Oklahoma Ninety-Nines Chapter Paints Compass Rose at Chickasha Municipal Airport
CHICKASHA, Okla. – September 17, 2019 – On Saturday, September 14, more than a dozen members of the Oklahoma Chapter of The Ninety-Nines, Inc. volunteered at the Chickasha Municipal Airport, painting a 70-foot compass rose and refreshing the CHICKASHA lettering on the taxiway.
Compass rose markings are designed to aid in calibrating an airplane’s compass, which is an annual requirement from the FAA. The Ninety-Nines have been involved in air marking since the early 20th century, volunteering their time to paint airport names, compass rose symbols and other identifications.
Teresa Camp, Special Projects Engineer for Executive Aircraft at Boeing, is a member of the Oklahoma Chapter of Ninety-Nines.
“Traditionally air marking is done by Ninety-Nines to support aviation and encourage people to appreciate the history of women in aviation,” Camp said. “Air marking is keeping alive a grand tradition while creating a work of art that a city can be proud of and one that will be useful for the general aviation community – it’s a win-win for so many stakeholders.”
Camp said once she joined the organization, she found many ways to reach out to the community: mentoring those working to get their pilots license, reaching out to young people interested in aviation and building relationships with others passionate about flying.
“I began flying after working at Boeing because I felt like it would make me a better aircraft engineer,” Camp said. “Then I fell in love with it. Being a member of the Ninety-Nines is very fun and life-enriching.”
The organization sees the air marking events as a good time to get together to build relationships. Encouraging local youth, particularly girls, to look into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and aviation-related careers is another component.
“After seeing the compass rose in person, people marvel at its size and beauty while being fascinated by its long points jutting towards the magnetic north pole and all the other geographic angles,” Camp said.
The City of Chickasha previously had an air mark that had faded over the years, and the City was excited for the opportunity to have a new compass rose painted.
“Teresa Camp and The Ninety-Nines are a very well-coordinated organization,” said Susan McDaniel, Chickasha City Clerk. “Many people came from out of town to help with the painting, and I appreciate people taking time out of their lives to give to Chickasha.”
The Chickasha Municipal Airport compass rose is located just north of the Airport Terminal.
The Ninety-Nines an international organization of licensed women pilots, including private pilots, airline pilots and military pilots. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, their mission is to promote the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring their unique history and sharing their passion for flight.
About the City of Chickasha
The Gateway to Southwest Oklahoma, Chickasha is a small community, home to approximately 16,000 people. Chickasha is easily accessible by travel on U.S. Highways 81 or 62, or on four-lane Interstate 44, located approximately 30 minutes south of the Oklahoma City metro area. Visitors are drawn to the city for the Festival of Light, Arts Festival, sporting events and other entertainment opportunities. Visit their website, chickasha.org, to learn more, or follow the City of Chickasha on Facebook, Twitter on Instagram at @ChickashaOK.
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