[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO BETTY PFISTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute today to a 
pioneer in the field of aviation. Betty Pfister of Aspen, Colorado has 
been named by Women in Aviation International as one of the 100 Most 
Influential Women in aviation history. Betsy joins well-known figures 
Amelia Earhart and Sally Ride, on the list, and it is easy to see why--
her accomplishments are truly impressive.
  Sally began flying while in high school and served as a Woman's Air 
Service Pilot (WASP) during World War II. WASPs piloted planes around 
the country to help free-up men to fly combat missions in Europe and 
Asia. After the war, Sally worked as both a pilot and flight attendant, 
getting in plenty of flying on her own time as well.
  In 1950 and 1952 Sally won international air races, and in 1973 and 
1978 she piloted for the United States in the World Helicopter 
Championships. Sally also piloted balloons, founded the Pitkin County 
Air Rescue, and created scholarships to enable flight instruction among 
high school age children. One of her former planes, a World War fighter 
she named ``Galloping Gertie,'' is on display at the Smithsonian's Air 
And Space Museum.
  Mr. Speaker, Betty is more than a talented and versatile pilot. She 
is a leader who, through her remarkable success, helped motivate and 
inspire future generations of young male and female pilots alike. Betty 
embodies the competence and can-do spirit that helped make America 
great, and I am proud to recount her impressive story here today.

                          ____________________