Girls With Wings

Girls With Wings™ arrives at Women in Aviation, International, 2007

There are two ways to climb to the top of an oak tree! One is by climbing, the
other is by sitting on an acorn!

Lynda Meeks chose to climb and in 1993, she began a career as a helicopter
pilot with the U.S Army. After tours in South America, Europe and Southwest
Asia, she left the Army to become a pilot with Air Midwest, a subsidiary of the
Mesa Air Group. Upgrade to Captain was swift and it was followed with an
appointment to the Ohio Army National Guard.

To many, this would represent an acceptable career objective. The opportunity
to fly for a major Airline, while also retaining links with the military through the
Ohio Army National Guard. Not so for Lynda, She wanted still more challenges
in her life - she wanted the challenge of running her own business.

Through sheer hard work, personal sacrifice and endeavor, Lynda has
"reached for the stars" as an accomplished pilot. Now, through her business
interests, she wishes to enable female aviators of the future to follow, and,
perhaps exceed, not only her own admirable achievements but also those of
ladies who have exhibited that same "sheer professionalism, commitment and
desire to succeed".

And just who are these ladies of extraordinary character and determination?
They are the ladies who have associated themselves with an organization
called Girls With Wings™!

Each professional pilot, both military and civilian, each flight instructor, flight
navigator, dispatcher, air traffic controller and student pilot is pledged to
promote the role of women in aviation.

By their examples of leadership and hard work, they demonstrate that "what
is desired, can be achieved". They also provide a clear and unambiguous
support structure for any young girl interested in any facet of civil or military
aviation.

The initial expression of interest is, too often, met with a "can't do" attitude
and, at times, a dismissive response. Through Girls With Wings™, the
support structure is now in place so, it is now a case of "can do!"

A company check-pilot at Continental Express, a First-Officer at USAirways, a
senior Flight Navigator at Boeing, a First-Officer at Atlantic Southeast Airlines
and a Master CFI no less have ALL conclusively proved themselves and they
stand ready, willing and able to help YOU prove yourself.

Under the leadership of Lynda Meeks, Girls With Wings™ is an e-commerce
merchandising and public awareness project that focuses on encouraging
young girls to consider a career in aviation. Website activities and inspirational
stories of female aviation professionals will, it is hoped, motivate girls to
"reach for the stars".

A non-profit organization called Generate LIFT – Lead. Inspire. Fund. Train.™
offers further educational opportunity by encouraging children to investigate
the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.

While The LIFT team seeks to attract both boys and girls, female aviation
professionals will play a pivotal role as role models and mentors for young girls
who express an interest in aviation. Additionally, LIFT will seek to assist those
future aviators by offering scholarships to offset the rising costs of flight
training.

Once you succeed in climbing to the top of the Oak tree, the sense of
achievement and satisfaction is incredible. Through endeavor and hard work,
you really can "reach for the stars".

Nikolas Dowling
Commercial Pilot
CFI/CFII/MEI
CE-500/CE-525