Sports Aviation in Stationery Business Directory

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Alaska Writer Sandi Sumner in Stationery Business Directory

 

NEWS FLASH; Back by popular request, Writing Workshops, in Colorado & Alaska in 2007. Details on Whats Happening 2007, page. Book Review of Women Pilots of Alaska by Shana Loshbaugh, Fairbanks News Miner, April 2005. Sumner takes readers along on some of her interviews, conveying details and quoting anecdotes that give a vivid sense of these women as real people. She also does a fine job conveying their competence, gumption and passion for flying. . .Sumner has a knack for drawing out the people she interviews and sharing their exhiliration with readers. The first biographical history of women pilots in Alaska, this book explores the challenges faced by women as they pursued roles in aviation in the Last Frontier. Beginning in 1927 with Marvel Crosson and reaching to the present day, 37 adventurous and personal tales are offered, like the story of Ingrid Pedersen, the first person to fly a small airplane over the North Pole; Patty Wagstaff, three-times U. S. Aerobatic Champion who learned to fly in Alaska; Diana Moroney pilot and 10-time Iditarod dog musher; Ellen Paneok, Native Alaskan Bush Pilot with 9 lives; Ginny Jacober an ultralight pilot; Carol Redding, pilot who prefers to jump out of planes and owns a skydiving school; and Dr. Petra Illig, an aviation doc who yearned to be an astronaut. The stories of these amazing women provide insight into why they chose nontraditional roles and how they mentored others like todays military pilots, airline pilots and those who aspire to be astronauts. Ruth Jefford, an icon in Alaska aviation, passed away January 9th. She arrived in Anchorage in 1941, and became the first female flight instructor at Merrill Field, and first woman to own an air-taxi service in Alaska. Although Ruth denied that she inspired others women to become pilots, Sandi Sumner disagrees, explaining that Ruth was a charter member -- one of eight -- of the Alaska Chapter of Ninety-Nines, (International Organization of Women Pilots) in1954. This group is known for providing scholarships to women aspiring to become pilots. Sumner recalls visiting with Ruth in her home in Wasilla im 2004, while her tawny-colored cat, Tomboy, lapped up attention. They talked about why Ruth had a love affair with Alaska: I like Alaska because there are few roads, and were even fewer when I arrived in the 1940s. In the lower 48 you can drive to the next town but not here. You have to fly. Thats one thing I liked. With a smile, and sadness in heart, Sumner says, Alaska had a love affair with you too, Ruth -- thanks for the memories. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PEARL LASKA CHAMBERLAIN who celebrated her 98th in Fairbanks, Alaska on April 29, 2007. Pearl was a pilot in the WASPs in W. W. II.; a pilot in Alaska following the war, and a flight instructor. As if this wasnt impressive enough, Pearl also learned to fly Ultralight aircraft at age 83! In March 2006, the FAA presented Pearl with a Master Pilot award at a banquet in Fairbanks, recognizing 50 years of safe flying. She is only the 2nd woman pilot in Alaska to receive this prestigious award.

 

Website: http://www.sandisumner.alaskawriters.com/