Indy Transponder: The Museum of Flight: First Female USAF Thunderbird Pilot

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The Museum of Flight: First Female USAF Thunderbird Pilot

Greetings!,

The Museum of Flight launches into Women's History Month with a presentation by the first woman Thunderbird pilot, USAF Maj. Nicole Malachowski. In 2005 at age 30, Malachowski broke the gender barrier when she was chosen to be in the Air Force's elite flight demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. She was a member of the team for the next two years. Now a White House Fellow, Malachowski has earned a reputation as an entertaining and inspirational speaker. This is her first Seattle appearance. Malachowski will present her story and share her experiences during a program on March 7 at 2 p.m. She will field questions with the audience and sign autographs following the program.

As the historic first female pilot on any U.S. jet demonstration team, Malachowski performed before millions of spectators in 140 airshows across the United States and seven foreign countries.

Don't forget that Friday, March 13 is the Museum's annual Women Fly! program for young women ages 13 - 19. Women Fly! provides opportunities for young women to explore a variety of aviation and aerospace careers first hand from women in all aspects of these careers. The cost is $5 (payable on day of the event.) This event features interactive workshops, a mentoring lunch and a panel discussion. For more information call (206) 768.7141 or visit www.museumofflight.org/womenfly.

Dream, Discover, Soar!

Sincerely,

The Museum of Flight

March 2009

March 2009

WELLS FARGO FREE FIRST THURSDAY

Thursday, March 5, 5 - 9 p.m.
Once a month, the Museum stays open late-for free! Enjoy the Museum's Great Gallery, Personal Courage Wing, Space: Exploring the New Frontier exhibit, flight simulators and more from 5 - 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. Museum Store and Wings Café will also remain open for the extended hours on this night.

PIONEERING WOMEN IN AEROSPACE: UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MAJ. NICOLE MALACHOWSKI
Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Maj. Nicole Malachowski was the first female pilot on any United States jet demonstration team. She flew with the United States Air Force Thunderbird Demonstration Team as the #3/Right Wing. While on the team, she performed in 140 air shows across the United States and in seven foreign countries. Malachowski received her commission from the United States Air Force Academy in May 1996. She is currently serving as a White House Fellow, Class of 2008-2009, on the Presidential Transition Support Team.

BANK OF AMERICA WEEKEND FAMILY WORKSHOP: AIRCRAFT COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT: THE NASA 737

Saturdays and Sundays, March 7, 8, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
The Museum's Boeing 737-130 has a long history as a flight test aircraft with both the Boeing Company and NASA. Visitors will hear about some of the aerial research it performed, and then construct their own NASA 737 glider model!

WOMEN FLY! PROGRAM: PUSHING THE ENVELOPE-PIONEERING WOMEN IN AEROSPACE

Friday, March 13, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Women Fly! provides opportunities for young women (13 - 19) to explore a variety of aviation and aerospace careers first hand from women in all aspects of these careers. The cost is $5 (payable on day of the event.) This event features interactive workshops, a mentoring lunch and a panel discussion. For more information call (206) 768.7141 or visit www.museumofflight.org/womenfly.

WOMEN FLY! PANEL: PUSHING THE ENVELOPE- PIONEERING WOMEN IN AEROSPACE

Saturday, March 14, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater

Women have been pushing the envelope throughout the history of aviation and space exploration. This year's Women Fly! panel will feature women who have played a role in expanding the boundaries. Participants will include: Women Air Force Service Pilot Dawn Seymour, Kimberly Scott, who flies for both Alaska Airlines and the USAF, Caroline Chouinard, a computer scientist who was part of an all-woman team that managed the operations of the Spirit rover one last year, and Georgie Kunkel, a real, live Rosie the Riveter.

BANK OF AMERICA WEEKEND FAMILY WORKSHOP: WOMEN FLY!
Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Join the Museum as we celebrate Women's History Month. Visitors can design a collage honoring the courage, dedication and service of women in aviation and aerospace.

TIP-TO-TAIL TOUR: 1903 WRIGHT FLYER

Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Wright Flyer presentation will be by Docent Jerry Swearingen, whose Great Uncle, Charles Furnas, was the first airplane passenger in 1908.

SOARING EXPO

Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Side Gallery

In an annual rite of spring, the member clubs of the Seattle Glider Council once again present a glimpse into the fascinating world of silent flight at Soaring Expo 2008. See an amazing display of sleek, graceful, full-size sailplanes in the Side Gallery throughout the weekend, and take advantage of the opportunity to talk with members of area soaring clubs who will be on hand to answer all your questions about the challenges and rewards, the romance and the practicalities of soaring in the Pacific Northwest. The Expo will include presentations and films in the William M. AllenTheater, including "Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII," narrated by Hal Holbrook.

BOEING 777 FIRST FLIGHT CREW CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 28, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Crew members aboard the Boeing 777 first flight will present their recollections of the airliner's historic development program and subsequent configurations of the plane. After 14 years of service the "Triple Seven" has unmatched service reliability and has made record-setting flights.