Participants will be able to take to the skies tomorrow as Girls in Aviation Day returns to Red Deer Regional Airport for its fourth year.
Women in Aviation International launched the event in 2015. More than 130 events will take place worldwide, with Alberta’s edition ranking as the third largest in 2024, drawing about 1,500 attendees.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the airport will feature exhibits, displays and aircraft for participants to explore.
The goal of the family-friendly event is to showcase the wide range of aviation careers beyond piloting.
“Many people don't realize how many careers are aviation related,” said Nancy Paish, CEO of the airport and chair of the Alberta Girls in Aviation Day board.
“So, things like air traffic controllers, flight attendants, pilots, ground staff, business staff like myself that help run the businesses associated with aviation or airports.”
Paish noted the event is open to everyone, not just women and girls.
Attendees will be able to meet aerospace maintenance engineers, pilots and Royal Canadian Air Force members in a “meet and greet” area.
More than 30 exhibitors are expected, including avionics companies and flight schools offering simulators and VR experiences. Aircraft on display will include a large charter or private jet, a Gripen and a Dash 8.
The event has already inspired some participants to pursue aviation careers.
“Girls in Aviation Day sparked the passion in them. They then applied for post-secondary at MRU and SAIT, and have gone on to be pilots as well as taking their business degree so that they can go work in aviation,” said Paish.
She thanked volunteers and sponsors for making the event possible and encouraged participants to pre-register to help organizers prepare for the free barbecue lunch.
More information and registration is available at the Girls in Aviation Alberta website.
** Gallery photos from Girls in Aviation Alberta website.
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