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Bay Cities 99s Chapter Handbook by Lisa Johnson |
Welcome to the Ninety-Nines! You will not find us listed in the dictionary, the encyclopedia, or even the yellow pages. But thousands of women around the world have sought us out to become a part of the history and fellowship that is the Ninety-Nines tradition.
When those first pioneer women pilots met in a Long Island hangar in 1929, they had a vision. A vision of what flying meant to them and of what it could become to a fledgling group of aviators who believed in the future. It was a man’s world then, and women were excluded from more than air races and flying jobs. By joining together, these intrepid women of the air fortified their chances of success. They perfected their skills and far surpassed many of the men who surrounded them, became outstanding aviators and accomplished sweeping victories for aviation.
Today, Ninety Nines are still setting the pace both for women and flight. We are proud of the legacy with which we were endowed. The Ninety-Nines has become a network of thing, active, progressive women. Our committees, conventions and caucuses move constantly toward enriching the aviation community and educating the non-flying populace. A Ninety-Nines pilot is not content to wait for opportunity, she creates it. She is a realist and a visionary. She shares with her sister pilots a commitment that few outsiders understand. At the root of her dedication lies a single pursuit. To assure a future in the air for those who come eager her. To stay aloft.
The Southwest Section consists of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii. Within the South West Section are many local chapters. We are always welcome at one another’s meetings and activities. In fact, once you receive your International Ninety-Nines Directory, you realize that not only have you acquired a local family, but a world wide network of sister pilots who welcome you where ever they are, where ever you go. Take your directory with you when you travel. Whether you are looking for a flight instructor or a rental aircraft, need help understanding local VFR routes, have unexpected mechanical problems, want some guidance on local site seeing, or are looking for a place to bed down, you can almost always find a Ninety-Nine willing to go out of her way to assist you.
As a women and a pilot, you have already separated yourself from the masses. Now you have rewarded yourself with a membership in the only international organization dedicated exclusively to the woman pilot. Welcome to the flight deck, welcome to the future of aviation.
HISTORY OF THE BAY CITIES CHAPTER NINETY-NINES
In 1932, Amelia Earhart was president of the Ninety-nines International Organization of Women Pilots and membership was growing in California. The South West Section governor, Glady O’Donnell, sent Margaret Perry Cooper to the Bay Area to suggest to the local members that two chapters be formed in the state.
These new chapters would allow members to work together closer to further aviation in California. With a majority approval, the Bay Cities Chapter was formed on March 2, 1932 at the Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco to represent the women aviators in northern California. The other California Ninety-Nines Chapter was the Los Angeles Chapter.
Bay Cities Chapter had nine charter members and over the years has grown to its current membership of 33 members. And, the number of chapters in California has also grown. There are now 47 chapters in the state of California and a membership of over 1,200.
WHO ARE THE NINETY-NINES AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
The Ninety-Nines, Inc., an international organization of women pilots headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, consists of more that 6,500 licensed women pilots representing the United States and 34 countries. The organization, formed in 1929, elected Amelia Earhart as its first president. "Ninety nines" refers to the 99 licensed women pilots who were the organization’s charter members -- there were 117 American women pilots at that time.
Ninety-Nines members are professional pilots for airlines, industry and government; they are pilots who teach and pilots who fly for pleasure; they are pilots who are technicians and mechanics -- and some build their own airplanes.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Ninety-Nines have developed a number of activities and programs through the years. The Bay Cities Chapter participates in all of them in one way or another. Here is an explanation of terms that you will hear frequently at our business meetings or read about in newsletters.
Aerospace Education - Any of a number of programs that educate the general public about aviation and aerospace. This can include Girl Scout aviation badge work, career days at schools, guest speakers at meetings and luncheons, airport tours, seminars and workshops on fear of flying, aviation history, etc. Awards are given at the spring Section meeting for chapters who make outstanding aerospace education efforts.
Airmarking - Painting the name of an airport on ramps, taxiways, runways or rooftops to help identify that airport from the air. Also includes painting a compass rose. Awards, based on a point system for distance, difficulty and square footage, are given at the Fall South West Section meeting for chapters who have outstanding airmarking records.
Amelia Earhart Birth Place Museum (AEBPM) - Amelia Earhart, well known record setting pilot, was a charter member and first elected president of the Ninety-nines. In 1984, we were gifted with the house in which she was born. It is located in Atchison, Kansas and is operated as a museum by the Ninety-Nines. Maintenance and restoration of the house is funded by voluntary contributions of visitors, Ninety-Nines, and grants from various foundations and agencies.
Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF) - A scholarship fund to help members who aspire to higher ratings and flying careers. The first scholarship, in the amount of $50 was awarded to Alice Hammond. Since then, we have awarded thousands of dollars to women pilots. The fund is supported by voluntary contributions from members, chapters, and sections; and in recent years, large corporations such as UPS and United Airlines have contributed large amounts and type ratings to the program. Women are eligible to apply for scholarships after two years of continuous 99s membership. Applications are published annually in the Ninety-Nines News. A luncheon honoring scholarship winners is held each year at the International Convention.
APT (Annual Proficiency Training) - Ninety-Nines encourage annual proficiency training to supplement the BFR required by regulation. Awards are given annually at the Spring Southwest Section meeting for chapters who have the largest percentage of APT members.
AWTAR - All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race. Coined as the Powder Puff Derby by comedian Will Rogers in 1929, it is the first all women’s air race. It was at the close of this race that the contestants first discussed organizing into a women pilots group. The Powder Puff Derby ran annually from 1929 to 1976. A 50 year commemorative race was run in 1979.
Chairman’s Manual - This handbook was written to assist chapter chairmen with parliamentary procedure, deadlines for forms, applications and other operating procedures.
Charter Member - A category of membership given to the founding members of our International Ninety-Nines. There were 99 of them.
Bay Cities Foghorn - The name of our chapter newsletter. It is mailed each month to members and prospective members of the Bay Cities Chapter, officers of other Ninety-Nines chapters, to many airports and aviation agencies in California. All members are welcome to contribute. Deadline for submitting articles or news items is the 15th of each month.
Council of Governors - The governors of each section form and advisory council to the International Board of Directors.
Flying Companion and Right Seat Seminar - A seminar for frequent right seat passengers of light airplanes. Teaches basic radio skills, chart reading and flight planning to help passengers feel more comfortable on cross country flights.
Forest of Friendship - A memorial garden founded by Charter Ninety-Nine, Fay Gillies Wells. It exhibits trees and flora from around the world, representative of all Ninety-Nines chapters , sections, houses biographies, photos of notable aviators and aviation supporters. Located in Atchison, Kansas, it is not a Ninety-Nines project, but many of our members are inducted there and enjoy contributing toward it’s growth and preservation.
Future Women Pilots (66) - Student pilots who participate in Ninety-Nines activities, meetings and programs. Every member is encouraged to mentor a Future Woman Pilot to help her complete her flight training and become a Ninety-Nine.
International Archives aka "Second Floor Project" - A collection of records, memorabilia, books photographs, audio and video tapes on women pilots. It is the definitive source for historical research on the lives and accomplishments of women pilots. All Ninety-Nines are encouraged to visit the archives; and many researchers and authors use our archives as a resource. The Archives are housed at our International Headquarters and supported by our annual dues and voluntary contributions.
International Board - Nine member Board of Directors elected for a two year term. The president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and two directors are elected by mail ballot in even numbered years. Two directors are elected by the delegates at annual convention in odd number years. The immediate past president also serves on the board.
International Directory - Membership directory containing the names, addresses and telephone numbers of every 99 in the world. It is published annually and is mailed to every member. In addition to member listings, the directory contains some organization history, listings of current officers and directors.
International Convention - The annual meeting of The Ninety-Nines. Delegates are elected or appointed from each chapter or section to represent the membership. Important topics such as dues structure and international programs are discussed. Safety seminars and educational programs are offered as well are tours and social events. This is an opportunity to meet women pilots from all over the world. It is held in a different location each year. The Southwest Section is host for the convention in the year 2000.
International Headquarters - The Ninety-Nines International Headquarters is located at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City, OK. It is built upon land which is leased to the organization for $1 per year. This beautiful two story building is home to our membership records and International archives, and was built by contributions from members and matching grants.
Ninety-Nines Insurance - The Ninety-Nines have a liability policy that provides automatic coverage for ground events such as business meetings, seminars and workshops. Chapters may purchase daily coverage for flying events, for a very reasonable sum, which are sponsored entirely by Ninety-Nines. Coverage may not be extended to other organizations. Often, a airport manager or building owner may require proof of insurance prior to authorizing a meeting or event. A certificate of insurance is provided at no charge by contacting our Ninety-Nines insurance agent.
Kachina Air Rally - Closed course, proficiency contest flown by teams of pilots and navigators. Contestants need not be members of the Ninety-Nines. It is open to male, female or mixed teams. Winners are determined by how accurately they calculate the time fuel needed to fly a predetermined mystery course in their aircraft. An optional fuel stop is provided and a precision landing is usually included in the score.
Life Member - A category of membership provided to members who meet the eligibility requirements and who pay an amount equal to ten years annual dues at the time they qualify.
National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) - Many colleges and universities with aero tech studies offer a flight training curriculum. These schools often participate in an interscholastic competition called a NIFA Meet. Teams are fielded from each participating school to compete in navigation, flight planning, precision landings and other events. Ninety-Nines volunteer time as judges and coordinators. Bay Cities Chapter is located in the Pacific Coast region (PCIFA) and our regional meet is called SAFECON.
Ninety-Nines News - The international newsletter of the Ninety-Nines organization. The 99s News is published six times per year and is a benefit of your annual dues. Members are encouraged to submit articles for publication through our Section news chairman. Advertising helps pay for this publication and members are encouraged to refer possible commercial advertisers to Betty Rowley, our editor.
Oral History Program - Much of the work of Ninety-Nines centers around preserving our amazing history. One way in which this is accomplished is by taping interviews. This program is funded by dues and contributions from our members. Members are encouraged to let the Section Oral History Chairman know about interesting or accomplished women pilots who should be added to our archives.
Poker Run or Poker Rally - Flying event in which players retrieve playing cards at a number of neighboring airports. Cards are assembled into "poker hands" at the last airport. An entry fee is charged and prizes are awarded to winning hands. The more airplanes, the more fun, and the larger the pot!.
Southwest Section - The Ninety-Nines organization is made up of Sections and Chapters. We are members of the Southwest Section, which is composed of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, California and Hawaii. Over 25% of all Ninety-Nines are members of the Southwest Section. The Southwest Section sponsors two section meetings per year, one in the spring and one in the Fall. These meetings are not only fun, but educational. Tours, seminars and award programs are provided. A business meeting is held and open to all members in February. The Section is governed by a nine member board elected every two years by mail ballot.
Southwesterly -The Southwesterly is the newsletter of the Southwest Section. It is published six times per year and is provided at no charge to two chapter officers. Annual subscriptions are available to any member for $7. Send requests to: Lynne Meadows, P.O. Box 111, Truckee, CA 96106.
World Precision Flying Championship (WPFC) - International competition held every three years. Countries bid for the opportunity to host the event and the US has won the bid for 1996.
Woman Pilot of the Year (WPOY) - Award given at the fall section meeting to the outstanding Southwest Section pilot. You need not be a commercial pilot to win this award. Applications are available through the Chapter Chairman. Winners are selected based on a point system. Points are awarded for flight hours, additional ratings, community involvement, and Ninety-Nines participation.
501(c)(3) - A designation from the IRS that gives the Ninety-Nines Inc. tax exempt status. Your contributions, including travel to and from meetings, activities are tax deductible and may be claimed as such on your annual tax return. This exempt status also allows the Ninety-Nines Inc. to apply for certain grants and other bequests.
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Copyright © The Ninety Nines, Inc. All rights reserved.
Last revised: Aug 1, 1997