Girls in Aviation Day takes flight with strong turnout in Melbourne

The third annual Girls in Aviation Day at Sheltair in Melbourne, Florida, drew a record crowd of more than 900 attendees on Saturday, Sept. 19—far above organizers’ expectations. About 900 registered for the event, and registrations continued through the morning, according to organizer Amanda Roberts, president of the 321 Women in Aviation Chapter. The program, which has grown from 150 attendees at its first year to 454 in 2025, features more than 45 vendors, aircraft and STEM activities, plus pilots and industry professionals. Speakers emphasized that aviation remains male-dominated and that exposure can help girls see it as a viable career. Aircraft displays included a Cessna 172 and a Piper Warrior, with a Boeing T-45C Goshawk arriving early.