One of our prizes, a trophy created and donated by Lazerwerks, showed a poker hand, a propeller engraved with Girls in Flight Training, and the hosting organization, our chapter of the Ninety-nines. Other prizes included the new stamp of the inverted airplane by the US Postal Service, two rides in the DC-3 at Frederik, and a ride in a Stearman in Fort Worth.
The rain that grounded our airplanes fell hard and for long, bringing respite to a three-year drought.
It poured. Young Niki shows her mock despair at her task of mopping the floor after heavy rains.
Rain splattered on the window of the FBO of F14.
The GIFT box ready to receive donations.
After the clouds lifted a bit, the GIFT plane arrived.
Civil Air Patrol Master Sergeant Chris Crissom piloted the GIFT plane from Frederik to Wichita Valley airport.
Another hardy pilot, this one from Altus, Oklahoma, cruised in with 3,800 feet cloud ceiling, to support the event.
The event raised modest funds for the GIFT, the Girls in Flight Training school, a two-year old non-profit already highly successful in assisting women to accomplish their goals in aviation.
In only one week, the GIFT provided 200 hours of flight time, five medicals, five passed written exams, four solos, and two private licenses, all at no cost, except for fuel. This is an enormous altruistic assistance provided by the GIFT for many struggling pilots.
Harriet and Amanda prepare the computer and screen.
Baxter, who spends a lot of time at the airport, stopped by for some scratching behind his ear.
Federal Aviation Administration's representative John Boatwright gave a presentation after lunch.
Emphasis is on aviation safety.
Boatwright gave his presentation a poker theme. "In flying, we are betting our life on being able to recognize 'a good hand,' and 'holdin' or foldin', walkin' or runnin', as the case may be. The good news is we get to look at the cards as they are dealt."
Use your brain when planning to fly.
The Four Aces of Decision Making (before you fly an airplane): Aircraft (Is it airworthy?);
Airmanship (Do you know your route?); Atmosphere (Is it safe?); Aviator: (Are you healthy and skilled?).
Attendance was not bad for a stormy day at an airport. The FAA Safety Team reached new pilots and between all, we raised some funds for the GIFT.
Amanda, GIFT instructor, and Patya, student pilot, check the oil on the GIFT plane as part of pre-flight. Those smiling faces on women pilots, that's part of what it's all about.
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