A new perspective: Girls lift off in free flights to encourage careers in aviation

Navya Kumar climbs into a small aircraft for Girls Take Flight day hosted by the 99’s Eastern Ontario Chapter. (Kimberley Johnson/CTV News Ottawa)

Inspiring young women and girls reached new heights as female pilots offered free flights in the hopes of encouraging the next generation of girls to see themselves up in the air one day.

The Girls Take Flight event was held at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and run by the 99’s Eastern Ontario chapter, an organization of female pilots looking to advance aviation through education.

Organizers say 41 flights with about 100 passengers took part in Sunday’s event.

11-year-old Navya Kumar was one of those passengers. She told CTV News Ottawa that was “nervous and excited” for her first trip in a small aircraft.

After touching back down on the ground, she says seeing Ottawa from the sky is something she won’t soon forget.

“It was really high up,” she said. “So, it was just too exciting for me.”

As she heads into middle school, her mom says it’s about engaging her and showing her what’s possible.

“This is a very good opportunity for any girl to experience at this age,” she said. “What’s in her we don’t know, right? So, it’s a good opportunity to explore.”

Kathy Fox with the 99’s and the lead organizer of the event says careers can range from pilots to engineers and air traffic controllers. She says the event is geared towards those who have never been in a small aircraft before.

“There’s an expression: If you can see it, you can be it,” she said. “I think that introducing younger girls, perhaps in grade school, to the possibilities in aviation that they’re more likely to seek out that.”

Inside the museum, organizations were there to help answer questions and show what’s possible.

Judy Cameron is Air Canada’s first female pilot. Now retired, she works with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, which provides awards and scholarships to women in aviation.

“My first flight in a small airplane completely got me hooked,” she said. “So, it’s wonderful to see young girls come out and get to experience this.”

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