Wonder Women of Aviation

In this episode of the Wonder Women of Aviation Podcast, we sit down with Peggy Chabrian, founder of Women in Aviation International (WAI), to explore how one idea grew into a global movement supporting women across the aviation industry.Peggy shares how aviation scholarships have expanded beyond traditional flight training, why education and leadership are essential to the future of aviation, and how community and networking continue to open doors for women at every career stage. We also discuss the growth of Girls in Aviation Day, the importance of inclusivity, and the many career paths available in aviation beyond the cockpit.If you’re a pilot, student, educator, or aviation professional — or simply curious about how aviation continues to evolve — this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and practical perspective from one of the industry’s most influential leaders.🎙️ Guest: Peggy Chabrian✈️ Organization: Women in Aviation International (WAI)🌐 Website: https://www.womeninaviation.org📱 Follow Women in Aviation International:• Instagram: @womeninaviation• Facebook: Women in Aviation International• LinkedIn: Women in Aviation International🛩 Programs Mentioned: Girls in Aviation Day, scholarships, aviation education & leadership initiatives🤍 Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the Wonder Women of Aviation Podcast.Be sure to follow the show, share this episode, and stay connected as we continue highlighting the voices shaping the future of aviation.

In this conversation, Natalia Mcalee interviews pilots Olga Sanikova and Robin Liebman at the Miramar Air Show. They discuss the pink jet, an L-39 Albatross, which raises breast cancer awareness and empowers women in aviation. The pilots share their personal journeys into aviation, the challenges they faced, and the importance of encouraging young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. They also highlight the significance of community support and donations in sustaining their mission.

On this NEW episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, I talk with Victoria Yeager — pilot, author, adventurer, and wife of Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, the legendary test pilot who became the first man to break the sound barrier.Victoria shares how she first met Chuck on a hiking trail, learned to fly with him, and traveled the world at his side. She also opens up about her own fearless feats — from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to helping put away a human trafficker with a gun to her head. Together, we talk about the charity work she and Chuck quietly supported, their adventures from Africa to Afghanistan, and what it was like watching him fly airshows well into his 80s.We reflect on Chuck’s timeless lessons — like “any landing you can use the plane the next day is an excellent landing” — and the no-nonsense safety mindset that shaped his career. Victoria also shares insights from her books, What a Ride and 101 Chuck Yeager-isms, and her ongoing work to keep history alive, including General Chuck Yeager Aviation Day on September 27 at Jackson County Airport in Millwood, West Virginia. Expect flight simulators, drones, RC airshows, and more — a celebration of aviation and the Yeager legacy.🌐 Learn more and find Victoria’s books at chuckyeager.com.This is a conversation about grit, love, adventure, and legacy — and why Victoria Yeager is every bit the Wonder Woman of Aviation her title suggests.

In this unforgettable episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we sit down with Jessica Cox—motivational speaker, black belt, and the first armless pilot in the world. Born without arms, Jessica has not only shattered barriers in aviation but continues to inspire millions through her relentless pursuit of the impossible.From earning a pilot certificate using only her feet to developing her next big dream—The Impossible Airplane (Project 2025)—Jessica shares:Why she chose to conquer her fear of flyingWhat it’s like to fly with foot controlsThe power of adaptive technology and innovationHer goals for building a custom RV-10 aircraft with EAA Chapter 898How she’s helping others believe in their own impossibleThis episode is a raw and empowering look at what it means to be fearless.🚀 Follow the progress of Project 2025, and experience the Impossible Airplane simulator designed to help others understand foot-controlled flight.📲 Follow me on Instagram @wonderwomenofaviation for more inspiring interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive aviation content.

Ever wanted to step into the cockpit of a real fighter jet? In this episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we sit down with Dewey Larsson, founder of Dream Big Entertainment and the man behind the Top Gun Experience—a fully immersive F-18 cockpit that tours airshows nationwide.From childhood dreams at airshows to launching a full-time business built around aviation history and accessibility, Dewey shares:How his 8-year-old self made a promise that still fuels his mission todayThe incredible story behind his current F-18 cockpit—including its Marine, Navy, and Blue Angels pastWhat it’s like to hit 36 airshows a year with a fighter jet in towWhy he believes every kid (and adult!) deserves to sit in the pilot’s seatIf you love airshows, Top Gun, or stories of turning passion into purpose, this episode is for you. Buckle up—this one’s full afterburner. 🔥✈️🎧 Follow us for more behind-the-scenes stories from the people shaping aviation today.

Ever wondered what happened to Elvis Presley's jet? The Wonder Woman of Aviation has the answer! Natalia interviews Jimmy of Jimmysworld, who rescued the abandoned aircraft and turned it into a rolling tribute to aviation history. Listen to the incredible story, who owned it and how you can see it in person, and learn how you can support Wings of Compassion, the veteran aviation nonprofit behind this amazing project. Visit ElvisJet.com to see the video and SaveThe310.com to learn more!

In this week's episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we are thrilled to have Kara Hueni, a dedicated NASA JSC Flight Management Specialist. She shares her captivating journey to becoming a part of the space exploration dream team! 🌠Kara's story is truly out-of-this-world as she takes us behind the scenes and shares the secrets of working at NASA, from her earliest aspirations to the thrilling reality of her job. 🛰️Get ready to be inspired and awed as Kara delves into her experiences with the Super Guppy, a massive cargo plane that's an unsung hero in NASA's missions. 🛩️Tune in now for an episode that's lightyears beyond ordinary and discover the incredible world of NASA through Kara's unique perspective. 🌟 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button, and as always, let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below! 👩‍🚀 #NASA #SuperGuppy #SpaceExploration #PodcastJourney

In this riveting episode of "Wonder Women of Aviation," we dive headfirst into the exhilarating life of Evelyn Sharp, affectionately known as Sharpie. An accomplished aviatrix who blazed a trail in the skies during a time when few women dared to fly. Sharpie's story is one of courage, resilience, and passion - from her spectacular feats in flight training to her pivotal role in the formation of the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). Tragically, her life was cut short, but her legacy continues to inspire. Through the efforts of Aviana, we keep Sharpie's memory alive as we soar the skies in a Luscombe aircraft, similar to the one Sharpie herself taught in, adorned in her honor with her iconic nose art. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable journey of this Wonder Woman of Aviation. Tune in, fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for a flight back in time!

Welcome to our EXCLUSIVE interview with the fabulous Liz Franklin of Franklins Flying Circus! In this interview, Liz tells us her incredible story, from being a 3 year old fascinated by aviation to becoming part of one of the most daring and humorous comedy acts around. Get ready to fly high as we explore Liz's role in Franklins Flying Circus, her dreams of becoming a pilot and much more. Learn more about this dynamic duo at https://www.franklinairshow.com/

In the upcoming episode of "The Wonder Women of Aviation," we are thrilled to bring you an inspiring and informative conversation with our special guest, Gigi Coleman. Gigi is not only the great-niece of the legendary Bessie Coleman – the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot's license – but also an accomplished performer, speaker, and educator committed to preserving and advancing her great-aunt's incredible legacy. In this episode, Gigi will discuss her one-woman show, "Queen Bess," where she portrays her trailblazing Great-Aunt Bessie to captivate audiences both young and old, encouraging them to dream big and challenge convention. We'll learn about some of the prestigious venues where Gigi has performed, such as the Cleveland OH Women's Air and Space Museum, Embry Riddle University, Florida Memorial University, United Airlines, Charles H. Wright Museum, the Northern IN Mayor's Roundtable, and the world-renowned OSH KOSH Air Show. As someone who is passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Gigi is also the founder of the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars (BCAA), a 501(C)3 program aimed at inspiring the next generation. Gigi will share more about BCAA's mission to expose disadvantaged youth to the world of STEM and aviation, and how learning about Bessie's accomplishments has the power to ignite their dreams and aspirations. Throughout our discussion, we will dive deeper into the remarkable history and legacy of Bessie Coleman, and explore how her fearless spirit continues to inspire and shape the future of aviation. We'll also discuss the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the field, and how woman aviators like Gigi and her Great-Aunt Bessie are breaking down barriers and making history. Join us as we take flight with Gigi Coleman and uncover the incredible story of the Wonder Women of Aviation! https://www.bessiecolemanaviationallstars.org

Laura Humphries, known as "The Flying Princess" to her friends and social media followers, is on a mission to help girls pursue their dreams of aviation. It all started when she saw a Black female airline captain working the same flight. That's all it took for Humphries to know that she could be a pilot.  Since then, Humphries has created a book, titled You Look Like Me, which is designed to help inspire and expose our youth - especially young girls - to the amazing career fields where we have the least representation. Her goal is to show young girls that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. And she's well on her way to doing just that! Humphries' love of aviation started at a young age. She was born in London and raised in Florida, both places with strong aviation traditions. Her father was a private pilot and her uncle was an aircraft mechanic, so she grew up around planes and airports. But it wasn't until she saw that Black female captain flying the same route as her that she realized her dream of becoming a pilot could become a reality.  Since then, Humphries has been on a mission to help other young girls pursue their dreams of aviation. In addition to writing her book, Humphries also gives talks at schools and community events. She wants to show young girls that there are endless possibilities for their future - they just have to be willing to go after them. Humphries is also working on getting her own pilot's license. She knows that it won't be easy, but she's up for the challenge. After all, if there's one thing we know about The Flying Princess, it's that she always strives to reach new heights! If you're looking for an inspiring story about following your dreams, look no further than Laura Humphries - aka The Flying Princess. Humphries is on a mission to help girls pursue their dreams of aviation, and she's well on her way to doing just that! We can't wait to see what new heights she reaches in the future!

Our latest episode of the Wonder Women Podcast features an exclusive interview with none other than Ed Warnock, CEO of The Airbus Perlan Mission II. We discussed their mission to push stratospheric boundaries and soar higher - literally! Their glider has already set a subsonic record up in the heavens at 76,124 feet; but they plan on taking it even further next year by reaching 90,000 feet- shattering all previous crewed wing-borne aircraft flight records. It's science that goes beyond what we thought was ever possible – so make sure you tune into our podcast for more details about this incredible undertaking! Learn More about The Perlan II Project

 Have you ever wanted to chat with a real-life airshow pilot? We have the chance to do just that today as we introduce you to Jessy Panzer. At 18, Jessy earned her aeronautical science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has since enjoyed a career as a corporate pilot. Her passion for aerobatics eventually led her to compete in competitions, which she began in 2000. In 2012 she made the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team and is now an air racer and the pilot of a Pitts Special biplane that can withstand +6/-3 gs. Today we are honored to talk with this incredible woman who truly has left her mark on aviation history!