Membership Services
Summer Fun: Don’t miss these AirVenture events
When the world’s largest aviation gathering kicks off on July 27, expect to see 750,000 pilots and aviation enthusiasts streaming through the gates or flying into the event itself, as well as hundreds of airplanes lined up on the grass parking areas.
AirVenture is well known for having something for everyone, and this year is no exception. This year’s activities include a day set aside to spotlight women pilots, and a special event designed for teachers and educators.
WomenVenture returns to AirVenture
WomenVenture, the world’s largest gathering of female pilots past and present, returns to AirVenture and is jointly sponsored by Women in Aviation International (WAI) and EAA.
Beginning Monday, July 27, special lilac-colored T-shirts will be distributed to female pilots who want to be a part of WomenVenture. Shirts are available at the EAA Welcome Center and at WAI’s booth (B2041).
On Friday, July 31, participants are urged to wear their T-shirts for the main events. You’ll see AOPA’s female staff pilots adorned in lilac shirts as well. The day kicks off with a celebrity breakfast hosted by WAI, followed by an assembly of WomenVenture pilots for a group photo opportunity on AeroShell Square. In the afternoon, WomenVenture presents an all-women airshow—the first of its kind. Scheduled performers include Julie Clark, Debby Rihn-Harvey, and Patty Wagstaff.
“AOPA will promote this unique gathering as yet another effective way that WAI engages more women to become involved in aviation,” said Karen Gebhart, AOPA executive vice president of communications, and a private pilot.
The day’s activities will be capped by a Theater in the Woods program featuring moderators WAI President Peggy Chabrian and Martha King of King Schools Inc., and speakers NASA astronaut Eileen Collins, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jill Long, and motivational speaker Jessica Cox.
Teachers’ Day at AirVenture
On Tuesday, July 28, teachers can attend a special half-day program that includes hands-on presentations, guest speakers and program specialists, and take-home materials on all aspects of aviation that they can incorporate in their lesson plans. Guest speakers include representatives from the National Air and Space Museum and NASA. What’s more, teachers who complete the session will get a free half-day pass to AirVenture.
Teachers can take this opportunity to learn more about AOPA’s PATH (Pilots and Teachers Handbook) to Aviation, an innovative program that lets you bring the excitement of aviation into the classroom. Jennifer Storm, AOPA director of public relations, will be at the workshop to discuss PATH and show you how to utilize all that it offers.
“AOPA is proud to participate in Teacher’s Day. We will be there to support teachers’ use of engaging, aviation-themed activities in the classroom,” Storm said.
Teachers’ Day is sponsored by BuildAPlane in cooperation with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and EAA. Register online at BuildAPlane’s Web site.
July 16, 2009
