Women in Aviation International (WAI) has selected four 2023 inductees for its International Pioneer Hall of Fame:
Martha and John King
Martha and John King are the cofounders of King Schools. With the use of technology, the Kings have taught more pilots than any other instructors in history, WAI officials noted. King Schools has received multiple awards, and Martha and John have been inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
Col. Merryl Tengesdal USAF (Ret.)
Since retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Tengesdal has made it her mission to inspire and encourage underprivileged youth. As the first and only Black woman to pilot the U-2 “Dragon Lady” reconnaissance aircraft, considered one of the most difficult aircraft in the world to fly, Tengesdal is hailed as a military trailblazer.
Nancy Bird
The late Nancy Bird was the first Australian woman to use her commercial license in Australia. She was the founder of the Australian Women Pilots Association, and was a lifelong advocate for female pilots and aviation. Shortly before her death at 93, Qantas, Australia’s national airline, named its first Airbus A380 in her honor.
“Our 2023 inductees reflect the diversity of careers represented by our members,” says Allison McKay, WAI CEO. “For the past 30 years, WAI is proud to honor women who have carried the weight of future female aviators on their shoulders as they broke down gender barriers and proved that women could succeed and contribute to aviation in unique ways. Their accomplishments — as individuals or groups — have most certainly helped to change the face of aviation.”
The Class of 2023 will be inducted into the association’s hall of fame during the 34th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference Feb. 25, 2023, in Long Beach, California.
I work with youth and they absolutely need role models to show them them ways they can find success. Thank goodness we have people like Col. Tengesdal who blaze a trial and show others the way. Until we no longer need to draw attention to these extraordinary people the hyphen helps young people of color find their mentors.
Thank you for you service!
Question – does the U-2 fly differently, depending on the color of the pilot, or whether he is a man or a woman? I doubt it. Can’t we just drop all the hyphenated pilot stuff and praise her for being a “good stick”? We once had Tuskegee Airman Wilson Vashon Swampy Eagleson II as a speaker at our EAA1114 chapter in Apex, NC. He gave us a riveting description of his time in the US Army Air Corps, and not once made a reference to anyone’s skin color. He was just another humble combat veteran to us, and another “good stick”.
Maybe one day we can drop all the “hyphenated pilot stuff” when people’s abilities are not judged by their ethnicity or gender. Maybe one day we can drop the all the “hyphenated pilot stuff” when kids of all races and genders can say, “I can fly too!”. Do you have any idea how many children of color in underserved communities are still shocked to see a black or female aviator? Do you know how many boys and girls of color still don’t believe they too can be pilots? The reason why there is focus on hyphenation, is to send the message out to those communities that anyone can aspire to be something bigger than other people’s perceptions of them. To fly to the U-2 you have to be a “good stick”. However, I also believe I can be an inspiration to those who may not have the mentorship to become the best version of themselves. Inspiring young people is very important to me.
It would be great to talk to you more about this subject in person at the WAI event in Long Beach. Better yet, you can contact the Harry Walker Agency and have me speak at a future event at AeroSouth Technology of Seven Lakes, NC. In either case, can’t wait to meet you.
I’ve never met Col. Tengesdal but I’ve followed some of her work and actions. She is a cool lady who has flown an aircraft the vast majority of us (including the folks who like to chime in negatively) will never experience with a unique career. That is worthy of celebration.
It’s easy to say the “hyphenated pilot stuff” doesn’t matter when you are a member of the majority. For others (people of color, women, etc.), I can assure you that seeing someone that looks like you DOES matter.
Congratulations, Col. Tengesdal, and thank you for your service.
Thank you for the kind words Amy.