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Orange County 99s

The Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots

Pat Prentiss, Past International President

In her 26 years of flying, Pat has flown most models of single-engine airplanes. Pat earned her Multi-engine rating in a Beech Duchess and has flown the King Air 200, Citations I, II, III and V and the Hawker 700. When not serving as Director of Operations for a Part 135 operation here in Orange County, Pat flies her own Cessna 206. She holds a Airline Transport Pilot certificate, Airplane Multi-engine Land, CE-500, CE-650, HS-125 with Commercial Privileges and Airplane Single Engine Land. Pat also holds a Flight Instructor rating, Single Engine Land. A typical day of corporate flying might find her in California one day and the next day in New York, Florida, Kansas city or anywhere in the U.S. Her favorite flying activity is air racing, winning first place in the Palms to Pines Air Race in 2002.

Pat just completed a 2 year term as the International President of The Ninety-Nines. Pat has also served as Chapter Chairman, Southwest Section Secretary, Vice-Governor and Governor and has received the Woman Pilot of the Year Award twice before taking on the chairmanship of that committee. Pat says that belonging to The Ninety-Nines has opened a world of friendships and attending Section meetings, working with the Board and staff at 99s Headquarters in Oklahoma City are some of her favorite things. Pat says flying has given her a real sense of confidence. Our chapter is extremely proud to have Pat as a member.

Featured Orange County Members

Patty Murray

A long time member, Patty Murray is one of Orange County’s most energetic advocates. Patty holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and can frequently be heard on the Tower frequency out of John Wayne Airport. Patty also promotes the airport by participating in the tour program offered through John Wayne Airport’s Public Relations department.

One of Patty’s more recent projects has been to create a program for young Girl Scouts to achieve their Aerospace badge. Working with Orange County Council of the Girl Scouts and with John Wayne Airport, this program is now in it’s second year and introduces aviation to future women pilots, age 9-11 years.

Patty has held Vice-Chairman and Chairman positions, and served on a countless number of chapter and Section committees. Patty’s character sets a terrific example for anyone interested in flying. After talking with Patty, you come away thinking, ‘I can do it!’

Pam Hengsteler

Who at John Wayne Airport has not seen Pam on the field, teaching student pilots and encouraging others? Pam is Assistant Chief Instructor at Sunrise Aviation and is frequently honored as their top instructor. Pam has served as Chapter Chairman and has received many awards including Southwest Section Woman Pilot of the Year.

Pam’s unique flying experience during her early career included flying as fish-spotter for boats, in a single seated airplane and where her only companion were fuel tanks, ocean and blue sky. When instructing, Pam has a way of making even the most complicated concept seem understandable. On her days off, Pam is an avid skier and is either snow skiing, water skiing or jet skiing. Pam’s energy is infectious and has mentored many future women pilots.

Pam and her dog, Daisy, are the most familiar duos at John Wayne Airport. Say ‘hello’ next time you’re on the field.

Diane Myers

Recently retired from a 22 year career at continental Airlines, Diane Myers is a inspiration to airline ‘wanna-bes’ and recreational pilots alike.

During her first solo, Diane remembers thinking, “This is so great I’m not ever coming down.” Her passion for flying took over and Diane worked at her programming job at night in order to take flying lessons during the day. Diane earned her Private Pilot certificate in six months. Six months later, Diane had her Commercial certificate plus her Instrument ratings and another six months later, had her Instructor ratings. She soloed a Cessna 182 in the Palms To Pines Air Race to complete her Commercial cross country requirements! With two hours of Lear Jet time, Diane was offered a position as co-pilot on Lear Jet 35s and 55s, taking Teamster Union officials to business meetings across the US and Canada.

In 1983, Diane heard that Continental was looking for pilots. “I called them, and after an interview explaining I had approximately 5,000 hours flying time, I was hired.” Diane flew B-727s on the Air Micronesia Flight as a flight engineer. These 14 hour flights took her from Honolulu to Johnston Island, Majuro, Kwajalein, Ponape, Truk and Guam. Soon upgraded to co-pilot, Diane made Captain in less than two years, moving on to B-737s.

Diane has flown DC-10s and the “Queen of the Fleet,” the Boeing 777. Diane was a flight instructor to students from France, Korea, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in a Contract Flight Training Program and a Check Airman in Continental’s Flight Standards Department. Diane has now logged over 18,000 hours flying time.

Diane consistently and enthusiastically supports The Ninety-Nines through mentoring and participating in local events since 1974. Diane is one of the more compelling speakers at the chapter’s Flying Companion Seminars and has been awarded both the Pilot of the Year and Professional Pilot of the Year trophy for her huge contribution to aviation.

When asked, ‘How can I become an airline pilot?”, Diane replies, “Required first and foremost is the passion for flying. With that in place, accompanied by a consistent positive attitude, plus the necessary determination, tenacity, self-discipline and self-confidence, the needed successes will fall into place.” Being a team player and willingness ‘to do whatever it takes’ is important, plus ignoring or overcoming any obstacles along the way.”

The Orange County chapter is extremely proud to have Diane Myers as one of our members!

Message from Brenda Jackson, Chairman

I start this year as your Chapter Chairman following in the footsteps of some amazingly talented women. With your help and participation, I hope to live up to their examples.

Our new Vice-Chairman and last year’s Pilot of the Year, Carol Bennett and her committee, did a great job on this year’s banquet. Our Chapter Secretary, Emi Kennedy was named the Orange County Chapter’s Pilot of the Year for 2008.

The Ninety-Nines International Conference in Anchorage, Alaska was a fabulous experience. Not only did we get a chance to see the 49th and largest state, we got to hang out with some terrific women as well.

We have several events coming up this year. I hope to see all of you at upcoming meetings and events.