Originally published in 2011
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the aviation community proclaimed the entire week to be Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. Calhoun Air Center embraced the main goal of the event, which was to show females worldwide that they are capable of achieving their dreams; specifically, that a career in aviation is an advantageous outlet for them.
Calhoun Air Center airport manager Dianna Stanger offered free helicopter rides to 104 passengers from the local community- 98 of which were females. “It was an eye opener to many of the girls to ride in a helicopter,” said Stanger. ”They had the opportunity to fall in love with flying and it was heartwarming to share my love of aviation with so many others who could do it, too.”
The air center emphasized the multiple options available to kids and girls. ”The main goal of the event was to give back to those young women who are volunteering their time to better themselves and their communities and to introduce them to a portion of society that is severely under populated by female participants.” said Right school manager, Steve Plunkett.
Many of the girls and women had never been on a helicopter and for some, it was an unforgettable experience. Michele Kuester treated her daughter, McKinsey, to a ride.
“She is in complete awe of the whole experience,” said Kuester. “Dianna was so inspiring, so encouraging and the love she has for flying just radiated from her. When we drove away from the airport McKinsey said, ‘When I grow up, I want to be just like Miss Dianna and fly helicopters, too!’ Not only did it open my daughter’s eyes to a whole new career option it was literally a once in a lifetime experience.