Glacier Air of Squamish once again plays host to a Fly It Forward event, taking place in the spectacular setting surrounding Squamish airport (CYSE) located along British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky highway midway between Vancouver and Whistler.

Glacier Air owner Colette Morin began offering the event in 2011 to mark Women In Aviation Worldwide Week. “So many women never consider a career in aviation or have the opportunity to see themselves as pilots. I want to help change that,” says Morin, who is also Glacier Air’s CFI. Last year’s one-day event saw 78 women become airborne in light aircraft for the first time.

The event is on Saturday, March 9 between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. Women and girls who have never flown in a small aircraft will have a chance to fly for free. The flights will be offered on a first come, first served basis, so early arrivals are encouraged.

Annual Fly It Forward events highlight the career of a notable female aviator. This year recognition is given to Florence Lowe ‘Pancho’ Barnes, a Hollywood stunt pilot active in the 1930s. Barnes, who formed the first movie stunt pilots union, broke Amelia Earhart’s air speed record in 1930. She was also a member of the 99s, an organization of female pilots. The B.C. Coast Chapter of the 99s is assisting in the hosting of the event.

Glacier Air has been providing aircraft charter and flight instruction for over 40 years. Morin took over in 2001 and since then has trained 123 pilots to private and commercial pilot levels. Of these, 11 percent were women. “It is better than the national average of six percent but I still strive for more parity,” comments Colette.

Check out Glacier Air and Women of Aviation Worldwide.