When I first moved to this county, I was intrigued by the amount of history and events that take place in this tight-knit community. Although small compared to the big city life I had become accustomed to, it was full of potential clients and exciting projects. In the last couple of years I have helped with the public relations at our local airport, Calhoun County Airport. It brings me great joy to promote events such as fly-ins, art contests and learning to fly.

In the beginning of March, most of my time was consumed with a particular event which was very near and dear to airport manager, Dianna Stanger’s heart. Her passion for aviation is contagious; she does everything in her power to educate our youth about the possible careers available in aviation and aeronautics. Now, I even aspire to learn to fly someday in the near future.

The first annual Women Of Aviation Worldwide (WOAW) Week was scheduled for March 7-13 2011. We hit the ground running a week prior to the event. The goal was simple: to introduce as many females to aviation possible in one week by taking them on an introductory flight. We put a spin on the promotion and invited any female involved in a non-profit organization on a free helicopter ride!

Helicopter pilot Dianna proudly stated, “It was an eye opener to many of the girls to ride in a helicopter. They had the opportunity to fall in love with flying; that was heartwarming to share my love of aviation with so many others who could do it too.”

The calls began to trickle in and our schedule quickly filled for the weekend. All of the ladies to whom I spoke were beyond excited to view the world in a whole new perspective. It’s difficult to describe the first time you experience flight. I remember the first time I flew with Dianna in her EC120 helicopter. The slight nervousness quickly faded away as we lifted off of the ground and I felt no fear dangling out of the helicopter to take photos.

The girls and women from the local 4H group, Women Have Options, YMCA and others all gathered together on March 12th and 13th at Calhoun County Airport. One of the girls, Ali Mason, said, “My first flying experience was amazing! One thing I never knew is that we were surrounded by so much water, more than what I thought. This is a day I’ll never forget.”

Helicopter pilot, Dianna Stanger helps Kelly Wildes settle into the co-pilot seat.

Of 707 girls and women worldwide who went on their first flight during the 2011 Women Of Aviation Worldwide week, helicopter pilot Dianna Stanger was responsible for taking 99 of those females! “Well, it was probably the best fifteen minutes of my life so far,” commented 15-year-old Grace Carr.

I am very proud and elated to inform the Dolphin readers that earlier in the week, Dianna Stanger was awarded the “Most Dedicated Female Pilot in the World” title by Women Of Aviation Worldwide! I won the “Most Creative Aviation Advocate” title and Calhoun County Airport came in 2nd runner up for the “Most Female-Pilot-Friendly Airport in the World.”

Future female pilots, Karly Kade Critendon, Peyton Rudellat and Leanna Gottschalt can barely contain in their exitement to fly above their hometown.

Words can’t express how much it means to reach new heights with such a fantastic team of pilots who simply want to share their passion for aviation; I can’t wait for the next promotion challenge!

Till next time.