The Ninety-Nines Inc.—the international nonprofit organization of women pilots dedicated to aerospace training and education—learned last week that their endowment fund was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The grant honors Barron Hilton’s legacy as a supporter of aviation. The Ninety-Nines said in a news release the grant will enable the organization to increase outreach activities, develop more high-quality pilot proficiency education programs, and share the group’s passion for aviation and the Ninety-Nines with others.
In addition to his success as a businessman and entrepreneur, Barron Hilton was a great friend to aviation. During his World War II Navy service, Hilton earned his single-engine license. At age 19, he earned his twin-engine rating at USC Aeronautical School. As a longtime aviation enthusiast, Hilton was a major supporter of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program. The Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery in the National Air and Space Museum is funded by the Hilton Foundation to allow future generations of young people an opportunity to let their own dreams soar to new heights.
“It is fitting that we share the goal of the Barron Hilton Pioneers program,” said Mary Wunder, chair of the Ninety-Nines Endowment Fund. “We are deeply grateful that the Hilton Foundation honors Barron Hilton’s love of aviation with this generous grant to the Ninety-Nines Endowment Fund.”
