The Ninety-Nines, Inc., is an
international organization of licensed women
pilots from 35 countries. Even though the majority of its more than 6,000
members live in the United States, the organization has been international
in scope since it's founding. Although there are other female pilot
organizations
in various states and nations, virtually all women of achievement in
aviation
have been or are members of the 99s.
The organization was founded November 2,
1929, at Curtiss Field, Valley Stream,
Long Island, New York. All 117 women pilots at the time were invited to
assemble
for mutual support and the advancement of aviation. Louise Thaden was
elected
secretary and worked tirelessly to keep the group together as they struggled
to establish themselves and to grow.
In 1931, Amelia Earhart was elected first
president, and the group was named for
the 99 charter members. Membership was immediately opened to other women
as they became licensed pilots, and the early purposes continue to guide the
organization today.
In addition to women who hold a pilot's
certificate, the organization recently opened
its membership to women student pilots.
The Alaska
Chapter of the Ninety-Nines was organized in 1954 by 8 charter members.
