Meet Legendary Women in Aviation This Saturday at Sugar Valley Airport in Davie County

Come out to beautiful Sugar Valley Airport this Saturday in Davie County to meet and hear about the inspiring experiences of women who are contributing to aviation in a variety of ways—designing jets, serving in the military, flying helicopters, soloing around the world, breaking records, giving FAA check rides, and more.

Sugar Valley Airport Presents “The Spirit of Aviation: Outstanding Women and Today’s Opportunities.”  Bring your family and celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding women in aviation and explore the many opportunities in aviation today all day on Saturday, November 10th.

Special guest speakers will be presenting a wide range of aviation professions and accomplishments. Moderator of the panels will be Andy Dale, FAA Safety Team speaker and recipient of Gold Seal CFI and Master CFI honors

Featured speakers and panel members:

  • Capt. Bridgette Fitzsimmons of the 334th Fighter Squadron of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC, F15E Strike Eagle combat mission pilot
  • Linda Finch, rebuilt an Electra 10E and successfully recreated Amelia Earhart’s around-the-world flight, sharing the adventure as it unfolded with school children all over the world
  • Zenda Liess, former internationally-ranked tennis pro-turned-flight instructor, aviation educator, and FAA Designated Examiner
  • Samantha Magill, Ph.D., Flight Sciences Engineer, Honda Aircraft Company, pilot, jet designer and marketing specialist
  • Susan Dusenbury, began flying at age 15, now retired airline pilot, rebuilds vintage aircraft, first female in the US to earn the Inspection Authorization certification
  • Cynthia Waters, Ph.D., Director of Aviation, T.W. Andrews High School Aviation Academy, flight instructor, winner of multiple aviation education awards
  • Veronica Reardon, sign language interpreter, always wanted to learn to fly helicopters—and realized that dream
  • Karen Iacopi, Aircraft Certification Specialist, Honda Aircraft Company, former Chief Flight Instructor for Fletcher Aviation and Lead Coordinator, Lee College Professional Pilot Program
  • Dena Miller, Airbus Captain and FAA Designated Examiner for US Airways, flight instructor, and former pilot for the US Forestry Service
  • Audrey Floyd, Dept. Chair, Aviation Management & Career Pilot Programs, GTCC, USAF Retired, AWAC Commander and combat mission pilot
  • Tanya Gaab, US Army Captain, Military Intelligence, recently completed Airborne Qualification School
  • Zahra Khan, attended A.S.C.E.N.D. Aviation Summer Camp, discovered a love of flying and earned her private pilot’s certificate on her 17th birthday
Read more about each of these inspiring women aviators on the Sugar Valley Airport Facebook page.

Would you like to ride in an airplane?
Eagle and Young Eagle flights will be available for those who qualify.  EAA Chapter 1083 volunteer pilots will be donating their time, planes and operational costs to support this educational effort.

Event Details:
8:00 AM – Registration.  Refreshments provided by 3 Sisters Artisan Bakery
8:55 AM – Civil Air Patrol, Winston-Salem Composite Squadron, Presents the Colors
9:00 AM – The Spirit of Aviation: Outstanding Women and Today’s Opportunities begins!  Held in the Blue Hangar.
12:00 PM – Lunch provided by EAA Chapter 1083 featuring grilled burgers, hot dogs and homemade fries.  $5 donation please.
12:45 PM – EAA Eagles/Young Eagles Flights for interested morning program attendees who qualify.  Enjoy an introductory flight, or set out a chair or blanket and have fun watching the planes!

Call 336-998-3971 or email aviation@sugarvalleyairport.org to RSVP.  This will help ensure sufficient seating for everyone.

Resources:
Event Flyer
Sugar Valley Airport 
Civil Air Patrol – Winston Salem Squadron
Sugar Valley Airport on Facebook