Scholarship Winner 2024 CFI Angela

May 2025

Congratulations to Angela Clark Achieving Her CFI Rating.

The Santa Rosa 99s sends congratulations to Angela Clark for receiving her CFI Rating.

Angela work tirelessly for the past year towards her CFI Rating. She perfected her lesson plans and used her ground schools students to test them out. She is a teacher at heart and this rating will only reinforce that passion.

Updating the chapter along the way, she researched and selected a flight school in Minnesota that has an accelerated course. She used Venture North Aviation at KCOQ in Cloquet, MN. The course include the DPE and check ride.

Here’s her story in her own words…

Hi everyone!  Oh wow I’m so grateful to you! You would be so proud of all the work I put into this cert. I took it very seriously. In January, I lost my job, and didn’t bat an eye; I completely pivoted and went to work full time on this cert, every day, at least 8-5 if not more and on weekends. I charted out all 74 lesson plans. I created binders, read all the right books, listened to audible books on the way to and from driving to the airport to practice flying in the type of aircraft that would be used for the checkride (I’m a high wing pilot and the checkride was to be in a low wing). I created electronic binders and studied, studied, studied. I listened to specific technical subject areas that would be part of the oral.  Thank you to 99 Mary Wich, for her support in this process. Mary graciouly let me borrow her Piper for 3 weeks at a low cost, so I could get familiar with a low wing aircraft. That’s 99s supporting each other!

 I got on a waiting list, and booked a one way ticket for finishing school in Minnesota in May (waiting list) that included the all-important DPE on site. Getting there May 12, I showed up early every day, prepared, and stayed late, flying when I could. The DPE had a special interest in endorsements so I made that my second favorite topic (I’m such a fanatic on weather!). On my endorsement flight (which was the green light for my practical), I taught him just as if he were a new student the green light. The day of the practical, the oral started at 6:30, and I was dressed like a professional instructor. I had my computer ready, my iPad ready, and taught through the subjects. When it came time for endorsements, I told a story of a new person walking in the door, and all the endorsements they would need from day 1, through PPL, to Commercial, and then Instructor Certifications. He was blown away, saying he had never had anyone who had them memorized like that. He called me teacher.  He gave me a lot of compliments and we then looked at weather, seeing it was blowing 18 gusting 36. Yes, you read that right, 36. But, it was right down the runway, so I was good with that. 

 My checkride flight was not perfect, but I used my flaws as teaching points for common errors, and he gave me grace. I will share with you, have you ever looked up in the sky to see a bird that looks like it is simply hovering in the air and not moving? Ha-ha, that was me on final in that little Piper. The headwind was so strong, and some updraft, that I had to really make adjustments to get that plane down to the runway, which I did, but inside I was surely noticing a difference between Minnesota and California winds. My soft field landing was not perfect. But, I taught safety throughout and ensured my new student was looking outside 80% of the time getting that site picture and noticing the control inputs and responses. It was a good day, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, after so many months of serious work. I got my cert, paid my bill, said thank you and then found flights home. And guess what? I got home very late Wednesday, and a student on Thursday asked for a lesson for Friday in his Cessna. And, after that lesson, he asked for another one for Monday, which charmed my heart as it told me he liked my teaching! 

 I’m in the process now of getting insurance and applying to the local flight schools in the area, but may work with the FBO in Corning as he tries to get a plane there, as the airport operator really wants me to be their CFI. So, more to come on that front. My next semester of ground school begins June 21, which is a natural creator of flight students. 

 Thank you for believing in me! I may send you a photo or two from my phone. This life is AMAZING and now I get to share it more thanks to YOU!!!!

Warmly and gratefully,

Angela 

 

 

2nd Annual Poker Night Hosts More Attendees and Our 2024 Scholarship Winner

The Santa Rosa 99s Wine Country Chapter hosted its 2nd Annual P-51 Poker Night on October 25, 2024.  It was another hugely successful event, 120 attendees and selling more than 172 tickets with 3 more poker tables than last year. We were so excited to see the aviation community and friends and family alike come out for a night of fun, food, libations, aviation talk, and poker. 

We exceeded our fundraising target for 2024 which allows us to continue awarding scholarships for women aviators. Including Angela Clark who won our 2024 $5,000 scholarship. She flew in with her 49 ½ to receive the award. She will use the funds for her CFI (certified flight instructor) rating. 

Dominic Cerniglio of Santa Rosa was the winner of the Poker Tournament this year and gets to enjoy a flight in a P-51.

This year again, we had incredible sponsors from aviation, wineries and distilleries, and local businesses.  Including Santa Rosa 99s member Julia Hochberg who donated the amazing venue of Sonoma Jet Center Historic Redwood Hangar. More members contributed amazing silent auction items: 

  • Tara Jasper from her Sipsong Spirits and the tournament winner’s ride in her P-51
  • Heidi Barrett of Aviatrix wine from her La Sirena Winery
  • Nancy Hayssen for a Virtual Tours map package 
  • Jeannie Schulz for Charles M. Schulz Museum goodies and tickets
  • Val Suberg for the Forever Media Transfer Box
  • Kristen Hipp for the custom painted cornhole boards

99s from all over the Bay Area chapters and beyond came to the tournament, we even had a whole table of 99s!

Thank you to our aviation and local communities for your ongoing support, and together, let’s continue to uplift and inspire aspiring aviators.

Scholarship Winner 2024

Congratulations to our Chapter Scholarship Winner, Angela Clark!

The Santa Rosa 99s are happy to announce our 2024 scholarship winner, Angela Clark. Angela attended our 2nd Annual P51 Poker Night, along with her 49 ½, to be recognized for her achievement.

Angela’s flight journey began during covid in July 2020. Right before she soloed in December, she met Mary Wich (Sutter Butte 99s) who encouraged her to join the 99s. She earned her PPL in early 2021 and was on her way to achieve her aviation dreams with support and scholarships from the 99s.

Angela continued to immerse herself in the world of aviation. She received a High Performance endorsement in 2021, became the International Ninety-Nines Facebook Admin, a pylon judge at the Reno Air Races, took other ladies flying with her as often as she could, and pushed on after challenges with instructors to earn her instrument rating in March 2023.

She won the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship which funded her Commercial Certificate and then continued to earn her Advanced Ground Instructor and Instrument Ground Instructor, teaching both in person classes and over video.

With the Santa Rosa 99s scholarship, Angela is expecting to complete her CFI next.

1st Annual P51 Poker Tournament Congratulations

Congratulations to the winner of the 1st Annual P51 Poker Tournament

Marlon Young

The Santa Rosa 99s Wine Country Chapter took flight on November 10th, hosting our very first P51 Poker Night, and it was a soaring success.

With tremendous support from our aviation community and friends, we sold over 120 tickets, drawing poker players of all skill levels who bought in at $99,. We exceeded our fundraising target, raising funds for our aviation scholarships

Our event found its wings at the historic Redwood Hangar, graciously provided by Sonoma Jet Center. It’s worth noting that the center’s owner, Julia Hochberg, is a 99 herself. This gathering took place at our home field, The Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (KSTS).

The tournament took place at 12 poker tables, each accommodating eight players. A professional company ensured an authentic poker experience with dealers, tables, and poker chips. Attendees enjoyed a pay bar including 99 Tara Jasper’s Sipsong Spirits, amazing tacos from a local taco truck, delectable treats from 99 Jen Demarest of Baker and Cook, and a silent auction with dozens of incredible items from local sponsors including wine from 99 Heidi Barrett, Aviatrix label. We were honored to have Santa Rosa 99s Charter member Jeannie Schulz contribute ‘Snoopy’ auction items from the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Our 2023 Chapter scholarship recipient, Christine Koenigsecker, added to the celebration by flying in to accept her award for her multi-engine land rating. The overwhelming enthusiasm from attendees has us planning for the future. Many have inquired about the event becoming a yearly tradition, and we’re excited to confirm that it will be!

We invite fellow 99s chapters to join us in celebrating this remarkable evening and exploring how such an event could benefit your scholarship fund. Thank you for your ongoing support, and together, let’s continue to uplift and inspire aspiring aviators.

 

Aircraft Spruce

Baker and Cook Sonoma

Bella Rosa Coffee Co.

Benziger Family Winery

Breathless Sparkling Wines

Brightline Bags

Charles M. Schulz Museum

Comstock Wines

Costeaux French Bakery

Dunstan Wines

Emment-Scorsone Wines

Encore Events Rentals

Haven O’Halloran Realtor

Helico

Sonoma Hotel Trio Healdsburg

Indian Springs Resort

Jeannie Schulz

Joseph Phelps Vineyard

Ketchem Estate Vineyard & Winery

La Sirena Wines

Mad Fritz Napa Valley

Movewell Pilates Healdsburg

Napa Valley Bike Tours

SEPPI Wines

Sipsong Spirits

Sonoma Jet Center

Snoopy’ s Home Ice and Gift Shop

Sonoma Brothers Distilling

Stemple Creek Ranch

The Matheson

Williamson Wines

 

 

2023 SR99s Chapter Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to 2023 Scholarship Winner Christine Koenigsecker

Christine will use her award to complete her Multi-Engine Rating. She currently is a flight instructor at for Sunshine Flyers at the Auburn Airport. She is a member of the Reno High Sierra 99s and very active in the aviation community. 

She flew to KSTS to receive her award at our 1st Annual P51 Poker Tournament. The Santa Rosa 99s wishes you all the success in your aviation achievements.

Scholarship Winner Christine and Angela

1st Annual P-51 Poker Tournament

 

Aircraft Spruce

Baker and Cook Sonoma

Bella Rosa Coffee Co.

Benziger Family Winery

Breathless Sparkling Wines

Brightline Bags

Charles M. Schulz Museum

Comstock Wines

Costeaux French Bakery

Dunstan Wines

Emment-Scorsone Wines

Encore Events Rentals

Haven O’Halloran Realtor

Helico

Sonoma Hotel Trio Healdsburg

Indian Springs Resort

Jeannie Schulz

Joseph Phelps Vineyard

Ketchem Estate Vineyard & Winery

La Sirena Wines

Mad Fritz Napa Valley

Movewell Pilates Healdsburg

Napa Valley Bike Tours

SEPPI Wines

Sipsong Spirits

Sonoma Jet Center

Snoopy’ s Home Ice and Gift Shop

Sonoma Brothers Distilling

Stemple Creek Ranch

The Matheson

Williamson Wines

     

DSC_0920

Pleas join the Santa Rosa 99s for our First Annual P-51 Poker Tournament. Nov. 10, 2023 at the Sonoma Jet Center at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport.

The event will support our Aviation Scholarship program.

Kristen Stimpert Flies with AirSF

KStimpert_PC12

The Santa Rosa 99s congratulates Kristen Stimpert on new job with AirSF.  Kristen will be flying SIC in the Pilatus PC12. She will split her time between flying, business development and dispatch support. This is such a great opportunity for Kristen and utilizes her business background and experiences to help grow the company.

AirSF(www.airsf.com) offers private charters with the Pilatus PC12 in the western States.

Alexis Vincent 1st Solo

Please join the Santa Rosa 99s in congratulations to Alexis Vincent on her 1st solo in a P35 Bonanza.  Alexis soloed on February 7, 2022 at the Napa Airport.