Distinguished Lecturer, Ms. Margaret Ringenberg, Female Aviator

MARGARET RINGENBERG
Biography
Margaret Ringenberg took her first airplane ride at the age of seven from a farmer’s field in rural Indiana. She was called to be a WASP in 1943, became a flight instructor in 1945, and has flown as a commercial pilot ever since. She has been racing since 1957 in various races including the Powder Puff Derby, the Classic Air Race, the Grand Prix, the Great Southern, the Denver Mile High, the Illi-nines Air Race, the Kentucky Air Derby, the Indiana F.A.I.R, the Michigan SMALL Race and others. She has won numerous times and has over 150 trophies. From the time she soloed in 1941 until she completed the ‘Round-the-World Air Race in 1994 at the age of 72, she has logged over 40,000 hours. She has been married to banker, Morris Ringenberg, for over 54 years. They have two children and five grandchildren. She has been active in Girl Scouting, church activities, and museum work and has been a member of the 99s, an organization of women pilots, since 1945. She is currently flying and speaking about her experiences. In 1998 she addressed 1000 cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and received a standing ovation. A chapter was devoted to her in Tom Brokaw’s bestseller, The Greatest Generation, and she has written a book of her own, Girl’s Can’t Be Pilots. In November of 1999 Margaret received the NAA Elder Statesman in Aviation award in a presentation ceremony in Washington D.C., and in December she was honored in Woman Pilot Magazine. In March of 2001 she flew a race from London, England, to Sydney, Australia. Information about this may be found at www.Skytrekkers.com.

Abstract: Yes, We Can

• The adventures and challenges that faced the pioneers of female aviation as a WASP
• Her experiences and insight as a pilot and flight instructor logging over 40,000 hours since 1943 in both military and private aircraft
• The excitement and challenges she faced in numerous air races around the world
• Her knowledge on how to fly safely
• Motivational thoughts on aiming high and achieving your goals.

WHEN: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, social 5:30pm, dinner 6:00pm, presentation 7:30pm
TICKET DEADLINE: Wednesday, October 16, noon.
WHERE: MIGHTY 8th AIRFORCE MUSEUM, Pooler on East Side of I-95

MENU: TBA
COST: $12 MEMBERS, $10 STUDENTS AND CO-OPS, $15 NON-MEMBERS

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM: Ross Osborne, x.24785; Jason Thomas, x.28803 or any other AIAA officer

Drawing will be held for door prize