The Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide (iWOAW) reports that support from iWOAW’s business members and public donations have made it possible for organization to offer additional flight training cash prizes to First to Solo Challenge winners in 2016.
Wendy Rose, an Alabama resident, never thought of learning to fly before she heard of the First to Solo Challenge. Instead, she focused on giving opportunities to her daughter, Dana, who dreams of becoming an astronaut.
It was her husband who learned about Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week and the First to Solo Challenge in early 2015 who suggested that she takes on the challenge.
“I wasn’t sure at first. However, I decided to set my goal on becoming a pilot and fly my little girl high in the sky, to be closer to the stars, until she can get there and higher on her own,” said Rose.
Seven weeks after her first flight experience, Rose became the first woman among eligible First to Solo Challenge candidates to solo. She won $1,500 in flight training cash and a Sennheiser headset. She now wants to become a flight instructor.
In 2016, iWOAW will offer flight training cash to two additional eligible women who solo promptly after discovering flight during Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week, bringing the number of annual recipients to three. The winner, first finalist, and second finalist will receive $2,500, $1,500, and $500 in flight training cash.
The First to Solo Challenge is designed to turn enthusiasm into action. It provides a cash incentive for women to start flying lessons promptly after their first small aircraft flight experience during their week.
To become eligible to win the First to Solo Challenge 2016 prizes, women must go on a first small aircraft experience by attending an official Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week activity or buying a discovery flight at their local flight training center from March 7 to March 13, 2016, and then report their flight at the week’s official website, WomenOfAviationWeek.org, before March 15, 2016.