RHS 99s ran into one another at the Reno Airport!
While the Reno High Sierra Chapter offers a number of scholarships every year, our parent organization also offers scholarships. One of them is the First Wings Scholarship, a milestone based scholarship that awards money to recipients based on completing their FAA Written, First Solo, Long Cross Country Solo, and finally, earning their Pilot Certificate. This scholarship is only available to 99 Student Pilots and requires a very through and involved application along with an endorsement from our Chapter. Special thanks to RHS member Moe, who is our point of contact for and who works with applicants to submit their applications.
Congrats to RHS 99 student pilot Chelsea
for receiving the first wings scholarship!
RHS 99 Tara took a trip to Kansas! Here’s what she had to say:
I did a lot of aviation activities in KS ☺️ I got an extended tour of Textron aviation & learned the process for building Citations. Also learned some history for Cessna/Beechcraft/Hawker. & had dinner at Stearman field (1K1)
The Southwest Section of the Ninety Nines had their Spring Section Meeting in Carson City, Nevada, the first weekend of May.
From our Treasurer, Stacie:
A big thank you to Melissa, Peggy, Tina, Grace and Ruth Ann for helping with the Fly Market during the SW Section meeting! We made close to $500 for scholarships!!! It was a great meeting a lot of fun!!! Think about going to Paseo Robles in September!!!
Per our past Chairman Heather: When I choose where I stop for fuel, it’s always fun to pick the city I grew up in and visit my sister for a little bit.
Congrats to RHS 99 student pilot Chelsea, who took her first solo flight on 4/21, and passed her written on 4/25!!
RHS 99 Angela flew up to Boise with her co-pilot Winnie.
RHS 99s hosted a social scholarship fundraiser at the High Mark Distillery, an evening of making Limoncello!
RHS 99 Laura did the most amazing photo shoot with her home built “Tin Lizzie”!
After literally YEARS of trying to plan a flight together, RHS 99 members Moe and Dani FINALLY went for a flight!
From Laura….
Heather and I built a metal notebook yesterday demonstrating skills needed for basic metalwork required with building your own plane. The pics and videos will be used at Oshkosh this year in the metal working for women workshop!
Per Karalyn:
97.5 hours over 9 days and we built our 39 Bard Balloons hopper envelope. Will, Echo & I will leave WI with a new balloon named Bruce. I knew we would do it, even if I didn't know exactly how. With the help of Jeff & Kaylee, Kaden, Zach, Andy, Robert & Pete, and visits with Kurt & Sarah & family and Don - we got to work. Jessica & Nathan opened their home to work in and we stayed at Dave's while he was enjoying sunny FL. And Nathan, the Sweatshop boss, man with the plan, ever patient teacher/sewing machine repairman and great friend. Words can never express our gratitude.
RHS Member Tina who recently soloed, got to sit in our local Sheriff’s Office Helicopter, RAVEN!
Several RHS99s attended the Pathways to Aviation presentation by Eileen Collins!
Tonight RHS 99s and friends met with a local meteorologist, who is also a pilot, for a discussion about weather! Thanks to Angela for making the connection and arrangements!
Aviation Aces: A Friendship and Fundraiser Adventure
As a passionate pilot, the news of winning the 2023 scholarship from the Santa Rosa
99s for my Multi-Engine rating was a dream come true. It came with an unexpected
invitation: an exclusive opportunity to attend their annual fundraiser where they would
announce their endowment of the scholarship.
I couldn’t wait to share the news with Angela, my dear friend and fellow 99s pilot. Turns
out she has family in Santa Rosa. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to extend an
invitation. If you know Angela, you also know her signature call sign “I am in! ” Less
than a week later we took to the air for Santa Rosa and represented our Reno High
Sierra 99s Chapter.
Opting for the skies over the roads, as expected, because, really, who needs a car
when have access to airplanes? Angela flew a Piper Cherokee from Carson (KCXP) to
Auburn (KAUN), where we rendezvoused for our journey to the Charles Schultz Airport
(KSTS) in Santa Rosa. We rented a stealth Piper Arrow II from my flight school
“Sunshine Flyers”. The anticipation of sharing the skies together and experiencing this
adventure got us both super hyped.
The flight to Santa Rosa was a breeze. Angela manned the star ship which gave me the
chance to soak in the spectacular sights of the Sutter Buttes and Lake Berryessa. With
her at the controls I had a front row seat to nature's beauty. It reminded me how
fortunate I am to experience mother earth from the sky on a regular basis.
The fundraiser itself was a whirlwind of excitement. Loads of cool stuff up for grabs at
the silent auction such as; wine, books by Charles Schultz, Snoopy swag and tastings.
The local breweries and wineries brought their goods and made the night taste just
right. The drinks at the bar (maybe a little bit too strong) added some serious fun! The
Tacos Del Pepe food truck parked outside the hangar provided the perfect fix to soak
them up. The highlight was undoubtedly the poker tournament fundraiser. The prize? A
thrilling ride in the legendary P-51!
Despite Angela and I not doing too well in the poker games, the atmosphere was filled
with positive vibes and camaraderie. Meeting other inspiring female pilots, each with
their unique stories and experiences, left us awestruck and captivated.
After an eventful night and spending time with Angela’s family we woke up with
nervous anticipation of foggy weather. We got lucky! Clear skies, and a departure time
of 7am led to the most beautiful morning flight.
Reflecting on this adventure, it wasn't just about winning a scholarship or attending a
fundraiser - it was about making new friends, securing the bonds of old, the shared love
for aviation, and the inspiring encounters with incredible women in the field. As we
soared through the skies we realized these moments are the true treasures of the
aviation journey.
Our 99’s visited Biggest Little City Flight School Open house
My fellow aviatrices, I present Tara T., freshly minted private pilot! Congratulations!!!
RHS99s celebrated Tara passing her check ride yesterday at our monthly business meeting.
Below you can find some of our canine members who are generally the center of attention: Rembrandt in the foreground and Rio snoozing in the background.
