New board member
U.S. Secretary of Trans- portation Elaine Chao has appointed National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) President and CEO Amy Spowart to the newly formed Women i n Av i a - t ion Advisory Board (WIAAB).
The WIAAB was established on Oct. 3 u nder the FAA Reau- thorization Act of 2018. The purpose of the WIAAB is to develop strategies and recommendations that would encourage women and girls to enter the field of aviation.
The strategies and recommendations will then be provided to the administrator of the Federal Aviation Admin- istration, Steve Dickson.
Spowart has been a part of the NAHF for over 20 years in various capacities and has been the executive in charge for almost five years. She has led the NAHF from a locally focused aviation history museum to a nationally recognized brand.
The work of the WIAAB will focus on analyzing industry trends; coordinating efforts among airlines, non- profit organizations and aviation and engineering associations to facilitate support for women pursuing aviation careers; expanding scholarship opportunities; and enhancing training, mentorship, education and outreach programs for women interested in aviation careers.
“Our nation is facing a shortage of pilots and aviation professionals; there are great opportunities in this sector and we want to encourage more women to enter these exciting professions,” Secretary Chao said in her statement announcing the WIAAB,
Former U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson will serve as the chair of the board.
More information about the WIAAB, including bios of all 30 members, can be found on the FAA website.