WHEATLAND – At the Phifer Field Fly-In at the airport in Wheatland, approximately 20 people were treated to airplane rides around the county (including several youths) to see sights such as Grayrocks Reservoir, The Little Res, and the town of Wheatland. The public event began with breakfast at 8 a.m. on Saturday and featured area pilots who shared their love of aerial flight with the community. A candy drop in which candy was dropped from aircraft onto a specific spot on the runway is always popular with children.
One group participating in the event was the Wyoming Ninety-Nines, a group of women who share a passion for aviation – from mechanics to aircraft design. This group (which was dormant until Myranda Stingley of Cody revived the chapter this spring) has a mission to promote women’s excitement and interest in all things aviation. Nita Tallent of Wheatland is vice-president of the group, joining president Vickey Souders of Worland and Stingley as secretary of the Wyoming Ninety-Nines.
Having been interested in flight and all things aviation for many years, Tallent’s career in biology allowed her to tap into that interest to complete research and gather data via airplane. Now retired, Tallent can focus more on aviation and is taking advantage of the opportunity to share her passion with other women. She emphasizes the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) utilized every day in the aviation world.

For more information on aviation, becoming a pilot, or to reach out to a local pilot for “discovery” flights, can email wyoninetynine@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page, Wyoming Ninety Nines.