About Us

Why are we called The 99s?

The Ninety-Nines got their name from the 99 women pilots who became charter members when the organization was founded in 1929.

A letter was sent to all 117 licensed female pilots in the United States at the time, inviting them to join.  After the women pilots gathered at Curtiss Field, Valley Stream, New York, on November 2, 1929, to form a supportive network, they needed a name.

Ninety-nine women responded, and they decided to name the organization after their original number of members.

Amelia Earhart, one of the most famous female aviators in history, was elected the first president of the organization. Since then, The Ninety-Nines has grown into a global sisterhood, supporting women in aviation through mentorship, scholarships, and advocacy.

What We Do

The Ninety-Nines is an international organization of women pilots, founded in 1929 by 99 pioneering aviators—including Amelia Earhart. Today, we’re a global community across 44 countries, united by a love of flight and a commitment to advancing women in aviation.

Our purpose is simple: honor the legacy, grow the future. Through education, mentorship, and scholarships, we support women pilots at every stage—whether you’re working toward your first certificate or building a lifelong flying career. Members find practical resources, meaningful connections, and a community that understands aviation from the inside out.

The Ninety-Nines is more than history. It’s action: welcoming new pilots, supporting seasoned ones, showing up in communities, and creating visible reminders—like compass roses on airport ramps—that women belong in aviation.

Be part of a living legacy—empowering, connecting, and celebrating women who fly.

What we offer

• Scholarships that support flight training and advanced ratings

• Educational resources that encourage learning, proficiency, and growth

• Mentorship and leadership opportunities that build skills and confidence

• Outreach programs including air marking, youth engagement, and Flying Companion seminars

Why Join Us

Joining The Ninety-Nines connects you to a global community of women pilots who share your passion for flight. Since 1929, we’ve been a place where pilots of every background—student pilots, CFIs, airline and military aviators, and professionals across aviation—find mentorship, friendship, and opportunities to grow.

You’ll benefit from educational programs, safety and proficiency events, and leadership pathways, plus a strong local and international network through chapters, fly-ins, and conferences.

Together, we also give back—through scholarships, outreach and STEM advocacy, Compass Rose painting and air marking, flying companion seminars, and preserving women’s aviation history through our museums and archives.

Join us to build skills, make connections, and help more women take to the skies.

Professional Development and Mentorship

Community and Connection

Making a Difference Together

We love sharing our passion for aviation and encouraging others to explore the skies. As a member, you’ll have the chance to take part in fun, meaningful activities that spark interest in flying and help others along their journey.

Our History

The organization was founded November 2, 1929, at Curtiss Field, Valley Stream, Long Island, New York. All 117 women pilots at the time were invited to assemble for mutual support, the advancement of aviation and to create a central office to keep files on women in aviation.

Louise Thaden was elected Secretary and worked to keep the group together as they struggled to establish themselves and to grow. Those early purposes continue to guide the organization today.

In 1931, Amelia Earhart was elected the first President, and the group selected the name "Ninety-Nines" to represent the 99 charter members. Membership was immediately opened to other women as they became licensed pilots. In recent years, membership has been opened to include women with student pilot certificates.