Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University celebrates Girls in Aviation Day

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide PACOM and Europe campuses celebrated Girls in Aviation Day on Friday, September 23rd by hosting in person events for up to 32 children at each of their PACOM campuses, accompanied by virtual presentations streamed throughout their Europe campuses.

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation and aerospace career fields and interests. WAI began celebrating Girls in Aviation Day in 2015 to encourage and inspire young girls to pursue interested in aviation fields.

The presenters included an impressive and diverse lineup starting with Lieutenant Commander Anna Middleton, the Air Operations Officer for the US Navy Seventh Fleet, with pilot experience flying propeller and jet aircraft.  Dr. Mary Bell, faculty at the National Defense University, and retired Army pilot. Chongwen ‘Grace’ Chen, an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic who provides helicopter fly-rides in the Chicago area. Lastly, Senior Airman Keri Williams shared her experience and knowledge as a KC-135 Boom Operator in the U.S. Air Force.

The presentation included some brief historical information about women’s eligibility to fly in the military branches and changes that have occurred over the years. Each presenter shared information on various topics such as the importance of airplanes and helicopters to the military, how weight and balance affect aircrafts and their capacity, aviation maps and sectional charts, and how weather affects the ability to fly aircrafts.

Children in attendance at in person events were able to participate in activities like paper airplane flying contests and bracelet making!