and adults.

WAI’s Hong Kong Chapter is promoting an essay contest for girls on the theme of “How Aviation Inspires Me.” The top ten essayists will be treated to a tour of Cathay Pacific’s training center in Hong Kong along with time in an A300 simulator.

The Florida Memorial University Chapter is hosting an all-day event which begins with guest speakers followed by breakout sessions in interest groups such as air traffic control, pilots, airport operations and human resources. Following lunch, the girls will be taken to the Endeavor Flight School to learn about the university’s Cessna 172s.

“Those are just examples of the fascinating days in store for the girls. Each chapter has planned unique opportunities for girls on September 26 based on their own resources and venues,” added Dr. Chabrian. “We have supplied the chapters with educational materials, debut copies of Aviation for Girls magazine and other souvenir items, including a Girls in Aviation Day backpack.”

More information on Girls in Aviation Day can be found at http://www.wai.org/events/giad_2015.cfm

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 27th August 2015 | Issue #333
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