The Ninety-Nines is an international women’s aviation organization that was formed in 1929, and the most notable pilot in attendance was none other than Ameila Earhart.
This women pilots organization promotes the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight. The organization’s Houston chapter member recently held its monthly meeting at the Galaxy FBO facilities located at the CXO Airport. The chapter members dicuss about their upcoming involvements in the near future airshows and other events; such as the Wings Over Houston and the Challenge Air.
The Houston Chapter of Ninety-Nines founded on January 17, 1959 with remarkable members like;
- Debby Rihn-Harvey of LaPorte, Texas – a retired Southwest Airlines Captain, a multi-time International Aerobatic champion, a famous airshow performer, designated Pilot Examiner, the owner of Harvey & Rihn Aviation FBO in LaPorte, and the longtime Director of the EAA Girl Venture Camp at Oshkosh Airventure.
- Florene Miller Watson, a Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP).
- Lu Hollander, was President of Ninety-Nines between 1992-1994.
The focus of the Ninety-Nines International Organization Houston Chapter is two-fold: Scholarships and Outreach. So many females are still unaware of the possibility of becoming aviators, thus the Ninety-Nines have several programs to acquire and educate them. As with other groups, it is imperative to lead the way for the younger generation and many have had their careers launched by having been the recipients of scholarships funded solely by local members. To be qualified for a Ninety-Nines scholarship of any kind, applicants must have been a member for at least a year. A full pilot certificate is not required, yet, but that length of time shows commitment.
“The Black Walnut Cafe is a huge hit with our ladies and the ability to use the Galaxy FBO’s conference room & lounge for our chapter meeting occasionally is a real treat. The ladies LOVE coming to Conroe for them!” – Ninety-Nines Chapter member Vickie Croston
Another popular and important function by the Ninety-Nines is Airmarking – the design and installation of Compass Calibration pads all over the USA. The compass “rose” at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport is one of several that the Houston Chapter has painted over the years. Expanding 110″ from top of North to bottom of South, it’s one of the largest compass roses painted in the Southeast Texas. Located on the Taxiway J run-up area at the North end of the Runway 14-32.
Ninety-Nines Chapters organize educational programs, including aerospace workshops for teachers, airport tours for school children, fear-of-flying clinics for airline passengers, and flight instructor revalidation seminars. For more information, visit ninety-nines.org and Houston Chapter of the 99s Website at Houston99s.org . Interested in becoming a member? Contact your local chapter membership chair Sophie Thibodeaux at 281-391-2958 or click here for membership benefits and application.
