SAWYER -- Several women prepared their planes for takeoff Sunday morning. They are members of the international organization, The Ninety-Nines, Inc.
The Ninety-Nines was formed in 1929 by 99 women pilots. It's an organization in support of women pilots.
Shelley Ventura is a member and says it's more than a support group.
"Amelia Earhart was our first president. We have been, all along, supporting women, promoting women in aviation, offering scholarships, and networking opportunities," said Ventura.
There are only two requirements to be a member. You have to be a woman and be a licensed pilot. The organization has 5,000 women pilots.
More than 30 women from nine different states came to the North Central Ninety-Nines section conference at the Landmark Inn in Marquette. Many of them have other careers. They fly, not because it's their job, but because they love it.
For them, the instant connection between flying a plane in the open sky keeps them in the air.
Minetta Gardinier got her license in 2003. Now she's a racer in the Air Race Classic. It's a cross country air race which has more women signing up each year.
"I just love getting in a plane and taking off. Just being able fly. I love flying through clouds, around clouds, it's just freedom basically. I think a sense of freedom," said Gardinier.
They fly for the fun of it. Organizers say Amelia Earhart once stayed in room 502 at the Landmark Inn. To honor her, they dedicated the room she stayed in. The North Central section of the Ninety-Nines plans to reunite for another section conference in the spring.
For more information on the organization, click here.
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