  |  |         |
Charter Date: February 14, 1982
In 1949, a group of women pilots banded together and formed the Arizona Chapter of the Ninety-Nines. The name was later changed to Saguaro and finally to the Phoenix Chapter in 1955. Theses women came from all around the state. As the population the Phoenix area grew, and as more women became involved in aviation, the Phoenix Chapter's membership grew to well over one hundred. A few of its members began to feel that perhaps with another chapter in the area, membership participation might be higher and more of the goals of the organization might be accomplished. These members set out to form the Arizona Sundance Chapter, chartering with 39 members, half of them having never been Ninety Nines before.
Our charter date, February 14, 1982, was picked for two reasons. Being Valentine's Day, we felt the day was already established as being a happy day for remembering friends and loved ones, and it was also the birthday of our state. The original officers of the Chapter were: Pat Moreland-chariman, Cathy Nicholaisen-vice chairman, Liz Kramer-secretary, Polly Mumey-treasurer, and Janna Shea-membership.
The Arizona Sundance Chapter has been very active in its tow years of existence. Some of our activities have included the following:
- judging at National Intercollegiate Flying Association meets
- Putting on Annual Proficiency Training days to sharpen our members' flying skills
- Sponsoring Aviation Safety Seminars
- Airmarking airports
- Putting on airlifts
- Providing air show support
- Sponsoring an Aviation Interest Project for Senior Girl Scouts
- Sponsoring the Shamrock Air Derby
We, in addition to our activities, contribute financially to several worthwhile programs, including the Phoenix 99s Scholarship, National Intercollegiate Flying Association, and the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship program. Additionally, we provide sponsorship to our own members who wish to compete on regional or national levels at NIFA or USPFT competitions.
Our husbands are urged to get active in the group by participating in our 49 1/2 program. Without their valuable help, we could not accomplish nearly as much as we are now able to do. Women student pilots are also urged to become active by joining our Future Women Pilots program.
We would like to thank the community for their continued support, without which our programs would not be nearly as effective.