About

The Lake Tahoe chapter was founded in the summer of 1975. Postcards were mailed to all of the FAA licensed women pilots in the Lake Tahoe area. Recipients were asked whether they would be interested in joining other women pilots to form a new chapter of the Ninety-Nines. Many of these women were members of the Reno Area chapter. Because it was difficult to drive to Reno during many months of the year, a local chapter could benefit those women living and flying in the Tahoe-Truckee area. Women pilots could also positively affect the aviation community and the Truckee Tahoe airport through a local chapter of the Ninety-Nines.

After a few organizational meetings and informational articles in the local newspapers, fourteen charter members were presented on October 25, 1975 with a charter for the Lake Tahoe chapter of the International Organization of Women Pilots, the Ninety-Nines. The charter was presented by Southwest Section governor, Marion Barnick. Ninety-Nines flew in from many parts of Californian and Nevada to attend a gala party which drew 48 members and friends from the Southwest Section. 

The first slate of officers was installed by Reno Area chairman, Del Hass. The officers were: chairman, Bonnie Seymour; vice chairman, Kay Schlinkman; secretary, May Haskell; and treasurer, Marilyn Andrews. Each new officer was presented with a red rose. The new chapter was also presented with a gavel from the Reno Area chapter of the Ninety- Nines.

The fourteen charter members were: Marilyn Andrews, Tincia Arrell, Lois Brown, Pam Brown, Barbara Davis, Helen Foeger, May Haskell, Julie Hoffman, Kay Schlinkman, Marjorie Schwed, Bonnie Seymour, Marilyn Van Sant, Shirley Weiss, and Sharon Wofford.

True to form for the area, a snow storm hit during the weekend of the charter presentation party. Many of the fly-in guests were weathered-in until Monday.