Women mark 100 years in aviation by taking to skies

I blogged about this Women's Centennial of Flight earlier, and the work of women, and men, around the world to get girls up into airplanes. Now, local newspapers are sharing the story as well, as March 10 is only days away!

Women mark 100 years in aviation by taking to skies
Taunton Daily Gazette, Taunton, Massachusetts

A local flight school is encouraging women of all ages to earn their wings next week and possibly help set a world record in the process.

As part of the 100th anniversary celebrating the first woman to earn a pilot’s license, Atlantic Aviation at Taunton Municipal Airport is offering deeply discounted flights for aspiring female aviators from March 6 through 12.
“We will be flying short flights to women of all ages throughout the week in an effort to attract young women to becoming a pilot,” said Atlantic Aviation owner Deanna King.

The promotion is part of an international commemoration of the day when Raymonde De Laroche, an experienced French balloonist, received her pilot’s license on March 8, 1910.

All females taking to the sky on March 8 will be part of a worldwide attempt to set a record for the most women pilots introducing women to flying in a single day.

During each flight, the female pilots explain how airplanes fly and take passengers through the proper preparations for a safe flight. After a short introductory airplane ride, each woman pilot and each woman passenger will receive a certificate of participation in the potentially record-setting event.

The celebration is one of many aviation-themed events in Taunton this year. Last month, members of the famous all-black World War II fighter squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen, visited the Old Colony Historical Society.

The exhibit “Soaring to New Heights: Aviation in Taunton, 1919-2009,” which details the history of the former King Airport and air travel in Taunton, runs through March 27 at the historical society.

For information on the female aviation event call Deanna King at 508-979-7878.

Contact Tim Faulkner at tfaulkner@tauntongazette.com.