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The Ninety-Nines Women Pilots Turned Ninety-Five

By Sandra Shelton
Monday, November 04, 2024

The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots celebrated its 95th Anniversary with a gala hosted by the State of Oklahoma to celebrate the 99s remarkable legacy in aviation history, sisterhood, progress, and their many decades headquartered in Oklahoma City. The event was hosted by Representative Nicole Miller and the Oklahoma 59th Legislative Women's Caucus, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), Will Rogers International Airport, and Sundance Airport.  

Under the glow of the Oklahoma Capitol dome Friday evening, they honored the spirit of The Ninety-Nines. They celebrated with a dinner that showcased the rich heritage of Oklahoma's aviation and aerospace industry and diverse tapestry of people and ecosystems across the state’s seventy-seven counties. 

“I was honored to speak about the path of the 99s and Oklahoma, our being in lockstep in inspiring female aviators throughout the decades and expressing our appreciation for their support with the wonderful evening,” said Robin Hadfield, president of The Ninety-Nines, Inc, International Organization of Women Pilots which is a non-profit organization established in 1929 by Amelia Earhart and is still going strong today. 

The 99s was established by 99 women pilots with a mission to promote the "advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight." 

The State of Oklahoma welcomed the 99s Headquarters in 1955 when the organization moved from New York City to the Will Rogers International Airport terminal building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

In 1972, The 99s Museum of Women Pilots was initiated by the 99s, and in 1975, land became available to build a large headquarters facility for the 99s. Within it, a Resource Center was created to include a library, archives, museum, and oral/video history collection. As the organization grew the need to retain its history grew.  In 1999, The 99s Museum of Women Pilots opened their doors to the public and this year, they have made improvements to the museum and exhibits and are open for tours and education programs. 

“The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics has been working with the Ninety-Nines for nearly a decade to ensure that the workforce needs of our industry are met. As we look forward to their centennial celebration, our partnership with their leadership and members is founded on a dual mission to forward the advancement of aerospace and aviation education, emboldening the next generation of pilots, aircraft technicians, and aerospace workers,” said Sandra Shelton, event organizer, and Director of Government Affairs, Industry Development, and Communications for ODAA. “We encourage the public to visit the museum, support their mission, and join them in their effort to support flight”. 

Photos from the event can be accessed here: 

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xg94fmrjmukr5axkq47v5/AJizmTl79Qdx9_YWKhOCOj Q?rlkey=dorua3rvhaw3n0m8s4rpcs50k&dl=0.  

Last Modified on Nov 04, 2024
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