Events & Media
2024 Girls in Aviation Day – Southern Wings Chapter
The 2024 Girls in Aviation Day, hosted by the Southern Wings Chapter of Women in Aviation International, was a fantastic success! Held in the greater Savannah area, this free event welcomed aspiring aviators of all ages, giving them a glimpse into the exciting world of aviation. Attendees had the opportunity to explore career paths, meet industry professionals, and learn about aviation’s impact on our world.
The Grand Dames of Aviation, along with the Aspiring Dames, were proud to participate, sharing their passion at the Grand Dames booth. Representing the Grand Dames was Tenille Cromwell, Gulfstream production test pilot, former Chief Pilot for Gulfstream Aerospace’s Airborne Customer Support, and former US Navy Mission Commander. A highlight of the day was a fireside chat with Carol Dean, founder of the Grand Dames of Aviation, who captivated the audience with stories of her remarkable career and the inspiring history of women in aviation. “If they could achieve what they did 100 years ago,” Carol said, “you can do it too.”
Grand Dames of Aviation at NBAA-BACE 2024 in Las Vegas
The Grand Dames of Aviation held an informal meet-and-greet at the NBAA-BACE 2024 event in Las Vegas, where they connected with industry peers and celebrated their shared passion for aviation. The National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) is one of the most significant annual gatherings for the business aviation industry, running from October 22-24, 2024. This year’s event brings together a diverse range of companies and aviation professionals, from emerging businesses showcasing the latest innovations to industry veterans.
First Female Hispanic Pilot Suits Up After 40 Years
After a career of breaking barriers, Lt. Col. Custodio retired from the Air Force without taking part in one last tradition among pilots: her fini-flight. Team Beale celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural presentations, dancing, food and a visit from the first female Hispanic pilot in the military, retired Lt. Col. Olga Custodio. Originally from Puerto Rico, Custodio served 24 years between the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Read More…
Founding Board Member Theresa Claiborne
Theresa Claiborne speaks about being the first black female USAF pilot. She is an inspiration for all. Thank you, Captain Claiborne!
Grand Dames of Aviation Loves Youth Outreach
On March 16, 2024, we met hundreds of girls and their families at the Northern Philadelphia PNE Airport. During this huge Girls In Aviation Day event, the Grand Dames showed the next generation you can do anything when you follow your dreams, work hard, and believe in yourself. A big thank you goes out to Dames Heather Hatton, Linda Wackerman, Rosanne Stencil-Johnson, and Cheryl Lynne-Simpson! A special thank you to Dame Lyndse Costabile for all of the time and hard work dedicated to organizing this fantastic event with Aviation Influence.
Private Air Media | Fly Ladies Fly!
An inspiring conversation with Carol Dean, Founder and Chairman of the Grand Dames of Aviation, & Boeing 757 pilot for FedEx; Cheryl Pitzer, Chief Pilot, FedEx; Christine Mau, F-35 Contract Instructor pilot, Lockheed Martin at Eglin AFB; Sydney Bethea, flies with the Civil Air Patrol & pursuing a commercial pilot rating; and Cherry Kan, an aspiring corporate pilot.
Airplane Geeks | Grand Dames of Aviation
An interview with Carol Dean, the Founder and Chairman of the Board. Carol explains the requirements to become a Grand Dame of Aviation and mentions some of the notable members. We learn about scholarships, mentoring and leadership networking. Cultivating the talent, innovation, and leadership of women is critical for the future of aviation and aerospace.
The Grand Dames Of Aviation Press Release
Everything you need to know about the Grand Dames of Aviation, how it started and what the Grand Dames hope to do for the future of the Aviation and Aerospace industries.