Chicks Fly at Wings Over the Rockies
By Clarke Reader
Women have played a role in aviation since humans first took to the sky, but as is so often the case, they don’t receive nearly the recognition and celebration their male counterparts do. The Wings Over the Rockies’ Chicks Fly! Showcase aims to do something about this fact.
“In the aviation world, ‘chick’ is a term of endearment for women pilots. I’ve been flying for 20 years and have always loved being referred to as a chick pilot,” wrote Ann Beardall, Exploration of Flight Program Coordinator at Wings Over the Rockies, in an email interview. “We’ll have a couple of pilots on duty for airplane rides and you will be amazed at the diversity and depth of experience they have.”
Chicks Fly! will be held at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight, 13005 Wings Way in Englewood, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. The event will feature guest speaker Col. Kim “Killer Chick” Campbell, who will also be signing her book, “Flying in the Face of Fear.”
Beardall answered some questions about the event, what audiences can expect and more:
Interview edited for brevity and clarity.
Tell me about why it is important to showcase women in aviation.
There are women who fly or have flown who have done fantastic things in both their careers and the aviation community. Telling their stories and having them meet with future aviators is a great way to generate interest and foster dreams for young girls and young boys.
Why is it important to host events like this?
We look for all kinds of different aviation events to host and showcase. It is important to highlight different aspects of aviation, simply because most people think it’s only about the pilot. Later in the Summer we will highlight First Responders (safety/air ambulance), Taildraggers, helicopters, and we cover drones, air marshalling and much more. As part of our mission we educate, inspire and excite everything aviation, as well as teach the teachers through our Teachers Pathway program.
What part of the event are you most looking forward to?
I can’t wait to see the women pilots come in and I hope they will display objects on their aircraft that will designate it as a Chick Plane. I know my plane will be there. And I am really looking forward to meeting the Killer Chick, herself!
What do you hope attendees come away with?
I really hope that people from all walks of life will be inspired by listening to Col. Campbell. I also hope that the kids who come, see themselves in aviation. No dreams are out of reach.