In the Beginning
It was the afternoon of November 2, 1929, when a group of women pilots first gathered at Curtiss Field in Valley Stream, Long Island, New York. That meeting became the impetus for what became known as the Ninety-Nines, Inc., the International Organization of Women Pilots. The group named “Ninety-Nines” to represent the first 99 charter members. Today, the group’s membership includes almost 8,000 dedicated members from 44 countries worldwide.
In 1931, Amelia Earhart was elected as the group’s first President. Membership was immediately opened to other women as they became licensed pilots. In recent years, membership has been opened to include women with student pilot certificates. The 99s were organized long before the EAA, WAI, and other aviation organizations. Perhaps the Quiet Birdmen (QBs) are older, but we women are not allowed to know them. :-) Member benefits include the support given to women who yearn to make aviation a part of their lives.
We never stop promoting aviation for all.
The 99s Mission
Our purpose includes educating the pilot population and providing aviation outreach to the community. The 99s conduct pilot seminars to promote aviation safety. We also organize and conduct air racing and proficiency competitions to improve skills. We “air mark” the compass rose at local airports. We sponsor children’s career interest events, assist the FAA with safety presentations, and provide speakers to local community groups and schools.
One hundred seventeen women pilots assembled at that first 99s meeting to offer mutual support, promote aviation advancement, and create a central office to keep files on women in aviation. Louise Thaden was elected Secretary and worked to keep the group together as they struggled to establish themselves and grow. These early ideals still guide the organization today.
Although there are other female pilot organizations in various states and nations, virtually all women of achievement in aviation have been or are members of The Ninety-Nines. Those ranks include astronauts, military leaders, pioneering women airline pilots, honored record holders, renowned air show performers, high-time CFIs, airport managers, aviation industry CEO, and elected legislators – all united to support each other in a male-dominated profession.
Just how dominated? In the 1970s, women comprised approximately 6 % of the pilot population. By 2010, that number had only climbed to 7 %, a very small gain. More women are flying in every area of aviation and just for personal transportation. But still just a 1% increase????
For Those With a Financial Need
Support for the 99s comes in many forms. The group operates an incredible scholarship fund, the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF), that has been growing since 1940. The scholarship’s protective charter mandates cautious investments and limited disbursements.
Scholarship applicants must be 99s members and can request funding for academic, technical, and advanced flight training. Adding student pilots to our membership ranks added another form of mentoring and more scholarships. The AEMSF funds First Wings scholarships for our active members who have the financial need to complete their initial training. These scholarships have made possible new certificates for women worldwide. Scholarship payments reward and repay achievements such as initial solos, successful knowledge test completion, and other worthy milestones.
A more recent program for mentoring career pilot aspirants is the Professional Pilot Leadership Initiative (PPLI), which provides a carefully curated pathway to success for women. This successful program is conducted by volunteers and given without cost to Commercial pilots who want to make their careers “take off.”
Our member’s directory is a real listing of women who understand and approve of the organization’s premises. If a 99 needs assistance in another country, she has a “sister” to call upon. The 99s is a non-profit, charitable membership corporation holding 501(c)(3) U.S. tax status, with an International Headquarters building on Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), adjacent to their well-respected Museum of Women Pilots. They also own and operate (in partnership with a local board) the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kansas.
The 99s are a community of our own. Those women at Curtis Field in 1929 knew how things worked. Today, we honor their foresight and continue their commitment.
Madeleine Monaco
If you are, or know, a woman pilot who wants more info or to join us, contact Ninety-Nines.org.
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About the author – Madeleine Monaco has been an active member of this outstanding organization since the beginning of her flight training. Her first instructor was a 99 who introduced her to the world of aviation, both local and international. “She made me feel welcome. This is no small feat in a world where only 6 percent of the occupants were of my gender,” she said.
Monaco is an active CFI, CFII, Multi-Engine Instructor, ASEL, ASES, Ground Instructor, airport ambassador, and activist. She co-founded the Palwaukee Airport Pilots Association (PAPA), which evolved into the Chicago Executive Airport Pilots Association (CEPA), where she served as president and other leadership positions. Monaco is currently the 99’s Chicago Area Chapter Chairman and has served the 99s in international, regional, and local leadership positions.