Aero-TV: Women in Aviation 2009 -- Uplift, Outreach, Avia...

Aviation's Most Positive Gathering Takes Atlanta by Storm The theme for the 20th Annual International Women in Aviation (WAI) Conference, concluded late last month, was "A New Approach for Your Tomorrow," but the Conference's underlying thrust was unquestionably jobs and the economy. Despite furloughs, fears and dwindling retirement funds, Conference-goers were full of determined optimism about their futures. Those WAI members who have spent their careers in the aviation industry were quick to assure younger attendees that the aviation industry operates in cycles and this one, too, shall pass. "Companies and organizations continue to hire, and we had active career recruiting by many of our exhibitors, especially for mechanics and technicians, but also for pilots, air traffic controllers and other positions as well," said WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. "Our members and Conference attendees are proactive and steadfast; they are the top-tier candidates that any employer would want to hire." Conference highlights included: o Attendance reached nearly 3,000 women and men, including representatives from 15 countries. o The Exhibit Hall displayed 125 separate companies and organizations, representing all aspects of the aviation community o $459,450 in scholarships was distributed to WAI members at every stage of life from university students to mature members seeking a mid-life career change to aviation. o The WAI silent auction raised $18,500 for WAI's Endowment Fund, bringing the total in the Endowment Fund to $629,500. The money in the WAI Endowment Fund is used for scholarships. o WAI member Arlynn McMahon was named the 2009 National Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year. She is a chief flight instructor, a ground instructor, and the training center manager for Aero-Tech, a Part 141 Cessna Pilot Center at Lexington's Blue Grass Airport (LEX). McMahon is the first woman in 14 years to achieve this distinction. In another positive development, the Experimental Aircraft Association announced at the C...