KOLD News 13Want to fly? Tucson Ninety-Nines make it happen

Want to fly? Tucson Ninety-Nines make it happen

By Scott Kilbury – email

Emily Howell Warner knows her way around an airplane.

The part-time Green Valley resident has been flying planes more than 50 years

"I remember being 18 years old and riding in my first plane," Warner reflected.  "I asked the captain if I could go up in the cockpit and they let me.. and it hit me ‘This is it!'"

Everyone who knows Warner know her as Captain Emily.  Some even refer to her as a living legend of aviation.  In 1973, Warner became the first female commercial pilot in the world when she took over the controls for Frontier Airlines.

"It's hard to believe," Warner admitted.  "The first year was very difficult.  I wasn't very popular. It took about a year for acceptance. It seemed to bother the flight attendants the most and I thought that was interesting."

Another hurdles for Frontier wasn't If Warner could take off in an airplane but what she would put on.

"They asked me what I was going to wear," Warner said.  "I told them the pant suit was in fashion why not use it and add some stripes?" 

It was only a matter of months before the other airlines and military followed suit and allowed women in the cockpits. Women were allowed to pilot military planes but not go on missions.

Warner gives some of the credit to the Ninety-Nines, a women's international organization of licensed pilots, in helping her cause.  Now she helps mentor aspiring pilots. 

"I like seeing others break in the business like I did," Warner said.

The Tucson Ninety-Nines awards scholarships to women getting their pilot licenses.  This Saturday they're holding their biggest fund raiser.  They're offering 20-minute plane rides for 15 cents a pound per person.  

Juliana Rose Teal is the chairman of the local Ninety-Nines chapter, "This weekend is very important for our organization," she said. "Our scholarships depend upon it."

Jennifer Treese received one of those scholarships.  She works at the Marana Airport while picking additional flying hours.  "The number of women pilots is increasing," Treese said.  "The scholarships the Ninety-Nines are giving out helps them."

"We hope plenty of people come out for a ride and they eat a nice big meal beforehand so they really tip the scales."

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