The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots in Providence

According to records, Blanche Scott was the first woman pilot in 1910, when the airplane she was allowed to taxi down a runway "mysteriously" took flight. In 1911, Harriet Quimby became the first licensed woman pilot, and later in 1912, became the first woman to fly across the English Channel.

These bits of aeronautic history are the stuff of The Ninety Nines, Inc. International Organization of Women Pilots, and the backdrop for this week's conference in our capital city.

The 2012 Ninety-Nines Conference is hosted by the New England Section of this recognized international association, and has 274 members in town from as far away as Japan, Russia, and Germany. More than 27 individual airplanes were flown by these licensed women pilots attending the week's conference, and have flown into TF Green Airport in Warwick and North Central Airport in Smithfield.

Founded in 1929, at Curtiss Field, Valley Stream, Long Island, the association was formed and named for the first 99 charter members. Today, chapters exist in 35 countries worldwide, representing women in all areas of aviation - professional pilots for airlines, industry and government. "We are pilots who teach and pilots who fly for pleasure; we are pilots who are technicians and mechanics. But first and foremost, we are women who love to fly!" their website states.

The organization also offers scholarships and mutual support to other women pilots. For more information about the conference or to register for the visit www.womenpilotsnewengland.org or call conference co-chairs Glenna Blackwell at 413.329.8527.