Twelfth Girls in Aviation Day Expects 34,500 Attendees

Women in Aviation International (WAI) will hold its 12th annual International Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) on September 19, with more than 200 events planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Asia. The group expects more than 34,500 attendees, including 70 events across 27 countries outside the U.S. and 131 events in the U.S. and its territories.

The program was created to introduce girls and young women to aviation and aerospace career paths, pairing participants with female mentors and giving them access to career-focused discussions and guided tours of aircraft and airport facilities. This year’s programming includes a sectional chart scavenger hunt, hands-on flight planning, a tailwheel-airplane build, an in-flight safety briefing, and a maintenance-technician-led look at aircraft engines and avionics.

“Every year, Girls in Aviation Day opens more doors and sparks more curiosity in the next generation of aviators,” said WAI CEO Lynda Coffman.

GIAD launched in 2015 with 32 events and 3,200 participants. Last year’s program brought together more than 40,000 participants at 200 events spanning 34 countries.