Women in Aviation will be honored by the First Flight Society by dedicating one of the pillars in the Century of Flight Monument in Kitty Hawk, N.C., to Women in Aviation. This dedication will take place during this year’s commemoration of the Wright brothers’ first flight.
“This is an incredible honor for women pioneers throughout aviation history.” said WAI President Peggy Chabrian. “And I will be on hand to represent Women in Aviation, International at the historic site where powered flight began. Members of WAI are encouraged to attend the Dec. 16 and 17 events in Kitty Hawk.”
In addition, WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame member Betty Skelton will be inducted into the First Flight Society’s Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine, a portrait gallery that surrounds the Wright Flyer reproduction displayed in the visitor center at the Memorial. The Shrine honors those individuals and groups that have achieved significant “firsts” in aviation’s development.
Betty Skelton, known as the “First Lady of Firsts” holds 17 individual land and speed records. Her Pitts Special, Little Stinker, is on display in the Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. A new member of the First Flight Shrine has been inducted during Dec. 17 ceremonies every year since 1966 and is honored with the unveiling of their portrait.
“Although Betty is not the first woman to be included in the First Flight Shrine, she joins iconic women pilots such as Amelia Earhart, Harriet Quimby, Jacqueline Cochran, Jeana Yeager, and others,” added Chabrian. “We are delighted to see this remarkable woman honored.”
Tickets are available both for a banquet on Dec. 16, 2010, and a luncheon honoring Women in Aviation on Dec. 17, which will include a presentation by Dr. Julie Hedgepeth Williams, author of “Wings of Opportunity: The Wright Brothers in Montgomery, Alabama.” Tickets may be purchased from the Outer Banks Community Foundation by telephoning 252-261-8839.
For more information: 937-839-4647 or WAI.org
