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Girls in Flight Training Academy

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Girls in Flight Training Academy (GIFT) offers free instruction and low-cost airplane rentals for potential female pilots in an intensive, distraction-free training environment.
  • Spearheaded by experienced pilot Mary Latimer and her multi-generational family, GIFT aims to increase the low percentage of active women pilots by encouraging them to complete their pilot certificates.
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For the second year in a row, the Girls in Flight Training Academy (GIFT) is set to take off Nov. 3-9 at the Wilbarger County Airport (F05) north of Vernon, Texas. The training camp provides free instruction and low-cost airplane rentals to potential female pilots across the country. Housing is also provided, either in a house or in tents at the airport.

Mary Latimer, who spearheaded the project, and her husband Lawrence provide the majority of the instruction. The couple’s daughter, Tamara Griffith, is also part of the instructional team, and a third generation female pilot, Tamara’s daughter Amanda, will participate as a ground instructor, and possibly also as a CFI as she is currently in the process of completing her CFI certificate.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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