Author: Brenda Gay

Sedona Airport Day—officially Wings & Wheels 2026—drew a remarkable crowd on October 10. Cars lined the approach for up to an hour, and the mesa buzzed with the energy of a true community celebration. Pre-event reports noted more vendors, food trucks, classic cars, and aircraft than in previous years, and the turnout lived up to the anticipation.

The Sedona 99s were proud to be part of it. Alicia, Matreiya, and Brenda staffed our booth under the Ninety-Nines canopy, sharing information about the International Organization of Women Pilots with women and girls of all ages. Visitors stopped to ask questions, look through materials on Amelia Earhart and other pioneering aviators, and learn about the chapter’s activities right here in Sedona.

It was a pleasure meeting so many people curious about flying and the history of women in aviation. The day reinforced what we love about Airport Day: the chance to connect with the community in a beautiful setting filled with aircraft, classic cars, and red-rock views.

The Sedona 99s are deeply grateful to EAA Chapter 952 for their generous $3,000 donation to our student pilot scholarship fund. This support will make a real difference for women pursuing flight training in our community.

Flight training is expensive. Between aircraft rental, instructor time, and related costs, the path to a private pilot certificate can feel out of reach for many capable students. A scholarship of this size can cover a meaningful number of flight hours—often the difference between a student continuing their training and having to pause or stop altogether. For members of The Ninety-Nines, it also reinforces that they have a local chapter standing behind them as they work toward their goals.

The funds will help a Sedona-area student pilot progress toward her certificate while staying connected to a community of women pilots who understand the challenges and the rewards of learning to fly. In a field where women remain underrepresented, practical support like this matters. It turns encouragement into actual time in the air.

We thank EAA Chapter 952 for investing in the next generation of pilots and for strengthening the partnership between our two aviation organizations. Their gift helps keep the dream of flight alive right here in Sedona.

What a wonderful day we had at Sedona Airport Day 2024! The Sedona chapter of The Ninety-Nines was thrilled to host a booth packed with activities that brought out the community’s love of aviation.

Visitors stopped by for our silent auction, raffle ticket sales, and face painting, and the energy stayed high all day. The clear Sedona sky and the airport setting made the perfect backdrop.

The biggest hit by far? Brenda, Lori, Debbie, and Cheryl dressed as Amelia Earhart. From the leather jackets and goggles to the classic scarves and confident smiles, the four of them looked ready for a cross-country flight. Kids and adults alike lined up for photos, and more than a few people said the costumes made their day.

It was pure joy watching the next generation (and plenty of adults) light up around the women who carry on the spirit of the original Ninety-Nines. Thank you to everyone who visited, bid, bought a raffle ticket, or simply stopped to say hello. Days like this remind us why we love sharing the sky with our community.

On May 18 2024, the Sedona 99s student pilots gathered at the Sedona airport for a training session focusing on unusual chart symbols.  Sam Ellington, a Cottonwood and Prescott-based CFI, led the training by pointing out unusual symbols found in our area, what the symbols mean, and why they show up. 

All pilots know the importance of understanding these chart symbols when navigating cross country in Arizona.  And, as an added bonus, during a checkride, a DPE may point to an unusual symbol and ask questions.  Our student pilots will surely nail this part of the checkride!

We, the Sedona 99s pilots and students, are grateful to Sam for taking the time to share his knowledge and presenting the information in a fun and engaging way.   We also appreciate his overall support and encouragement to future pilots.

The Sedona 99s were honored to welcome local pilot and photographer Ted Grussing for a presentation on motorized gliders and aerial photography.

Ted began flying gliders in 1996 at age 59 and quickly fell in love with silent flight. After roughly 1,800 hours in pure sailplanes, he transitioned to a Lambada motorglider he named Mariah. The aircraft let him self-launch from Sedona Airport, shut the engine down to soar, or leave it running for longer photo missions—turning the plane into what he has often called his “aerial tripod.” From that unique vantage he has created thousands of striking images of Sedona’s red rocks, the San Francisco Peaks, and the wider Northern Arizona landscape.

Members and guests were treated to stories of cross-country soaring, the pure joy of engine-off flight, and the careful work of composing photographs while aloft. Ted’s combination of flying skill and artistic eye made the evening both inspiring and educational—a reminder of the many ways aviation can connect us to the beauty of the place we call home.

It was a privilege to host him. Thank you, Ted, for sharing your passion and your remarkable view from the sky.