Ready for takeoff, The Aloha Chapter of 99s is hosting the inaugural Hawaii Aviation Expo, and it's poised to be a high-flying affair for all things aeronautical. On August 10, the event will land at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport’s Conference Center, providing a platform from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for attendees to learn, network, and soar into the realms of aviation. Hawaii News Now reports that this gathering, organized by an international group of women pilots, offers a unique opportunity for aspiring pilots to mingle with the pros.

The line-up of speakers is as diverse as the flight paths crisscrossing our skies, with expertise streaming from air traffic control to meteorology. Network opportunities will be fueled not once, but twice, with local giants like Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, and others, as detailed by an announcement on The Ninety-Nines, Inc, International Organization of Women Pilots Facebook page. Attendees seeking to navigate the skies of their piloting career can expect to engage with a variety of flight training experts, including Pacific Flight Academy and George’s Aviation.

Hawaii News Now also highlighted the expo's dual role as a platform for learning and a fundraiser. The event's proceeds will go towards flight training scholarships offered annually by the Aloha Chapter 99s. With 11,086 Airline Transport Pilot Certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2023 alone, the need for such supportive initiatives seems clear in the bustling industry of flight.

Tickets can take off from wallets at $40 at the door, but aspiring pilots looking to save some cash on their journey can snag them for $30 presale online. "The biggest questions individuals have are: How do I become a pilot? Where should I go to school? How much does it cost? How long will it take?" says Michelle JoAnn, Chair of the Aloha Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, in a sentiment captured by the event's announcement posted on The Ninety-Nines, Inc, International Organization of Women Pilots Facebook page. With its array of sessions and discussions tailored for every level, from the wide-eyed novice to the career-ready aviator, the expo promises to chart a course through these questions and more.