The Ninety-Nines Inc established in 1929 to promote and advance aviation amongst women, is the longest running organization for thousands of women pilots around the world.
The Ninety-Nines present another inspiring list of award winners in 2021 for their outstanding contributions to aviation.
This year’s George Palmer Putnam Award winner was Harry Pride, British Columbia, Canada.
Awarded for exceptional support of The Ninety-Nines by an individual or organization
Harry is known for saying “I must have been a bird in a previous life, ‘cause I love to fly and if I don’t get to fly regularly, my feathers will get all matted up.”
Harry’s interest in aviation began as a child building model aircraft and his actual flying career began when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943. He endeavored to go overseas as a pilot but the war ended before that happened. After the war, Harry learned to fly on a Tiger Moth with the Aero Club of British Columbia, earning his private license in 1946 after only an impressive 6 hours dual and 10 hr. solo flight time. Harry’s first check ride in a Fleet Canuck in 1946 was with female pilot and member of the famous Canadian Flying Seven, Rolie Moore Barrett.
Harry has flown over 35 aircraft types, including tailwheel, retractable, multi-engine and floats. His profession as a secondary school teacher carried over into his flying; he loved to teach others about flying and mentoring young and not so young pilots. Harry took a special interest in enabling youth to fly. Harry has been an avid supporter of The Ninety-Nines and bringing more women into aviation since his early days of flying in 1946! He contributes to various organizations and always donates prizes for the BC Coast 99s Annual Poker Run and Scholarship fund.
Harry also has written several historic books including “A Life with Wings: Growing up with Aviation in Richmond, BC”, a book about the people Harry has flown with featuring many of the local female pilots of the 99s.
At age 95, Harry continues to fly with another pilot on board, executing very precise turns and exact altitudes. Harry is truly an amazing man and pilot.
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