The Ninety-Nines, Inc.
International Organization of Women Pilots
Finger Lakes Chapter
About
OUR MISSION --The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.
Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote Amelia, fly “for the fun of it!”
Scholarship
The First Wings Award is a semiannual award of up to $6,000 given to Student Pilot Members based on the completion of specific training milestones. The award is available only to Student Pilot Members of the 99s who meet eligibility requirements. To be eligible, applicants must hold a student pilot certificate (or provide evidence that they meet their country's flight training requirements).
Applicant must be an official Student Pilot Member of The 99s for at least 3 months prior to the submission deadline. The Spring First Wings Award Application deadline is April 1st, and the Fall First Wings Award Application is October 1st.
For more information, see First Wings Award.
The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots awards the annual Amelia Earhart (AE) Memorial Scholarship to deserving 99s with at least one year of membership, and with a need for financial assistance, so that they may complete advanced training and education to progress toward a specific goal in aviation and aerospace.
For more information, see The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships and Awards.
The Finger Lakes Chapter Scholarship is awarded to an active female pilot or female student pilot residing in the Finger Lakes Region or Western New York. The 2025 award is $2,000, and deadline to submit is in March. The 2025 Application deadline is March 31, 2025. Ask your Chapter Chair for more information or visit NY NJ 99s Scholarships.
For additional information on other scholarships, click here.
Support
Members of the Ninety-Nines have the opportunity to get involved in all kinds of activities from Air Racing to Airmarking, there is sure to be activities you want to be a part of. We are a group of women who support each other in our pilot training, advancement, and endeavors.
In the past NY-NJ Section members have participated in and lead a variety of Seminars aimed towards providing support towards young women to include; career, educational, safety, experiences, and historical presentations.
Sharing
The Ninety-Nines is a broad organiztion that has ways and activities for women of many backgrounds and interests to become involved in.
Here is a list of activities our section has participated in:
Air Race Classic, Poker Runs, Fly-Outs, FlyIns, Airmarking, Educational Presentations, Historical Presentations, Picnics, Holiday Parties, Hanger Flying, Pancake breakfasts, Sun-N-Fun.
From the serious activities to the comedic, we enjoy sharing our experiences with each other.
Ninety-Nines Celebrate 90 Years
November 2, 2019
On November 2, 1929, 26 women pilots met in a hangar at Curtis Airport in Valley Stream, Long Island, NY, for the purpose of creating an organization “just for women pilots.”
Ninety years later, on November 9, 2019, the New York New Jersey Section of the Ninety-Nines held their Section Meeting and hosted Girl Scout Aviation Day at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, not far from the site of that original meeting, also on Long Island. Girl Scouts learned about navigation and maps, aircraft instruments, and aerodynamics, and aviation careers.