=The Women in Aviation International (WAI) Mountain State Chapter, in collaboration with aerospace partners from across the region, is proud to host their fourth annual North Central West Virginia Girls in Aviation Day. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center, located at 1050 Industrial Road East, Bridgeport, WV 26330.

The free community event is hosted by the Mountain State Chapter of WAI and local aerospace industry partners, and encourages participation in aviation activities and STEM.

Designed to get young girls interested in the aviation industry, Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) was started by the Women in Aviation International Organization in 2015. Events are held worldwide to promote the effort, with more than 20 countries and 35 states hosting local GIAD celebrations this year.

The Mountain State Chapter’s event is free to the public. While it is geared toward middle and high school-age girls, it is open to all children up to the age of 18, all of whom must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants, both children and adults, must pre-register to attend.

There will be a host of fun, hands-on activities for participants to enjoy, as well as opportunities to meet people representing some of the many different careers in the local aviation industry. Activities will include flight simulators, a sheet metal riveting and engine borescoping station, aviation-themed jewelry and crafts, drones, and much more.

Visit the event’s Facebook page for updates and additional information: https://tinyurl.com/469pkc4h.

Editor’s Note: Photo from last year’s Girls in Aviation event by Joe LaRocca.