Women in Aviation Houston Chapter hosted a day of aviation events on October 13 at Lone Star Flight Museum. The program was aimed at inspiring girls ages 10 through 17 to pursue education and careers in the aviation industry.

Per the Federal Aviation Administration, only 6% of all pilots are female and other careers in aviation have similar numbers. The organization created the "Girls in Aviation Day" to inform young ladies that they can achieve anything by sparking an interest in the aviation industry. A group of experts led the the girls through activities during the day that gave them hands-on experience including:

• talking to female pilots,
• experiencing how an aircraft engine works,
• learning about the science and physics behind airplane aerodynamics,
• flying a fixed aircraft simulator and more.

“The goal is for the girls to see women doing the jobs and living the life in the aviation industry,” said Jessica Garcia, who flies corporate jets and is president of the Houston chapter of Women in Aviation International. 

"It is a great opportunity to address these young ladies and let them know about the “Girl Power” in Aviation," said Rhonda Arnold,  HAS Chief Community Relations Officer and member of Women in Aviation for eight years.  "We were happy to have more than 100 girls in attendance  which included Bush Intercontinental Interim General Manager at Kelly Woodward and her two daughters and our summer intern Camila Alfaro."

Lone Star Flight Museum Director of Aviation Education and Outreach Kenneth Morris conducted  preflight inspections and educated the attendees on mechanical engineering, and the attendees participated in hands-on activities like flying in a simulator. Morris stated that "this is one of the most impactful events held at Lone Star Flight Museum in 2018.”

For more information about the event, please visit www.girlsinaviationdayhouston.com.