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Women Can Fly

Virginia event introduces aviation

June 11, 2026 By Rebecca Boone
When I arrived, there was one parking spot left and attendees were being directed to overflow parking in the grass. The packed Women Can Fly event at Warrenton/Fauquier Airport in Virgina on June 6 provided introductory aviation experiences to women and children of all ages.
The Women Can Fly event at Warrenton/Fauquier Airport in Virgina on June 6 gave women and children of all ages the opportunity to fly in general aviation aircraft, learn about careers in aviation, and experience the joy of flight. Photo by Rebecca Boone.
The Women Can Fly event at Warrenton/Fauquier Airport in Virgina on June 6 gave women and children of all ages the opportunity to fly in general aviation aircraft, learn about careers in aviation, and experience the joy of flight. Photo by Rebecca Boone.

Every hour, Claire Schindler, a first officer flying the Boeing 747, led a preflight briefing to provide first-time flyers with important safety information to prepare them for what to expect during their flight. Once their briefing was completed, attendees lined up to wait for their ride in various aircraft, including a Robinson R44 helicopter. Pilots worked around the clock introducing attendees to the joy of flight. Passengers were given a first flight certificate when they landed — a wonderful souvenir of the day.


Boeing 747 First Officer Claire Schindler led preflight safety briefings for attendees prior to their first flight. Photo by Rebecca Boone. Pilots and volunteers gather to prepare for attendees’ first flights. Photo by Rebecca Boone. A volunteer stamps an attendee’s hand after her preflight briefing, indicating her preparedness for her first flight. Photo by Rebecca Boone. A volunteer finds a spot with a view to enjoy lunch. Photo by Rebecca Boone. Attendees gather in the static display area as a parachutist lands nearby. Photo by Rebecca Boone. A volunteer at the “Women Can Build” tent teaches attendees how to make a phone stand out of sheet metal. Photo by Rebecca Boone. A young attendee crafts a phone stand out of sheet metal at the “Women Can Build” tent. Photo by Rebecca Boone. Girls line up to prepare for their first flight, excitedly watching those ahead of them take off. Photo by Rebecca Boone. An attendee adjusts their headset, preparing for their first flight. Photo by Rebecca Boone. Attendees laugh as they wait in line for their first flight. Photo by Rebecca Boone.

I spent the afternoon taking photos, but I also took a helicopter ride. It was a beautiful day, and the flight offered an amazing view of the state of Virgina. When we landed, Chris Culbertson, a retired air traffic controller who was volunteering at the event, told helicopter pilot Banumathi "Banu" Cole, “You’re responsible for a lot of smiles today,” and he was right.

Women Can Fly, and so can dogs. Photo by Rebecca Boone. Laura Savino, chairman of the Virgina chapter of The Ninety-Nines, and volunteer Mary McCutcheon speak to attendee Mariah McCloskey in the exhibitor area. Photo by Rebecca Boone. Aircraft were constantly landing and taking off throughout the day. Photo by Rebecca Boone. A volunteer prepares first flight certificates to be given to attendees after they land. Photo by Rebecca Boone. A volunteer escorts attendees through the aircraft on the tarmac. Photo by Rebecca Boone. Virginia Higgins and her father smile with pilot Bob Taylor after her first flight in a Piper Cherokee 180. Photo by Rebecca Boone. Cynthia Axell and Sue Passmore, members of the Virginia chapter of The Ninety-Nines, volunteer on the ramp. Photo by Rebecca Boone. An attendee smiles as she climbs into the aircraft for her first flight. Photo by Rebecca Boone. The Robinson R44 helicopter is refueled in between flights. Photo by Rebecca Boone. A volunteer signals to helicopter pilot Banumathi “Banu” Cole ahead of takeoff. Photo by Rebecca Boone.
The static display was full of a variety of aircraft that attendees admired. Vendors and aviation professionals were set up inside the airport to share knowledge about how anyone can become involved in aviation — whether just for fun or for a future career, including being a pilot, as well as positions beyond the flight deck. At the “Women Can Build” tent, volunteers taught attendees how to make a phone stand with sheet metal — a hands-on activity empowering the next generation in science, technology, engineering, and math. As I walked back to my car, camera gear in tow, a father and son were walking behind me. The boy told his father, “I want to do this again next time!” A day well spent.
The view of the Warrenton/Fauquier Airport during the Robinson R44 helicopter’s landing. Photo by Rebecca Boone.
Zoomed image
The view of the Warrenton/Fauquier Airport during the Robinson R44 helicopter’s landing. Photo by Rebecca Boone.
Rebecca Boone.
Rebecca Boone
Digital Media Photo Editor
Digital Media Photo Editor Rebecca Boone is a general aviation enthusiast who joined the AOPA staff in 2018 and took on her current role in 2023. When not taking photos, Rebecca is most likely spending time at concerts, enjoying frequent Chipotle dinners, and loving life with her husband and four rescue cats.
Go to Rebecca Boone's Profile
Topics: Events

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