News Room

2010 California Capital Airshow Celebrates the Centennial of Women in Aviation

(September 8, 2010) The California Capital Airshow (CCA) (www.californiacapitalairshow.com) today announced the celebration of the Centennial of Women in Aviation at Mather Airport, September 11 and 12, 2010. CCA would like to invite the public and attendees of the show to meet the amazing women that will be celebrating this honor at the 2010 Airshow.

“We are honored to share these remarkable women as they will leave an impression that will last a lifetime,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “All of these women are remarkable in their own way and a true inspiration to others.”

Reaching beyond limitations
Be on the look-out for a young lady sporting a baseball cap and sunglasses with long dark hair and an infectious smile. You might also notice the fact that she does everything with her feet, as she was born without arms. Her name is Jessica Cox, and she’s an FAA-certified sport pilot. Jessica’s story personifies the dedication, innovation, and pioneering spirit that women have brought to the aviation industry.

Breaking through the glass ceiling and the sound barrier
Another woman that will be present at the show is LT Meagan “Vargas” Flannigan. She was the last female to be qualified to fly the F-14 Tomcat before the aircraft was retired from service a few years ago. She is now an instructor pilot at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, and teaches students how to fly and fight with the F-18 Super Hornet.

The youngest female team member ever to join the United States Unlimited Aerobatics Team will take to the skies this weekend. Melissa Pemberton’s air show routine is high energy and action packed! She is an inspiration to young people and women across the world showing them that no dream is too big and nothing is impossible.

Learning from the past, opening doors for the future
From 1942 to 1944, more than 1,000 women were trained to ferry aircraft, test planes, instruct male pilots, and tow targets for anti-aircraft artillery practice. The women came from all socioeconomic backgrounds: teachers, nurses, secretaries, factory workers, waitresses, students, housewives, debutantes, and actresses. They were, and still are, known as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) and the California Capital Airshow is fortunate enough to have several of them in attendance.

These are just a few of the women that will be representing and celebrating the Centennial of Women in Aviation this year at the California Capital Airshow.

About California Capital Airshow
Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow has become one of the largest and highly- respected shows in the nation. As part of its community relations, the non-profit organization has awarded over 70 scholarships to deserving students from our region with an interest in aviation, aerospace, aeronautics and related fields. For more information about the California Capital Airshow, please visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com.