Sky’s the limit as girls take flight at Flying Cloud

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to clarify that women in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) flew military aircraft during World War II, not the Women’s Army Corps (WACs), who provided support in other roles such as mechanics, air traffic controllers, and drivers. We regret the error.

Amelia Earhart, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and Sally Ride.

Those are the women most people think of when considering famous female aviators in history. However, thousands of women contributed to the development of flight during World War II. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) made significant contributions by flying newly manufactured aircraft from factories to air bases in the U.S., while the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) supported the war effort in roles such as mechanics, air traffic controllers, and drivers.

Today, more women are entering aviation as pilots, mechanics, executives, and in sales.

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However, the pace of growth is slow. Of the slightly more than 100,000 licensed commercial airline pilots in the U.S. (including those working for major, regional, and cargo carriers like UPS and FedEx), only about 5% are women. Of the nearly 11,000 military pilots, only about 6% are female.

An organization devoted to women in aviation wants to change that.

For the 10th straight year, a group of women involved in aviation will host the annual Girls in Aviation Day on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie to introduce girls to the many opportunities in the industry. The event will feature aircraft exhibits, meet-and-greets with pilots, executives, and maintenance personnel, as well as a panel discussion and food trucks.

The event will occur from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jet Linx, 15233 Charlson Road. Admission is free.

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“We are expecting between 2,000 and 2,500 people to attend,” said Jessica Belcher, president of Stars of the North, a regional chapter of Women in Aviation International.

Belcher, a sales executive in the business jet industry, added, “It’s open to all ages, and men are welcome too, but our focus is on girls ages 8 to 17.”

Among the 20 to 30 aircraft expected on exhibit are a C-130 military cargo plane, a CRJ commercial jet, and a Beechcraft King Air. Weather may impact the availability of some planes.

Sponsors include Jet Linx, Collins Aerospace, Premier Jet Center, and Ray Foundation.

One of the speakers will be 2nd Lt. Amanda Kellner, a U.S. Air Force pilot.

There will be over 75 exhibitors. Donations are encouraged.

Some seminars require an admission fee. Due to limited space, attendees are asked to pre-register.