RICHLAND, Wash. – The Port of Benton is collaborating with the Mid-Columbia Ninety-Nines, a local chapter of women pilots, to update the Richland Airport's 80-foot compass rose. This large, painted compass aids pilots in calibrating their instruments. The Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots, have been instrumental in the tradition of creating compass roses at airports. Aileen Coverdell, a local chapter member, explained their role. "The Mid-Columbia Chapter of the Ninety-Nines carries on the tradition and fulfills the need for air markings by volunteering our time to paint the airport names, compass rose symbols and other identifications on airports," said Coverdell. Coverdell added that they have recently painted airport names at Lind and Davenport, and this compass rose project is their first at the Richland Airport. The group expects up to 15 volunteers to participate. Surveying for the project is set to begin on Mon., May 19, with painting scheduled to start on May 23. The project is anticipated to require about 150 volunteer hours from the Ninety-Nines members. For more information, visit the Port of Benton website .
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