About
The Reno High Sierra Chapter of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., was founded by 15 women pilots in 1989. The chapter belongs to the Southwest Section of the 99s, which includes Chapters from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Today, the chapter members include private pilots, certified flight instructors, commercially rated pilots and women simply flying for the sheer joy and pleasure of it all. Many members have also earned balloon, glider and seaplane ratings.
We are involved in various community events and endeavors locally and fund annual aviation scholarships for women with our fundraiser efforts. Community service and activities include:
Reno National Championship Air Races Booth Sales Work Fundraiser
Airport Airmarking
Since our charter in 1989, our chapter has raised over $120,000 for Aviation Scholarship Awards for Women & the building of an endowment fund for future scholarships
Donated over $10,000 to 99s International
Raised funds through sales on our Mission Fish eBay site (now closed)
Wrapped 4,674 packages in our AMAZON Fundraiser
Wigwagging for dollars at Hot August Nights (traffic direction volunteering)
Anything flying oriented and fun!
To Join the Reno High Sierra 99s:
You must be a member of the Ninety-Nines! To join the Ninety Nines, click HERE.
When you fill out your application to join, select the Reno High Sierra Chapter.
Requirements to join the Ninety-Nines are that you must be a female and you must be a pilot, or student pilot.
To become a student pilot, you’ll need to apply with IACRA (FAA) for your student pilot certificate. Follow this guide.
You’ll need to meet with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to sign you off.
If you need a Flight Medical, you can find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) by clicking HERE.
Current Officers
cHAIR
Rhonda DeGarmo
Rhonda started flying June 5,1979 in Burbank,Ca. She learned how to fly in a Piper Cherokee and earned her private pilot certificate on January 23,1980. She also earned her instrument and glider ratings. Rhonda has always flown for fun. Life got in the way and Rhoda took a break from flying for a while. 3 years ago Rhonda went to Oskhosh, which gave her the flying buy again. She rejoined the 99’s in October after a 25 year break….
When Rhonda’s not gliding or flying with friends, she’s painting beautiful pieces of aviation (and other) artwork or out on the ski slopes.
Vice Chair
Moe Makowski
Moe has been a 99 for many years and left a successful engineering career to pursue a career in Aviation. Moe has been our “go to” person for the First Wings Scholarship, the Amelia Earhart Scholarship, as well as leading our safety and education program. Furthermore Moe has been an unofficial mentor to this 99 for 4 years. This past year saw Moe earn her Captaincy!
SECRETARY
Grace Jesensky
Grace earned her BS in Physics from Seattle University a decade ago and is now a Boeing engineer who has been working in Northern Nevada for the past 3 years. She began flying in the St Louis, MO area in 2018, following in her grandmother, mother, and older brother's footsteps as a third-generation pilot. She bought her first airplane, an AA-1 Grumman Yankee, and has been exploring the local desert landscape building hours toward her commercial license. Tailwheel and warbird aircraft are her current interest and motivation for building hours.
Treasurer
Stacie Goodman
After a 20 ish year hiatus away from her love of Aviation, Stacie is back in an airplane earning ratings as she pursues her dream of a career in aviation. This busy wife and mom is an inspiration to us all and we’re all jealous of the time she spends in the air!
Past Chair
Heather McCoy
Heather McCoy has spent the last thirty five years living in Nevada after graduating from Colorado State University with a BS degree In Physics. She took her first introductory flight in ninth grade and visualized becoming a professional pilot. 38 years is a long time to wait to finally achieve your dream job, but between family, careers and life that is how long it took before reaching her goal. Prior to arriving at Summit Aviation she had previous charter experience flying Phenom 100’s and 300’s. Living on an airpark with a Piper Dakota in the hangar keeps her busy when she isn’t skiing and hiking in the Sierra Mountains.
