In aviation’s early days, cross-country flying could be tough and uncertain. With limited navigation tools, pilots followed landmarks, rail lines, and ground markings to stay on course. To help, Ninety-Nines chapters worked with local communities to paint town names, airport identifiers, and directional markings on rooftops and open spaces — giving pilots something reliable to find from the air.

A key leader in this work was Phoebe Omlie, an accomplished pilot and government official who helped develop a national approach to airmarking in partnership with the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). With support from chapters across the country, The Ninety-Nines painted thousands of airmarks—often in challenging conditions—building a lasting legacy of service to aviation.

Today, the most visible part of that legacy is the Compass Rose Airmarking Program. Found at airports across the country, these striking compass roses help pilots calibrate their aircraft compasses and serve as a proud tribute to aviation history and women in flight.

Because a compass rose is large and precise, it takes teamwork. Most projects require two teams, one to lay out the pattern and one to paint.

If you would like further information on airmarking, please contact our Airmarking Chairman.