Sister-To-Sister Aviation Day

 
This is only half of our group - by the Customs Citation jet.


On Saturday, November 16th, the Albuquerque 99s enjoyed a day of kids, food and airplanes!  We teamed together with the local Big Brother Big Sister organization to host a day just for girls.

Tara Martinez, leader of Sister-to-Sister, approached the 99s about getting involved with the program.  We were excited about showing the girls, age 6 to 17, the many opportunities for women in the aviation world. We had a total of 18 Little Sisters and each had her sponsor Big Sister. Also, there were 11 ABQ 99s and several of our 49 1/2 s. What a great group!

Our featured guest speakers were all 99s members.  Jenny Beatty of American Airlines -- member of the Ambassador 99s chapter -- shared her vast knowledge of planes and careers as we toured Double Eagle Airport. She explained everything from physics of flight to parts of the plane and the difference between jets and prop planes. Melinda Dziadulewicz (D+11), with the US Customs Service -- and an ABQ 99s member, flew over the airport in the Customs Service's Citation jet.  The girls all had a chance to tour the jet and learn about what tools the Customs officers use.  Also, Carrie Slad, our own 99s Treasurer, showed us her private plane, the Pea Pod. The girls climbed into the cockpit, worked the controls, and heard about flying just for fun.

After the tour of the tarmac, Jenny, Melinda and Carol Rayburn (from the FAA, and a member of ABQ 99s) spoke to the girls and answered questions about careers in aviation.  Melinda spoke candidly about the dangers of drug use, and Jenny and Carol reminded them that what choices they make today can affect the direction their lives go later.

After lunch provided by Panda Express and cookies baked and decorated by Kathy Hancock and Jini Wimmer, the girls choose gifts from a vast assortment of goodies provided by the Customs Service.  Everyone had a wonderful time, and we all want to do it again next year!

 

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