In the midst of World War II, young women from all over the country postponed their lives, put their educations on hold, and quit their jobs to respond to a call for female pilots. From 1942 to 1944, more than 1,000 women were trained to ferry aircraft, test planes, instruct male pilots, even tow targets for anti-aircraft artillery practice. Despite serving with grit and determination, female pilots often encountered disbelief and resentment. Thirty-eight would give their lives.
Join the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Women in Aerospace for a viewing of Fly Girls which tells the largely unknown story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), featuring a remarkable group of former WASPs who recall the planes they flew, the challenges they met, and the pride they felt in playing a role in the American war effort.
After the screening, stay to hear from a panel of women involved in the aviation industry as they discuss the courageous and ground breaking women of the WASP program, the challenges faced during WWII, and how they relate to the struggles women in the aviation industry experience today.
Thursday, March 28
5:30 p.m. - Film Screening
6:30 p.m. - Panel Discussion
7:30 p.m. - Reception
Beckman Institute, Auditorium (room 1025)
405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
This free event is open to the public.
Parking is available in the garage at
1201 W. University Ave.
Registration is requested.
