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WHO:
Jan McKenzie
President, Ninety-Nines International
HOMEBASE:
Loveland, Colorado (KFNL)
RATINGS:
Instrument Airplane and Commercial Rotorcraft
HOURS:
2,800
by Rebecca Groom Jacobs
1. Can you summarize the history and mission of the Ninety-Nines (99s)?
The organization was founded in 1929 at Curtiss Field in Long Island, New York. All 117 women pilots at the time were invited to assemble for mutual support, advancement of aviation, and to create a central office to keep files on women in aviation. In 1931, Amelia Earhart was elected the first President, and the group selected the name “Ninety- Nines” to represent the 99 charter members. Membership was then immediately opened to other women as they became licensed pilots.
Today, we are an international non-profit organization of over 5,600 licensed women pilots from 44 countries. We are pilots who teach and pilots who fly for pleasure. We are pilots who are technicians and pilots who are mechanics. But first and foremost, we are women who love to fly! Our mission is to promote the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.
2. What led you to become involved with the organization?
I learned to fly in a 1948 Stinson when I was 21. During my flying lessons, I did not come across any other women pilots. So, when someone mentioned the 99s to me, I was eager to reach out and join. When you don’t see any other pilots like yourself for a year, it is great to meet other women who enjoy flying as much as you do.
As I continued to fly over the years, I wanted to give back to this organization that has given me so much. I volunteered and was elected to Chapter, Section, and eventually positions at the international level. The giving of my time and skills for the 99s is fun. I enjoy every day that I have the opportunity to meet these incredibly accomplished women. Providing my talents is a small “thank you.”
3. It is estimated women make up approximately 5 percent of the global pilot population. In your opinion, how can the industry attract more female pilots?
We need to start at the middle and high school level and introduce these young women to aviation and flying. If girls don’t see women in the cockpit, they won’t know that is a viable option for their future and career. So, the 99s started a new program to introduce young people (and their parents) to a flight at their local airport. The program is called “Let’s Fly Now.” We just recently kicked off this program and hope to expand it worldwide over the next few years.
November 2018
TWIN & TURBINE • 27