FBO Hosts Event Recreating Historic Air Race to Commemorate Its 90th Anniversary
SAN BERNARDINO, CA, September 11, 2019 /Neptune100/ — Luxivair SBD, the FBO at San Bernardino International Airport, welcomed the Los Angeles Chapter of the 99s, an organization of women pilots, as they commemorated a historic race that marked a turning point in aviation. On August 18, 2019, the 90th anniversary of the 1929 Women’s National Air Derby, 14 pilots from the Los Angeles 99s recreated the first leg of the competition by flying from Santa Monica to San Bernardino. Upon landing at Luxivair SBD, they gathered with supporters at a reception hosted by the FBO, where they celebrated the bold pioneers who opened the skies to women pilots.
The 1929 Women’s Air Derby was a groundbreaking event in history, the first official aviation contest in the U.S. for women only. Twenty pilots, including the legendary Amelia Earhart, raced from Santa Monica, California to Cleveland, Ohio over nine days. During overnight stops for refueling and repairs, the pilots were greeted by cheering crowds, media attention, and banquets in their honor.
“It was thrilling to provide a similar fanfare welcome to the female pilots and supporters of the Los Angeles 99s, as well as to offer the latest in tech services for their aircraft,” said Wendy Bechtel, Luxivair SBD’s manager. “And seeing the women outfitted in gear reminiscent of a bygone era truly emphasized how much has been accomplished since that amazing day 90 years ago.”
“For me, it felt very special to create an event celebrating the courageous women who flew in the 1929 Women’s National Air Derby—the same women who went on to create the organization we are members of today,” said Arhynn Descy, Chair of the Air Race Committee for the Los Angeles 99s. “Looking back at what they achieved is an inspiration not just for women aviators, but for all women and girls. These icons of flight are proof that we can do anything—and that it’s normal for a woman to fly!”
About Luxivair SBD: A highly desirable alternative to the congested and costly FBOs in Southern California, Luxivair SBD delivers a five-star experience. An airy two-story atrium lobby, travertine floors, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and sweeping views of the San Bernardino Mountains welcome arrivals. The expansive facility’s amenities include an advanced conference room, flight planning room, crew lounge, exercise room, and a theater with stadium seating; the full-service business complex additionally provides total ground support, concierge professionals, brand-new courtesy vehicles, car rentals, and hotel shuttles. Onsite U.S. Customs and Immigration eases international flights into Southern California, and on-field MRO businesses enable aircraft to operate at peak performance. Fuel and services are always competitively priced and there’s never a facility fee. For more information and current pricing, visit luxivairsbd.com.
