Category: Aviation History

Our 2022 Wings Over Camarillo airshow is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the significant contribution of women to the aviation industry. Our series of articles continues to celebrate the trailblazing women who have inspired generations of women to take to the skies. Today we recognize two distinguished women in the aviation industry.

Martha Phillips and Commander Colette Lazenka have each blazed trails and significantly impacted the aviation industry. We are incredibly proud to have these two distinguished aviators lead our upcoming airshow as Grand Marshals.

Martha Phillips

Background

Martha Whitlock Phillips was born and raised in Cooper, Texas. For a young girl who grew up in a small town with no airport, flying was no more than a pipe dream. This dream was fueled even more by the stories she grew up listening to from her uncle, who flew Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) bombers across the Pacific during World War II.

Educational Beginnings

She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology at East Texas University. She went on to take graduate classes in education and computer science. Before moving to Dallas to work in sales and marketing for a word processing equipment company, she taught English classes in College Station, Texas.

Starting Aviation

Martha moved to Chatsworth, California, in 1977, where she met her husband-to-be, Art Phillips. Art had been flying for years, while Martha just secretly dreamed about it. Art encouraged her to spread her wings, and in 1979, Martha and Art purchased their Cessna Skyhawk “Bluebird.”

By then, Martha had already begun taking flight lessons at the local airport in Van Nuys, where she made her first solo flight in a Cessna 150. She also took flight training at the Camarillo and Santa Paula airports, which gave her experience with different runway lengths and traffic patterns at towered and non-towered airports. Martha earned her Private Pilot license in 1987. She participated in landing contests, flew cross-country, organized and attended several camping trips, and traveled to many remote aviation-related events.

Joining The Ninety-Nines

In 1996, Martha heard about The Ninety-Nines through a friend who was a member of the San Fernando chapter. She learned it was an international organization of female pilots with a mission to “promote the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.” She joined the Ventura County chapter of The Ninety-Nines (VC99s), comprised of women who flew out of the four local airports – Camarillo, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Pt. Mugu.

Martha’s immense contribution to the VC99s saw her become the Chapter’s Secretary from 1997-1998, then Chapter Chairman from 1998-2000. Her significant contributions transcended the Ventura County chapter alone. She became the Southwest Section Treasurer from 2004-2006, the Section Governor from 2006-2008, and a member of the International Nominating Committee from 2008-2010. She was Co-Chairman of the 99s’ International Conference in Hawaii in 2010. That same year, she became the organization’s International Treasurer, from 2010-2012. Martha was elected The Ninety-Nines’ International President in 2012, becoming a member of the exclusive line of distinguished women to serve in this position. This line started with the legendary Amelia Earhart. Martha’s tenure as International President ended in 2016, and since then, she’s been a tremendous supporter of The Ninety-Nines and all women in aviation.

Commander Colette Lazenka

Background

Commander Colette Lazenka hails from Horsham, Pennsylvania. She grew up “attending the Willow Grove, PA airshow as a child, and that airshow is what began (her) interest in the military and aviation.”

Educational Beginnings

Commander Lazenka went to East Texas University, obtaining degrees in Sociology and Psychology. She graduated from the United States Naval academy in 2002, and after earning her Naval Flight Officer wings in December 2003, attended the Fleet Replacement Squadron training at Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP) 30. In October 2004, she reported to VP-46 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Washington, where she served as the command security manager, AWO division officer, and NFO training officer, completing numerous deployments supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. At the end of this tour, she was recognized as the CNAF Naval Flight Officer (NFO) of the year for 2007 due to her exceptional ASW (anti-submarine warfare) expertise.

Continuing Aviation

In June 2008, CDR Lazenka attended the United States Navel Test Pilot School (USNTPS), where she graduated with distinction. She then reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 in NAS Patuxent River, serving as the P-8A Poseidon mission system’s lead, P-8A assistant developmental test director, and NFO NATOPS officer. She also flew over 30 “Cat C” flight tests and led acceptance testing for the Navy’s first 7 P-8A aircraft.

In October 2011, CDR Lazenka reported to VP-30 at NAS Jacksonville, FL, as the P-8A Fleet Integration Team (FIT) Operations Officer and NFO NATOPS officer. She helped transition the first 4 P-3C squadrons to the P-8A and led the acceptance of 8 P-8As for VP-30. She stayed in Jacksonville, reporting to VP-5 in February 2014 and beginning her Department Head tour. She completed two deployments to the Pacific Theatre and served as the VP-5 NATOPS, Training, and Operations Officer.

Advancing a Military Career

Commander Lazenka reported to the Advanced Sensors Technology (AST) Program Office at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., in June 2016. Serving as the Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) Training IPT Lead, she delivered ACAT-1D AAS Radar training simulators and courseware to the P-8A Fleet. She then reported to the MQ-25 Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Program Office (PMA-268) in April 2019 at NAS Patuxent River as the UCA Mission Control System (UMCS) Product IPT Lead.

In November 2020, the Commander joined the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 in Point Mugu, California, where she currently serves as the Commanding Officer. She is the first woman to hold this position.

Even without the specifics, her bio is impressive: Commander Colette Lazenka is an Aviation Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) and designated Acquisition Professional with career field certifications in Test & Evaluation and Program Management. She earned her M.S. in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Liberty University. Her personal decorations include the Air Medal Strike/Flight (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (eight awards), and various unit and campaign awards.

Bottom Line

In an event dedicated to recognizing women in aviation, we are honored that two women who have contributed so much to aviation and helped inspire future generations will be leading proceedings. We are proud to have these two distinguished women at our upcoming airshow. Wings Over Camarillo, taking place August 20 & 21, features the VC99s debuting an exhibit in the Commemorative Air Force Museum entitled Notable Women in Aviation. The museum will be open during the airshow, and your ticket purchase will include admission. Get your tickets now!

Stop by the CAF Museum Hangar to see the Notable Women In Aviation Exhibit!

More details here!

There are a lot of “firsts,” but how much do you know about women’s “firsts” in aviation? Read on to find out more.

Our upcoming airshow, Wings Over Camarillo, is dedicated to celebrating women’s significant contributions to the aviation industry this August. So continuing with our series of articles celebrating women, this one is dedicated to celebrating notable ‘firsts’ of women in aviation.

Pioneer Balloonists

Before the invention of modern aircraft, the aerial mode of transport was through hot air balloons. A hot air balloon contains heated air, lighter than normal air outside the balloon, causing it to float upwards and thus fly. On June 4, 1784, Marie Elisabeth Thible became the first woman to fly in a hot air balloon. And on November 10, 1798, Jeanne Labrosse became the first woman to fly a balloon solo. Marie Marvingt, from France, was the first woman to fly over the North sea, piloting a hot air balloon solo across Europe to England.

The First Female Fliers of the Mechanical Airplane

●     Katherine Wright

The machine-powered aircraft that evolved into the modern-day airplane was invented in 1903 by brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Their sister, Katherine Wright, was vital to the brothers’ invention. Wilbur remarked, “If the world ever thinks of us in connection to aviation, it must remember our sister.” Katherine Wright was the first woman to fly on an aircraft when she flew with her brothers during one of their demonstrations in France in 1909.

●     Baroness Raymonde de Laroche

Shortly after Katherine’s flight, Baroness Raymonde de Laroche, from France, became the first woman to fly an aircraft solo. On March 8, 1910, she became the first woman to obtain a pilot’s license.

●     Helene Dutrieu

Helene Dutrieu was the first woman to fly an aircraft while carrying a passenger and also the first woman to pilot a seaplane.

●     Harriet Quimby

On August 1, 1911, when Harriet Quimby obtained her pilot’s license, she became the first American woman and the second woman worldwide to do so.

●     Bessica Raiche

In 1912, Bessica Raiche, who watched Baroness Laroche’s flight demonstrations in France, was the first American woman to fly an aircraft solo in the United States. She achieved this on September 16, 1910, while flying an aircraft she and her husband built in their living room.

●     Katherine Stinson

Katherine Stinson was the first female pilot employed by the US Postal Service, making her the first woman to fly the mail in the US. She was also the first civilian pilot to fly mail in Canada. She toured Asia in 1917 and became the first woman to fly in Japan or China.

●     Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman made history when she became the first African-American of either gender to earn a pilot’s license. She earned it on June 15, 1922, in France, where she had to travel to because pilot training and licensing were unavailable to African-Americans in the United States.

Record Breakers

●     Helene Dutrieu

On December 21, 1910, Helene Dutrieu became the first woman to win the Coupe Femina, an aviation challenge hosted by a French Magazine – Femina, open to female aviators only. She flew 167km non-stop in 2 hours and 35 minutes. Helene Dutrieu beat 14 male competing pilots the next year to win the Coppa del Re in Florence, Italy.

●     Georgia ‘Tiny’ Broadwick

On June 21, 1913, Georgia ‘Tiny’ Broadwick became the first woman to parachute from a plane, jumping from a plane in Los Angeles at 2000 feet. She was the first person to demonstrate the use of parachutes to the United States Army. In 1914, she parachuted into Lake Michigan, becoming the first woman to jump from an airplane into a body of water.

●     Ruth Law

Ruth Law, the first woman to fly at night, became the first woman to loop the loop in 1913. Inspired to take up flying by her parachutist brother, Ruth initially sought lessons from the legendary Orville Wright but was turned down because Orville believed women aren’t mechanically inclined. This only made Ruth more determined. “The surest way to make me do a thing is to tell me I can’t do it.” She set multiple aviation records, one of which was breaking the world’s non-stop cross-country record by flying 590 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Hornell, New York.

●     Phoebe Omlie

Phoebe Omlie, in 1927, became the first woman to earn a Transport license. She won the Dixie Derby Air race in 1930, and then in 1931, the first year the National Air races in Cleveland were open to women, Phoebe Omile won it.

●     Amelia Earhart

Legendary aviator Amelia Earhart 1928 was the first female passenger to fly across the Atlantic. She flew across the Atlantic again in 1932, this time solo, becoming the first woman to do so. In 1935, she became the first person (of either gender) to fly solo across the Pacific from Honolulu to Oakland.

Military Participation

●     Female Combat Missions

Helene Dutrieu of France and Eugenie Shakhovskaya of Russia during World war 1, became the first female reconnaissance pilots. Sabiha Gokcen was the first woman to fly combat missions, and she did so in Turkey in 1937.

●     Female Air Transport Auxiliary

In November 1939, in Britain, during the onset of the second world war, Pauline Gower established the female arm of the Air Transport Auxiliary responsible for ferrying aircraft to storage or operational bases. She was the first woman to be allowed into, let alone fly, a Royal Air force airplane.

●     Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS)

In 1942 during World war II, Nancy Harkness Love convinced the US Air force to set up a squadron of female pilots to ferry aircraft from factories to air bases. The 28 women that made up this squadron – the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) – were the first women to ferry airplanes for the US Army. Nancy was the first woman to fly the P-51, P-38, B-25, and B-17 military airplanes.

●     Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)

The WAFS and the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) were fused to form the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in 1943. Jacqueline Cochran, who holds numerous women aviation records for speed, distance, and altitude, proposed the formation of WASP when she wrote to first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Throughout its existence, Jacqueline Cochran led about a thousand WASPs who flew over 70 million miles, delivering 12,650 airplanes across the country.

Conclusion

Women have contributed a whole lot to the advancement of the aviation industry. And they have created important landmarks and pioneering moments along the way. A comprehensive repository of these notable moments would fill a book, but this is where we stop today.

Stop by the CAF Museum Hangar to see the Notable Women In Aviation Exhibit!

More details here!

It’s important honoring women in aviation. Let’s take a deep look at some of these fantastic pilots.

Like in many other aspects of society, women have always had to fight to be accepted into occupational roles that have long been considered ‘masculine’; aviation is no different. Due to existing stereotypes regarding their physical and intellectual abilities, women are often pigeonholed to second-rate jobs considered ‘feminine.’ This is why for some time, the only jobs available for women in aviation are to work as flight attendants.

However, the tireless work of pioneer women in aviation has changed this. Their efforts significantly impacted the industry and opened it up to women. This article, just like Wings over Camarillo’s upcoming airshow in August, is dedicated to honoring these women who have significantly contributed to the aviation industry.

The Ninety-Nines

In 1929, a small group of women who had trailblazed the aviation industry came together to form an organization to strengthen the future of women in the industry. Thus the Ninety-Nines was born. Premised on the advancement of female participation in aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support, the organization has played a massive part in creating access and community for women in aviation.

One identifying memorabilia of a certified Ninety-Nines member is the compass rose pin, which signifies an essential 99s tradition called Airmarking. If you’ve ever gone flying, you will notice that markings pointed to the airport are visible from the plane as you approach the landing. You might even see the airport’s name boldly written on a field or on top of surrounding buildings. This initiative was the brainchild of the first US government program led by a woman and an all-woman staff. The program was called the National Air Marking Program. Today, the Ninety-Nines proudly carry on the tradition by volunteering their time to paint the airport names, compass rose symbols, and other identifications on airports.

Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)

Women did not only break barriers in the civilian aviation industry, but they have also contributed massively to protecting and defending their country via their efforts in the air force. Most notably, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World war II. In 1939, Pilot Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran wrote to the then First lady suggesting the idea of using women pilots in non-combat missions. WASP started as two separate organizations – the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). Both were pioneer organizations attached to the US Air Forces to fly military aircraft during World war II. Their arrangement with the Air Force lasted till December 1944. During this period, they flew over 60 million miles, transported several military aircraft, towed targets for live anti-aircraft practice, simulated strafing missions, and transported cargo. For their service, members of the WASP were granted veteran status in 1977, and in 2009, they were awarded the Congressional Gold medal.

Below are a few of the many women who have paved the way for women in the aviation industry.

Raymonde De Laroche

She was one of the earliest women on record to fly a plane. She became the first woman to obtain a pilot license on March 8, 1910, after she received the 36th airplane pilot’s license issued by the Aeroclub de France, the first organization in the world to issue pilot licenses. Raymonde, formerly an actress and also fond of sports and automobiles, fell in love with aviation after watching Wilbur Wright’s  1908 demonstrations of powered flight in Paris. She set two women’s altitude records (one at 15,700 feet) and a women’s distance record at 201 miles.

Amelia Earhart

She is one of the world’s most renowned aviation pioneers. Dubbed the Queen of the Air, she set numerous records in the aviation field, including being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and the first person to fly across it twice. Amelia Earhart was also instrumental in founding the Ninety-Nines, serving as the organization’s first elected president. Despite her numerous records and achievements, perhaps her most lasting legacy is how she inspired a generation of female (and even male) aviators, including the women pilots of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who served meritoriously during the second world war.

Bessie Coleman

She was the first African American woman to hold a pilot license. Licensing and flight training opportunities were unavailable to African Americans and women, so Bessie had to travel to France to train and obtain her license. Her trailblazing role was an inspiration to women and members of the African American community.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran

She was one of the most prominent and successful pilots of her generation. She was the first woman to break the sound barrier. She was also the first woman to compete in the Bendix aeronautical racing trophy, setting the women’s world speed record while working with Amelia Earhart to make the race open to women. She wrote to the then First lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, suggesting the idea of forming a female flying division in the Air Force. This birthed the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, which recruited thousands of female pilots. She was also an influential member of the Ninety-Nines. Dubbed the speed Queen, no other pilot held more speed, distance, or altitude records in aviation history at the time of her death than her.

Phoebe Omile

Phoebe’s childhood home was near an airfield, and she’d often hang around the area trying to convince one of the flight personnel to take her flying. The airport manager finally agreed, hoping to scare out her flying interest by performing acrobatic maneuvers to make her airsick. All he did was ignite her passion for flying, culminating in an excellent aviation career. She became the first licensed female transport pilot, the first woman – to receive an airplane mechanic’s license, and was appointed to a federal position in the aviation field. She led the first all-women staffed initiative that birthed the National Air Marking Program. Using her position as the Senior private flying specialist of the Civil Aeronautics Authority, she established 66 flight schools across 46 states to service the shortage of pilots during World war II.

Honoring More Women in Aviation

Emma Lilian Todd

Jeanne Labrosse

Pancho Barnes

Valentina

Conclusion

Like any other industry in our society, the aviation industry has significantly benefitted from women’s efforts and contributions. These women have fought to break through societal barriers and stereotypes to become forces to reckon with in the industry. It is only befitting that we never forget the efforts women have played (and continue to play) in this industry and that we take a moment to honor and celebrate them. Join us in August at our upcoming airshow dedicated to celebrating these legendary women.

Stop by the CAF Museum Hangar to see the Notable Women In Aviation Exhibit!

More details here!

We’re highlighting women in aviation, so here’s fascinating information about Samantha Fisher and Tammy Rose – a dynamic duo.

If you are a Houstonian, you must have heard these duo every morning as they try to help drivers navigate through the crazy pattern of traffic experienced in the city. Samantha Fisher is a helicopter Pilot, and Tammy Rose is a Helicopter reporter who loves what they do. They believe they wouldn’t have wanted the turn of events in their lives to have gone any other way.

When recently asked what they think about their jobs, Tammy Rose submitted that she didn’t even consider it a job, while Samantha Fisher marveled at the view on the blue horizon and how she looks forward to seeing it forever. If you are still wondering what this is about, it is about two women who are part of the female flight crew, that’s quite rare, and they command ABC13’s Chopper, which you can also refer to as SkyEye. They do this every morning from Monday to Friday.

Career Background 

Tammy Rose is an author who is particular about riding motorcycles and also considers herself one who is spurred by an Adrenaline rush. She has a degree and experience in broadcast journalism that have made her take up different gigs in the news line, where she has covered information like sports and anchored shows on weather across her country of residence. But then, Rose thinks the journalism industry requires finesse and multi-talents, which is why she didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to work in a helicopter when it came. She’s glad she took the step to attempt it the first time because she never thought of stopping after that.

Samantha Fisher is one who took up the job for a change. Years back, she worked with a software company and got fed up with the same daily routine. Her Husband was one of the major factors that motivated her to try the skies as he is a pilot who always came home satisfied with his job while she came grumpy. One of those days, while discussing her job, she blurted out her frustration, and her Husband suggested a job description she could have fun doing. After then, the next birthday present she got from her husband was a helicopter lesson. From perfecting her skills as a helicopter pilot, she has gone on to do many jobs as a flight instructor, has flown the pipeline, and is presently working with SkyEye, with Tammy Rose as a partner. The latter works with her to maintain and troubleshoot their chopper where necessary.

Job Routine

Tammy Rose’s job description as a helicopter reporter is quite bulky. She helps Samantha spot fellow aircraft in space by listening to air traffic control between intervals. This is because safety/responsibility for life comes first before every other duty. Then, she also works on the video, camera, switcher, and ENG work.

Samantha Fisher’s routine is also a sight even before flight time. She takes the helicopter out of the hangar every work morning and starts it. She has to listen to the weather briefing next as it points them in the direction of where to go and where the day would be starting from. She’s also saddled with checking out for traffic along the freeways. Samantha admitted in a recent interview that the job could get intense if it is a police chase or SWAT team-related.

Working as a Team

These SkyEye dynamic duos haven’t had the opportunity to work with fellow women during their jobs. Tammy Rose had to work for about fifteen years before she eventually worked with a female pilot for the first time, and Samantha Fisher is the third on the list of female pilots she has worked with. For Fisher, she has only worked with another woman apart from Rose as a flight instructor.

Both women continue working not just because they love what they do but because it also helps people. They complement each other on the job, as Samantha admitted that Tammy has a positive attitude and always wears a smile. Tammy also thinks the same about Samantha, and in the course of working together for two years, they are like a breath of fresh air to each other.

The Industry

The industry happens to be male-dominated, as it is rare to come across women in the profession, but this didn’t stop the women from trying their passion. Regarding gender differences, they haven’t had resistance from the male gender as females in the industry.

The nature of the industry and people in it requires a thick skin, as people can throw demeaning jabs sometimes or joke around unnecessarily. Still, it is a job hazard that can be seen in almost any other profession and can be managed well. To become a pilot, whether male or female, is demanding as there are specific metrics for evaluating qualifications.

They also reflect on the hard work and study efforts that would be put into earning a license after flight training, which is always eventually worth it in the end. Also, there are no hard and fast rules for entering the aviation industry. Samantha Fisher, for example, decided to switch careers at some point, which was how she got in. It is also necessary to be sure it is something you are passionate about before you delve into it.

Conclusion

These two women have risen to become motivation and a source of inspiration to many people across the country by taking the step to follow their passion and enjoy what they do. Both women live their lives and take on their jobs daily, being a source of inspiration to people, especially women. They share clips from their daily routine to encourage people who have an eye for flying to take on their dreams. They do this because this job, like every other out there, has its difficult moments, like scenarios where they have to cover a tragic occurrence or a moment when a family is most vulnerable.

Stop by the CAF Museum Hangar to see the Notable Women In Aviation Exhibit!

More details here!