The Canadian Ninety-Nines are women pilots who took up flying for the
joy and the challenge, and in doing so, have made significant career
progress in a male-dominated field. Their purpose is "to engage in
educational, charitable and scientific activities and to provide a close
relationship among women pilots and unite them in any movement that may
be for their benefit or for that of aviation in general."
The East and West Canada Sections were formed in 1950 and 1951, and
the organization has since grown to ten Chapters with over 240 active
members. They are part of an international organization, The
Ninety-Nines Inc., with over 6,000 members and local chapters in 35
countries. Virtually all women of achievement in aviation have been or
are presently members of the Ninety-Nines.
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99s are often asked how they got their name. In 1929, all licenced
American women pilots were invited to assemble for mutual support and
the advancement of aviation. Ninety-nine women responded, and Amelia
Earhart was elected first president. Membership was immediately opened
to any licenced woman pilot, and the total membership now is over 6,000
world-wide, but the name chosen at that time remained.
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The Canadian Ninety-Nines organize many activities to promote safety
through training and education. Members are conscious of exercising
safety in flight, and all current members attempt to participate in the
Annual Proficiency program. Canadian chapters have consistently won the
99s' International Aviation Proficiency Training Award over the years.
They organize aviation safety seminars and courses. Their popular
Flying Companion
Co-pilot Courses are
offered to familiarize non-pilots with flying, to alleviate fear of
flying, and teach fundamentals of aircraft operation and radio
procedures. They are active in civilian air search and rescue training,
winter survival training and sponsoring Transport Canada up-date
sessions.
Ninety-Nines organize a biennial Canadian Women in Aviation
Conference, and arrange speaking engagements to talk about opportunities
in aviation. They reach out to schools, presenting their 'Air Bears'
program for primary grade children and the 'Theory of Flight' program
for grades 4 to 8. They make Career Day presentations, and work with
young people in programs such as Young Eagles and Girl Guides.
They participate in many aviation events across Canada, such as major
fly-ins and flying competitions. They coordinate their activities with
other mutual interest groups, in particular, the Aviation Councils and
the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, where they have an appointed
seat on the board of directors. Most chapters organize a 'Poker Run', a
rally-type event to keep cross-country flying skills sharp, to raise
funds to support scholarships and awards, and to have fun and enjoy
fellowship. They have put together a precision flying team which will
compete in World Precision Flying Competitions.
The Ninety-Nines recognize achievement, and grant several awards. The
99s Canadian Award in Aviation was created in 1974 to promote aviation
throughout Canada, and has come to represent a special and prestigious
element of the Canadian aviation community. It is awarded each year to
an organization or individual whose activities improve or preserve
aviation and aeronautics in Canada. The National Aviation Museum was
recently honoured with the award for its upcoming exhibit 'Women in
Aviation', which recognizes women who have contributed to the
advancement of aviation in Canada.
Many chapters provide annual scholarships and offer Awards of
Excellence to top graduating female student pilots. Amelia Earhart
Memorial Scholarships for advanced flight training are awarded
internationally each year.
In 1976 East Canada Section 99s began flying pollution patrols for
the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. They fly ministry personnel
over lakes and forests to track the source of fouled lake water and
follow leads to illegal dump sites. Called 'Operation Skywatch,' the
program now operates under the jurisdiction of the ministry's
Investigations and Enforcement Branch.
The Canadian Ninety-Nines have made great personal achievements and
received much recognition. Many 99s fly commercial aircraft, including
Rosella Bjornson, first woman to fly as Captain with a major Canadian
air carrier. Major Dee Brasseur (ret'd) was the world's first female
CF-18 pilot. In 1992 Roberta Bondar became Canada's first female
astronaut in space, and Julie Payette was selected out of 5,330
candidates to be Canada's next woman in space.
The Award of Merit is presented to a 99 who has given exceptional
service to the organization. Lorna deBlicquy received this award in
1993. That same year, she was the first woman honoured to receive the
Trans- Canada (McKee) Trophy. She has opened doors for all women in
aviation through her successful efforts in changing government hiring
policies. She became Canada's first woman Civil Aviation Inspector.
Canadian Ninety-Nines have been, or are, bush pilots, test pilots,
airshow pilots, owners and operators of airlines and airports, chief
flying instructors, helicopter pilots, airline pilots, air traffic
controllers, civil aviation inspectors, air race participants and
war-time Air Transport Auxiliary pilots. Their participation in their
organization's activities paved the way to pursue careers in these, up
to then, male-dominated fields.
The Belt of Orion Award for Excellence was bestowed on the West and
East Canada Sections of The Ninety-Nines Inc. in 1995.
