RENO — The Sierra Battle Born Chapter of the nonprofit group Women in Aviation International has opened registration for their second annual Girls in Aviation Day event.
“Girls in Aviation Day is the signature outreach event of Women in Aviation to bring aviation to young women all over the world,” said Becky Calder, President of the Battle Born Chapter of WAI.
“With over 120 events worldwide, Girls in Aviation Day introduces career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace to girls ages 8-18.”
This year’s event will be held at Atlantic Aviation, 655 S. Rock Blvd., in Reno, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23. The event is free but registration is required.
“For this year’s event, participants can expect to meet female pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, hot air balloonists and engineers, and take part in hands-on activities that are related to aviation,” Calder said. “Participants will also be able to walk around some pretty cool aircraft that we will have on the ramp.”
Calder, the first female fighter pilot to graduate from TOPGUN, served her country for 25 years and is now raising her family in the Reno area. Now, one of her missions is to help inspire the next generation of leaders.
“I was honored to be selected for TOPGUN and truly humbled to have that experience and opportunity,” she said. “The best part about being a first, though, is that you know you will not be the last. I realize now, as I have gotten older and have children of my own, that representation does matter. It is important for girls to see people that look like them doing things they dream of doing. I truly hope to inspire others to go after their dreams, or whatever it is they want in life.”
Registration is open at www.sierrabattleborn.com