2012 Fall Section Meeting

Georgia Southern Hospitality | Georgia Chapter | Sept 2012

The fall business meeting of the Southeast Section was held in the Museum of Aviation adjacent to Warner Robins Air Force Base, in Warner Robins, GA. Chapters from as far west as New Orleans and as far north as Tennessee were represented.

Hosted by the Georgia chapter and organized by Susan Delgado, the meeting featured a review of chapter business including a group discussion of ideas for chapter revitalization. Suggestions for fundraising, increasing membership, promoting the visibility of the chapter, flying activities, and fun educational activities were shared by the group, so each participant had some ideas to bring home to her own chapter. Our chapter secretary Terry Carbonell, who also serves as SE Section Governor, did a great job running an informative meeting.  

Heather Hutton, Aircraft Structure Technology Instructor at Middle Georgia College, gave an interesting educational presentation. She discussed her experiences as a Restoration Mechanic at the Smithsonian and the process of preparing aircraft for display at the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles airport. As a licensed aircraft and power plant mechanic, Heather faced a number of challenges and difficult working conditions in a male-dominated working environment. Strategies she used to help cope with discrimination included being subtle about competition with other workers, not being afraid to face a challenge, thinking “outside the box”, being assertive when necessary, and the need for balance in work and personal life. This dynamic and creative woman is now a college instructor and welcomes the opportunity to mentor young women who want to work in this nontraditional area of aviation.

After the afternoon sessions, we were free to visit the Museum of Aviation. The museum is not just for military aircraft but also includes the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors aviation leaders who have contributed to the growth of general aviation in Georgia. Notable women included are Jacqueline Cochran, June D. Maule, and Charlotte Fogg Fyre. Ms. Frye was the 7th licensed female pilot in GA and flew airmail from Griffin to Atlanta for many years. A strong supporter of general aviation in the 1930s, she was also a founding member of the Georgia 99s and SE Section Governor in 1941.

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That evening after a barbeque dinner we took a trolley tour around historic downtown Macon. Many examples of classical architecture survived the Civil War since General Granthad declared that Macon was “too beautiful to burn”, unlike some other Georgia cities.

Thanks again to Susan and the Georgia 99s for their hospitality!