About the Ninety-Nines
The Ninety-Nines, Inc. is the world’s oldest and largest organization of women pilots. Founded in 1929 for mutual support and the advancement of aviation, this international organization now has thousands of members in 44 countries.
Our mission is to promote the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.
About Our Chapter
Who are we?
We are women pilots and future women pilots. Our members live, work & fly in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our local airports are San Carlos (SQL), Palo Alto (PAO), San Jose (SJC), Reid-Hillview (RHV) and Hollister (CVH).
Currently, the Santa Clara Valley 99s has over 70 members; our membership includes professional airline pilots, flight instructors, and women who work in other fields and fly for fun. Our members are also active in other aviation organizations, including Civil Air Patrol, Santa Clara County Airmen’s Association, EAA, Angel Flight, California Aerospace Education Association, US Parachute Association, Pilots n Paws and the United Flying Octogenarians.
The Santa Clara Valley 99s belong to the the Southwest Section of the International Ninety-Nines which includes all chapters from California, Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Student Pilots
Women student pilots are welcome to attend all SCV 99s Chapter activities. We provide encouragement to students throughout their pilot training.
Our shared experience can help student pilots know what to expect and what to do with their skills upon receiving that hard-earned pilot certificate. Student pilots can also join the 99s as Student Pilot members, which provides many of the benefits of full membership.
To learn more, please see the Student Pilot page »
Why join the SCV 99s?
Our goal is to support and encourage all women pilots on a personal level. Through friendship, financial support, and aviation education, we enjoy spreading the joy of flying to all women! When you join the Ninety-Nines, you join ranks with thousands of women pilots from 44 countries.
Learn more about joining our chapter »
Membership Information
Chapter Activities
Monthly Meetings
Our regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. Check our calendar for details. Often, meeting topics are educational and can help you become a better pilot. The usual format includes the business meeting followed by guest speaker or presentation. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Flying Activities
Weather permitting, we organize a monthly flyout to meet at fun destinations for lunch. Fly your plane or ride along with a fellow 99!
Air Racing
One of the reasons the 99s was formed was to provide racing opportunities for women pilots. SCV 99s have raced throughout the chapter’s history. Chapter members participate in the local Palm to Pines race from Santa Monica to Bend or Madras, OR and in 2023, a team from our chapter took second place! We also have members who fly the Air Race Classic, an annual cross-country air race for women, as well as the Hayward Air Rally.
Airmarking
Have you ever flown over an airport and felt relieved to see identifying markings on the runway? Those markings are just one of the many ways the 99s serve the aviation community. At the request of airport management, members of the 99s paint airport identifiers, the airport name, radio frequency, and elevation, on runways to help pilots flying overhead. We also paint compass roses, which are used to calibrate aircraft compasses and support safe navigation.
Aviation Outreach and Community Support
The SCV 99s promote aviation education to the pilot community and the general public. We offer a Flying Companions Seminar annually, help set up safety seminars and airport tours, mentor students, and speak to organizations and schools about aviation careers and aviation basics. We volunteer for community events, such as Airport Day at Reid Hillview and Palo Alto Airports, the Clear Lake Splash-In, and EAA Young Eagles flights.
If you would like to have a Ninety-Nine speak at your school or organization or are interested in having our chapter participate in your event, please contact us »
International Organization Activities
The SCV 99s Chapter has always been active at the International level of the Organization. Our members look forward to attending and participating in the International Conference, usually held every July at locations around the country and around the world! The SCV 99s has members active in the Southwest Section of the Ninety-Nines. Section meetings are held semi-annually.
Windsock Newsletter
The Windsock, our bi-monthly newsletter, includes stories about chapter activities, news of upcoming events, safety education, and great flying stories. The Windsock is sent to all chapter members and to other local aviation organizations.
Interested in joining our chapter? Learn more »
More about the Ninety-Nines:
To find out more the Ninety-Nines International Organization or to find a chapter near you, visit 99’s International Web site: