The New England Section 99s
Invite you to Join Us!
The 99s takes its inspiration from women in aviation history and works to promote the advancement of women in aviation today . . .”
The New England Section of The 99s is one of 26 sections of 99s in the world. Our membership is divided into chapters that are part of geographical “Sections” that cover several states in the U.S., provinces in Canada and countries.
There are three chapters within the New England Section:
(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont)
(Eastern MA, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire)
(Connecticut and Western MA)
- Join The 99s — The International Organization of Women Pilots
- Attend a meeting in your area and meet other women pilots
- Participate in events, scholarship & aerospace education activities
Who We Are
Many faces, all in love with flying
We are a diverse group of aviators encompassing many professions – from airline pilots and CFIs to doctors, artists, photographers,
Meet our current Governor Karen Mitchell
I have been a member of the New England Section since 2002, signing up right after I earned my PPL. I have held a number of positions both in the Eastern New England Chapter and in the New England Section.
I served as Chapter newsletter editor, back when the newsletter was photocopied, stuffed into envelopes by hand, and mailed; as Vice Chair; and as Chapter Chair. On the Section level, I’ve been Vice Governor and served a term as Governor 2018-2020. I continue to be the Oral History Chair for the Section, producing video interviews of older members to preserve their stories of flying and contribution to the 99s.
Aviation has brought me incredible adventures, and my sisters in
the Ninety-Nines have been my family every step of the way. From
receiving a handwritten note congratulating me on my first solo to
mentoring women pilots through the Professional Pilot Leadership
Initiative, the Ninety-Nines have been woven into the joy and success of my pilot journey.
As a graduate of an all-women’s college in 1997, I’ve long understood
the power of women working together and advocating for themselves.
After years of traveling, marrying, raising two wonderful kids, and
building a career as a high school math and science teacher, I was
delighted to discover both aviation and the Ninety-Nines in Laconia,
NH. My involvement with a local aviation education nonprofit kept
me at KLCI often, and taking flying lessons there sparked a curiosity
that quickly grew into passion. Receiving a First Wings scholarship
from the Ninety-Nines encouraged me to keep learning after earning
my Private Pilot Certificate. The transition from classroom teacher to
CFI felt natural, and that path eventually led me to a regional airline.
Today, I’m part of the training department at PlaneSense in Ports
mouth, NH, where I design curriculum and implement training for
their new Integrated Operations Center
What We Do
Small but Mighty!
The New England Section (comprised of three chapters) come together for meetings in the Spring and Fall of each year. The Section meeting is hosted by one of the chapters and is held in their geographic area of New England.
Other annual events hosted by the chapters of the New England Section include a fundraising flying Poker Run, Scholarship Luncheon and numerous other such as Girl Scout events, Fly-Ins, air shows, seminars, talks, tours, mentoring, support, support, support……
Meet CT Chapter Member Terry Vandendolder
Terry VandenDolder took her first flying lessons while in her junior year at the University of Connecticut. Bit by the flying bug after only 2 flights, Terry applied for and was accepted to the Air Force pilot training program after graduating from the University of Connecticut. Terry served 10 years on active duty and 18 years in the Air Force Reserve. She was a C-141B instructor pilot flying global cargo / transport missions around the world from Pakistan to Antarctica, Europe to Africa, while based at Travis AFB, CA. Terry was an evaluator pilot in the C-21A (Lear 35) at Andrews AFB, MD, transporting White House, Congressional and DoD dignitaries when she was not instructing new pilots in the aircraft. She commanded C-141B cargo/transport missions to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91. She also served as a legislative liaison for the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon. After serving 28 years in the active duty Air Force and A.F. Reserve, Terry retired from her military career in 2009 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
In 1990 she was hired by American Airlines. Since 1990, Terry has flown domestic and international flights on the MD-80, B-737, 757, 767, based out of Washington, D.C. Currently she is based at JFK airport in NY where she flies international flights to Europe and South America on the B-777.