Pikes Peak 99s Will Host Aviation Poker Run
The local pilots group seeks to promote aviation careers through a regional flight event concluding on October 17, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Air Travel
Live Poll
Should local aviation programs do more to encourage girls to pursue flight careers?
The Pikes Peak 99s will conclude their ongoing aviation poker run in Peyton, Colorado, on October 17, 2026. This initiative aims to increase awareness of aviation career opportunities for women and counter cultural stereotypes about pilot demographics.
Why it matters
The organization works to address the gender disparity in flight by providing scholarships and mentorship to aspiring aviators. By organizing educational events, the group hopes to encourage more women to pursue careers in a field historically dominated by men.
The Pikes Peak 99s chapter includes 45 members, while Falcon AeroLab reports that 15 percent of its 300 students are female. Participation in the poker run costs $20 per hand, and the concluding pancake breakfast is priced at $10.
The players
Pikes Peak 99s
This is a local chapter of an international organization for women pilots founded in 1929.
Falcon AeroLab
Established in 2017, this organization provides educational support for approximately 300 students.
Experimental Aircraft Association
This aviation organization is hosting the pancake breakfast event at the conclusion of the poker run.
The details
The poker run, which began on September 1, 2026, includes stops in Fort Morgan, Akron, and Laramie. The group provides mentorship and flight education to help students navigate navigation and aircraft management, aiming to broaden the appeal of the aviation industry.
Timeline
The poker run began on September 1, 2026.
The poker run concludes with a pancake breakfast on October 17, 2026.
Travel Outlook
Local flying events serve as a seasonal touchpoint for flight training, often occurring during the shoulder season to maintain interest in pilot education. These gatherings contrast with larger global tourism trends, focusing instead on community-driven skill acquisition and mentorship.
Attendees interested in the pancake breakfast should plan for the event conclusion in Peyton on October 17, 2026. Pilots participating in the poker run should note that the fundraiser concludes on this date, providing a final opportunity to engage with the organization.
The takeaway
The Pikes Peak 99s highlight the importance of grassroots efforts in diversifying the cockpit. Aspiring pilots can find support through local chapters that offer the necessary mentorship to navigate the rigorous certification process.
What happens next
The poker run is scheduled to conclude with an Experimental Aircraft Association pancake breakfast on October 17, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local pilot initiatives and industry trends in the Air Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Springs Gazette.
Live Poll
Should local aviation programs do more to encourage girls to pursue flight careers?
