Whirly-Girls International

Whirly-Girls International is a nonprofit, educational and charitable organization. It works to advance women in helicopter aviation. The group was founded in 1955 by Jean Ross Howard Phelan, known as Whirly-Girl number 13, together with twelve other charter members. The charter members were women helicopter pilots from France, Germany and the United States.

Its goals include scholarships for women in rotorcraft aviation, mentoring, networking and camaraderie, and education and career support. The group also aims to build a strong presence at rotorcraft and aviation events, and to share information among women in the industry.

The Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund, Inc. was incorporated in 1974 to administer scholarship money raised by members and supporters. It is a federally tax exempt 501(c)(3) public charity. In some recent years it has disbursed scholarships valued at more than 600,000 US dollars.

As of 2024 the group had more than 2,450 members from 47 countries. Members can join, renew or upgrade through membership levels, which include benefits and a mentoring program. A Get Connected page is also listed.

The homepage lists 2027 scholarships, with an application deadline of October 31. The site also lists scholarship sponsors, a judge panel, previous recipients and achievement awards. Job opportunities for pilots and technicians are posted on a careers page. The site also lists a Collective Pitch newsletter with member news, scholarship information and upcoming events.

The group holds its annual meeting at VERTICON, formerly HAI HELI-EXPO, which the site calls the largest helicopter trade show in the world. It also takes part in other rotorcraft events and runs a conference and gala, a WAI conference and a Give It A Whirl event.

The organization promotes community acceptance of rotorcraft through public education about their usefulness and versatility. Its corporate alliance program lists supporters such as HeliNY and Vertical Aviation International. The Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund is an affiliate member of Helicopter Association International.

Services

• Scholarships for women in rotorcraft aviation
• Mentoring program
• Membership levels and benefits
• Corporate alliance program
• Achievement awards
• Career opportunities for pilots and technicians
• Collective Pitch newsletter
• VERTICON annual meeting
• Give It A Whirl
• Silent auction