West and East Canada Sections of the Ninety-Nines, Inc (International Organization of Women Pilots)

"The spirit of fellowship of these women who share one common interest and accomplishment - flight - has been revealed in their active promotion of aviation and safety in aviation through educational, charitable and scientific activities which have been of exceptional benefit to Canadian aviation in general."

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.

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 at a ceremony held in Edmonton, Alberta.

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 nay licenced woman pilot, and the total membership now is over 6,000 world-wide, but the name chosen at that time remained.