WHO: Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC), Oklahoma Chapter of Ninety-Nines (99s), and AAR Corporation, with keynote speaker Wally Funk

WHAT: Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day 2021.

WHEN: Friday, November 5, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: AAR Corporation, 6501 S Meridian in Oklahoma City at Will Rogers World Airport.

WHY: The annual Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day provides an opportunity for individuals to learn more about how Oklahomans may advocate on behalf of aviation and aerospace for young girls and women to pursue aviation. As Oklahoma’s second-largest and fastest-growing industry, aviation has a significant impact on the lives of our citizens.

It is a unique opportunity to gather Oklahoma military, aerospace companies, private and commercial pilots, airport managers, municipal officials, drone pilots, educators, flying clubs, and the many users of the Oklahoma Airport System to discuss Oklahoma’s strong aviation heritage and how the industry continues to solidify our state as a worldwide leader in aviation, aerospace, and aerospace and defense.

How: Prior to the event, at 10 a.m., Oklahoma Journalists will have access to interview, photograph, and video with Astronaut John Herrington, State Aeronautics Director Grayson Ardies, State Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz, Corbi Bullock with the Ninety-Nines and Michelle Coppedge with the FAA. Elected officials will also attend the event and will make themselves available to answer questions about aviation in their respective districts and their involvement in the event.

Keynote Speaker Wally Funk (Mary Wallace Funk) was part of the original Mercury 13 program but was not allowed to continue astronaut training. This year, however, she flew into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard craft.

Funk’s participation is one of the highlights of this year’s event, on a day that honors the contributions women have had on the industry – and advocates for young girls and women to pursue aviation.

Wally Funk will be joined by local and state officials including Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, Transportation Secretary Gatz, Aeronautics Director Ardies, Aerospace State Director Geoff Camp and NASA Astronaut John Herrington in addition to the Ninety-Nines (a women’s pilot group) from across the United States.