Squamish women will soon get a chance to fly the friendly skies for no charge thanks to the second annual Women of Aviation Worldwide Week.
Glacier Air is giving any female over the age of 14 the chance to experience flying firsthand at the company's "Experience the Joy of Flight" event on March 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"This is an excellent opportunity for women or girls ages 14 and up who have never flown in a small airplane before to experience the joy of flight," said Glacier Air's owner and Chief Pilot, Colette Morin. "Our goal is tointroduce as many girls and women to the aviation industry and stimulate an interest in learning to fly."
This is the first time that Glacier Air will participate in the weeklong celebration, which began last year to mark the 100th anniversary of the first issuance of a female pilot licence worldwide.
"It's very fitting as it also marks the 10-year anniversary that Colette has owned and operated Glacier Air," said Lauren Joy Patar, office manager at Glacier Air.
"The response has been outstanding," said Patar, noting that more than 25 people have confirmed their attendance so far on Glacier Air's Facebook events page. "There is still space available and we will be offering flightson a first-come, first-served basis and not by reservation.All participants will get their name registered with the Women of Aviation event and count towards the total number of women worldwide to fly in a small airplane on a single day."
Morin adds that the event is entirely weather dependent (March 11th is a rain date) and that each flight will last about 20 minutes with one woman from each group getting a chance to fly the plane under the supervision of an instructor.
There will also be an opportunity to discuss flight training with the staff and sign up for a "one on one" introductory flying lesson, or consider enrolling in a special "co-pilot" course that Glacier Air may offer in late spring.
All flights will depart from Glacier Air base at the Squamish Municipal Airport. Those interested in taking part in the event can call Glacier Air at 1-800-265-0088 or email [email protected] for more details.
