The Los Angeles Palms Chapter of the Ninety Nines has retired the Palms to Pines Air Race, at least for this year. In order for the race to continue from SMO we would need the race to stay intact as Claire Walters created it.
In Claire's honor we are not willing to change the format of the race. We are keeping the option open to perhaps continue the race in the future.
Handicapped air racing’s roots reach right back to the early days of aviation. As always in human endeavor, when aircraft were invented it wasn’t long before people/pilots were pitching their craft and skills against each other in races.
Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots to provide mutual support and advancement of aviation, The Ninety-Nines Organization of Women Pilots has continued and expanded that mission.
The birth of the Palms to Pines Air Race was a bumpy one. There were no hotels in Independence,Oregon in 1970, so racers stayed in homes of the residents.
1998 Elder Statesmen of Aviation Selected
Washington, DC - The National Aeronautic Association announced today that seven persons have been selected to receive the prestigious Elder Statesman of Aviation award for 1998. They are John Alison, Walter Boyne, Colonel Charles McGee, Don Piccard, George Putnam, Claire Walters ,and John Zugschwert.
The SW Section of the "99 Club" was formed in 1930, with Gladys O'Donnell as Governor. On March 2, 1932, the Section was divided into two: Bay Cities Chapter and Los Angeles Chapter. The first LA Chairman was Esther Johnson.
