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President's Page |
Occasionally, those of us in the United States work so closely with our local Chapters that we fail to remember the meaning of the word ‘International’ in our organization’s name, The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots. Nearly 5,000 women around the world are joined together with a common goal: promoting aviation with all the joy and passion that we share for our love of the skies.
Did you know...that of the 24 women who received Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships this year, five were from outside the United States? An East Canada Section 99 received an Academic scholarship to pursue her work at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. A West Canadian Section 99 will work toward her instrument rating. And then there are the women in the Nepal, Brazil and Russian Sections who are pursuing a type-rating, multi-engine rating and helicopter retraining respectively.
Did you know...that in this calendar year alone, The Ninety-Nines has acquired 17 percent of its new members from countries outside the United States? And did you know that, currently, our overall membership has nine percent of its members in countries outside the United States? There is no question that our future growth will continue this trend and be even more international in scope. Since January 1, 2011, we’ve acquired new members from the following countries: Australia–2; Austria–1; Bahrain–3; Belgium–2; Canada–12; China–1; Egypt–1; England–1; France–1; Germany–1; Ghana–5; India–2; Jordan–4; Latvia–1; New Zealand–1; Russia–1; Saudi Arabia–1; South Africa–2; Switzerland–1; UAE–1. Along with 99s everywhere, I welcome each one of these women to a remarkable organization, and I hope each will learn how appreciated she is and that she has a place in the worldwide array of women pilots.
Did you know...that a delegation of five 99s leaders attended the China International General Aviation Convention held October 15-16 in Xi'an, China? Ying Gao (Laura), Florida Suncoast Chapter, born in China and now living in Florida, was the impetus behind this visit, encouraging The Ninety-Nines to have a presence at this annual event. This was an opportunity beyond measure to expose a country with little knowledge of general aviation to its advantages and our unique organization of women pilots. I made two presentations to the delegates and was honored to represent The 99s.
Did you know...that wherever you travel on this planet, you will be welcomed by 99s? An international trip should always be preceded by a query of our online database for a nearby member. We all enjoy meeting our fellow 99s, and there’s nothing quite as special as meeting them in another country.
Of the 196 countries on the planet, we have members in 42 of them. For you numbers buffs, that leaves 79 percent of the countries without a 99. We’ve come a long way from our roots solely within the United States, but we definitely have a way to go to fully represent the world.
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Right: Kyung O. Kim, Far East Section Governor, at Headquarters during a recent visit. |
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Read the President's Blog about "99s In China"
