GIRLS FLY BOLDLY  with HEATHER PENNEY

Saturday, June 23, Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Experience the excitement of a real airfield while you:

• Hear Heather Penney’s dynamic story about her journey and experiences, from studying English at Purdue University to becoming an aviator
• Meet KSTP Meteorologist and "Hurricane Hunter" Nicole Mitchell and learn about her remarkable path and work today
• Meet role models in exciting careers connected to the “aero” sphere
• Learn about designing and flying planes and drones
• Get autographs and photos
• Learn about women pathfinders in aviation and aerospace
•  “Meet” Sierra Sue and other famous aircraft
• Visit the Crew Lounge for students in grades 9 - 12

EAA Young Eagles Flights 9:00 a.m. - Noon
On Saturday, June 23, EAA Chapter members are offering FREE FLIGHTS for girls ages 8 – 17, at the Wings of the North Air Museum, weather permitting. Slots are available on a first come/first served basis by emailing jwelter@welterbuilding.com. Signed waiver by a legal guardian is required. The form will be emailed to those who want to sign up.

Heather Penney
On September 11, 2001, Lt. “Lucky” Penney was called on to take down United Flight 93 – in an unarmed F-16. More than a witness to history, her lifelong leadership continues to inspire through her advocacy of education, charitable causes and work as Senior Resident Fellow for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Heather Penney earned an undergraduate degree in English with a minor in Philosophy at Purdue University.  While working on a Master of Arts in American Studies at Purdue, she learned that combat aviation had been opened to women.  That discovery led to more than 10 years as an F-16C+ pilot in the 121st Fighter Squadron at Andrews AFB, serving two combat tours and earning multiple Air Medals.

Prior to joining the Mitchell Institute, Penney worked for over a decade in the defense industry, most recently as USAF Director of Air Superiority at Lockheed Martin. She has logged over 2,000 hours in multiple military jets and vintage taildraggers.

She formed the first collegiate team in the iconic Air Race Classic – the only women’s air race – and has been a race pilot for the jet racing team "AirRace21.”  She continues to fly vintage aircraft and tours with the Collings Foundation. Numerous honors include recognition by the Red Cross, naming as a Jimmy Doolittle Fellow and recipient of the Purdue University Emerging Voice Award.

Major Nicole Mitchell  In addition to her role at KSTP and membership in the American Meteorological Society, Major Nicole Mitchell is assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base as an aerial reconnaissance weather officer. As a member of the Hurricane Hunters she has flown into Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma. Trained first in the MN Air National Guard as a Weather Observer and Forecaster, she also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctora  te from Georgia State University.

Register Now! 

Wings of the North
Wings of the North Air Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, serves learners of all ages by restoring and showcasing flying aircraft to bring history to life, honoring Minnesota’s aviation pathfinders and veterans through exhibits and events, and inspiring youth to meet 21st century challenges by using science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  

Wings of the North Air Museum is home to Sierra Sue – the famous P-51D Mustang that flew in WWII and led the 2018 Super Bowl Flyover - and other storied aircraft and exhibits. www.wotn.org