Women Of NASA

Take Our Daughters To Work Day
Forum with Anna Dell
April 25, 2002

[ Natalie/YWAC - 184 - 14:49:29 ]
Welcome to forum 5 with Anna. You can Anna's bio at: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/women/YWAC/adell.html. In honor of the celebration Centennial of Flight and women's role in flight's history. Questions may be placed here at any time, but please don't repeat your questions. They will be held in a queue until the time of the webcast and will not be visible until that time. You may join in at any time to post questions or read responses. Each mentor will answer questions specific to their work and the many aspects of their accomplishments to the NASA legacy, flight, aeronautics and space. Please be sure and identify yourself , for example -- Johnny/6th/TX at the beginning of your question. Remember, don't use your last name. Have fun!!

[ AnnaDell - 190 - 15:59:48 ]
RE: Hi Anna, I'm also 14 and my parent would never let me fly a plane. How did you talk your parents into letting you do this? How do you pay for it? Thanks -I think you're cool!
Hello, SO I'M GUESSING YOU MIGHT WANT TO BE A PILOT. WELL I STARTED OUT WHEN I WAS 11 YEARS OLD LOVING AIRPLANES. I EXPRESSED MY FEELINGS TO MY PARENTS. THEY TOLD ME "BE WHAT YOU WANT TO BE".SO I WAS OFF. IT WAS "INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION"FOR LIFE. THAT WAS MY GOAL. SO IF YOUR GOAL IS TO FLY. DO YOU HAVE AN AIRPORT ANY WHERE CLOSE TO YOU?SAVE UP SOME MONEY AND START FLYING. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GLIDERS,OR WAS IT EVERYTHING ABOUT FLYING THAT YOU LIKED.

[ AnnaDell - 191 - 16:08:59 ]
RE: Hi Anna - I wanted to know what your first flight was like.
HI, WELL MY FIRST FLIGHT WAS AWESOME. I WAS ALWAYS AFRAID THAT I WOULD BE SCARED OF HEIGHTS. BUT NO I FELL I LOVE WITH FLYING. IT WAS MY THING. WHEN I WENT TO SOLO BY MYSELF, NOW THAT WAS WHEN I WAS SCARED THE MOST. I HAD NEVER LANDED IN AIRPLANE BY MYSELF WITHOUT AN INSTRUCTOR. BUT NOW I DO AEROBATICS. HAMMERHEADS,CLOVERLEAVES,INVERTED FLIGHT,AND OTHER COOL ROUTINES.

[ AnnaDell - 195 - 16:17:16 ]
RE: Hey Anna, Have you ever been scared while being in a plane. Do like flying yourself or with another pilot?
HI, YES I HAVE BEEN SCARED MANY TIMES. THINK THE ONLY TIME THAT HAS SCARED BE A LOT WOULD BE TO FLY SOLO YOUR FIRST TIME. THE FIRST DAY I SOLOED WAS A REALLY SCARY DAY. I HAD ALL THE SAFETY ISSUES TO DEAL WITH. PLUS THE CERTAIN SPEEDS,AND I HAD TO WATCH MY ALTIMETER TO MAKE SURE I WASN'T LOSING ALTITUDE. I LIKE FLYING BY MYSELF BECAUSE I KNOW THAT I HAVE THE CONTROLS.

[ Natalie/YWAC - 196 - 16:18:22 ]
Anna please do not use all caps, because it is hard to read. Thank you

[ AnnaDell - 197 - 16:24:38 ]
RE: Anna - How old doyou have to be to join the Civil Air Patrol? Thanks from Susan/ Mrs. George's class
DEAR SUSAN, YOU ONLY HAVE TO BE 12 YEARS OLD. I WILL TELL YOU ONE THING CIVIL AIR PATROL IS A GREAT ORGANIZATION. IT HAS BUILT MY CONFIDENCE AND GIVEN ME GREAT DISCIPLINE. THE WEBSITE FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT TO GET MORE INFO ON CAP(CIVIL AIR PATROL)WOULD BE www.capnhq.gov

[ AnnaDell - 198 - 16:40:55 ]
RE: Hi Anna This is Claire and I am 10 and I wnat to know what was the scariest thing you ever did?
Hi Claire, My first aerobatic flight was pretty scary. I didn't know what to expect. We had to do every maneuver in a speed of 120 miles per hour. Pretty scary! But I got used to it. A matter of fact it became my life. I would go fly aerobatics flights twice every week after that.

[ ANNADELL - 218 - 17:39:33 ]
RE: What will you do later after High School?
Hi there, I plan to attend the Air Force Academy. I have always wanted to go there. And then go into the Air Force and become a fighter pilot. Thank you for writing me. That means a lot! Bye

[ ANNADELL - 219 - 17:46:54 ]
RE: Hello! Did you like science when you were in middle school? How Old were you when you received this job?
HI THERE, Science is my favorite subject. History is also another on of my favorites. I just got chosen for this and I'm still 14.

[ AnnaDell - 221 - 17:48:17 ]
RE: This is Stuart and Claire from my moms' office inWashington DC. Do Civil Air Patrol get paid or is it volunteer? Thank you for answering our questions
Good Morning Stuart and Claire! How are you this morning? I will tell you that Civil Air Patrol is all "Volunteer." To find more information about Civil Air Patrol you can go to http://www.capnhq.gov or call 1.800.FLY.2338! I wish I was in Washington, D.C. today. I would love to go to the National Air and Space Museum. Tell your mom hello!

[ AnnaDell - 222 - 17:58:24 ]
RE: Hi Anna Dell, Can you tell me who your favorite female pilots are? And Why?
Hey! My favorite pilots of all time are the WASP (Woman Air Force Service Pilots) of WWII. I had a chance to spend time with them when I won "Women In Flight." I will tell you these ladies, some in there 70's and older are the most incredible people on earth. I felt very humbled to get to visit with them. Ask any really good pilot who has influenced their life. They will tell you the WASP. Check out their Web Site at www.wasp-wwii.org. The reason they are my favorite is because they paved the way for many female pilots today! These women were brave beyond all means. Many times they flew planes that men would not fly. Without a doubt I hold them in high regard! They are Awesome.

[ ANNADELL - 223 - 17:58:26 ]
RE: Hi, I have a few questions. Are you ever scared when you are flying? I went to the Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. with my class. They talked about G-Force. Have you ever gone into that? Do you fly everyday, and are some of your friends in the training with you? Okay, last question. How long have you stayed up in the air by yourself. You said you were trying for thirty minutes, so I was wondering. Sincerely, Shannon at Louise S. McGehee
HI SHANNON, When I was soloed I was scared. But no I don't get scared anymore when I fly.Yes I have pulled 6 to 7 G's before doing aerobautics.I love G's.When I get a chance I fly almost everyday.No all of my friends hate airplanes and can't stand heights.I'm working on my thirty minutes to an hour flight time.To earn my "B and C" badge.I will also be working toward my "Bronze Badge".Thank You for your questions.Anna Dell

[ ANNADELL - 224 - 18:05:47 ]
RE: Hi Anna what's the scariest thing you ever did? Was it fun? Whats the highest amount of g force you have been ?
Hi, How are you doing! I really can't think of anything scary that I ever have done that I didn't enjoy thoroughly.When I went up for my first aerobatics flight I was scared to death. I didn't know what to expect.So as anyone, when they first go on a brand new roller coaster and don't have a clue what will happen next,it tends to be a little frightening. I have pulled 6 to 7 G's.Thank you for writing.Anna Dell

[ AnnaDell - 225 - 18:08:44 ]
RE: Hi! Who is the most important person in your life? Who do you consider to be your hero? What female pilot has influenced your life the most?
Hi There! I would have to say that my Mom and Dad are "THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN MY LIFE." I have them to thank for believing in me and my potential. They never flinched at my flying! They have encouraged me - and believe me at times I do get discouraged. Learning to fly the plane is great fun, but there are tests you have to pass to get Fixed-Wings. The reason I'm telling you that is because it's my parents who say,"Come on you can do it." There's an incredible amount of studying that goes along with flying a plane. I know when I've wanted to give up - It's been my Parents who have said, "You Can Do It." That is why they are the most important people in my lives - THEY BELIEVE IN ME TOTALLY! My Hero would be Lt. Col. Martha McSally - the Highest Ranking Fighter Pilot in the USAF. If you read my Bio you will see exactly why I admire her so much. She e-mails me from time to time. If you get a chance, go to your search engine and type in her name. You will see she is so incredible. I would also say that she is the Female Pilot who has influenced my life the most!

[ ANNADELL - 226 - 18:15:52 ]
RE: Are there many other young pilots like you? Are you scared being one of the youngest pilots and I thought that you had to be a certain age and had to go to college for a while before you could have a big profession.
HI THERE, I am sure that there are boys and girls in my area that have soloed,and that are young. There is a girl that soloed on her birthday but she is 16. No I'm not scared. I think it helps other young females see that there is a chance for a young women to be a pilot if that is her dream. You have to be fourteen to solo in a glider.Any time in there you can take you written exam. You have to go to college to be a fighter pilot or a commercial pilot.Thank You for writing.ANNA DELL

[ AnnaDell - 227 - 18:16:19 ]
RE: Hi Anna Dell, What is your favorite subject in school? Who was your favorite teacher?
Hi! I would have to say that my favorite subject is "Science." My favorite Teacher of all time was Mr. Grossklaus. He was the reason I became so interested in Science. When I was in his class I won "Best of Show" at our Middle School Science Fair and went on to win," The Air Force Excellence Award" at Regionals. My hope and desire was just to make an "A" in his class. You need to understand he had us at 7th grade doing 11th grade science - It Was Tough! I walked out of his class with an "A-." He not only was my teacher, but has remained a very good friend that still to this day encourages me in my Science and Activities. He was the first person I contacted when selected for the "Young Women of NASA Advisory Council." Get to know your teachers - you'd be surprised how much they care - when you try!

[ ANNADELL - 228 - 18:27:19 ]
RE: Dear Anna, I think it is really cool that you are fourteen years old, And a solo pilot! I am twelve years old, and now I know I have something to look forward in my future. I know that teenagers can do amazin stuff. I hope to see your answer! Allie
DEAR ALLIE, How are you doing Allie.Yes it is different being a younger pilot I will tell you that much. But very fun.If your dream is to be a pilot,then you need to follow it. Because it will take you to great places. Girls like you I pour my life into. You will be our future women aviators. Good luck to your dreams. Remember "BE ALL YOU CAN BE". And for you young lady that will not be hard. Bye,ANNA DELL

[ AnnaDell - 231 - 18:30:30 ]
RE: Mr. James 4th grade / How are your grades? Our class wants to know how you find time to study and if you get extra credit for flying>?
Hello Mr. James Class! How are all of this morning? I will tell you that I work very hard for my grades - they are all "A's." The reason I do that is because I know starting at my 9th grade year I will start building my GPA - or better known as my Grade Point Average. That very thing is what will have the Great Colleges knocking on my door in about three years. I really want to go to the Air Force Academy, Georgia Tech or possibly Cal Tech. Those are the ones I'm interested in at this point. To even get looked at for those "Great Colleges" I have to start planning now. Remember it's not just your grades it's being a well-rounded person - like having a favorite sport, singing in your Choir, etc. Ask your teachers and parents to help guide you. I will tell your class that I do not get extra credit for flying. I do that because one day I aspire to take a ride in the "ISS." The is the International Space Station." So guess what? I have to work really hard now. Sometimes I take breaks to swim, listen to music, watch a good movie - most of my friends aspire to do the very same thing and are active in Civil Air Patrol. So they understand the studying, because they are doing exactly what I am doing! I know that if all of you in Mr. James class can find something you really love and start early in life working towards that goal - you'll be surprised how many doors open for you because you are young. So find a dream and go for it guys! Mr. James thank you for allowing your class to talk to me today - I feel very honored. You must be a very good teacher. SO DREAM BIG GUYS!

[ ANNADELL - 233 - 18:42:00 ]
RE: Dear Anna, I am 12 years old. I have been to the U.S. Space center in Huntsville. It was so neat. How old were you when you started flying by yourself. I was sooooooo interested in your profile. You should be in the Guiness book of world records. Have you ever made a "wizard" rocket? What got you intersted in science and flying or have you also like it. E-mail me back. Sincerely, Hutton
DEAR HUTTON, That is really neat. I have not yet gotten a chance to visit the Space Academy. I was 13. I soloed some time after my 14th birthday. I wouldn't say the Guinness book of records. No but I have built "Estes" and other types of high powered rockets. I love rockets. To tell you the truth I used to hate math and science because I was never go at it. But I had a teacher that pushed in science. Till this day I have always loved science. Now math on the other hand I still do not like. It's probably one of my worst subjects. But you have math in science so I've got to keep learning. Right now I am doing telemetry for my rockets. Thank you for writing.ANNA DELL

[ ANNADELL - 234 - 18:59:55 ]
RE: Dear Anna Dell, I am really inspired about you being a 14 year old. Do you think that being a solo glider pilot and a Technical Sergeant inspires lots of 14 year-olds? Thank you for answering my questions!
HI THERE, Yes I do think that it inspires young adults. I try to be an example to all ages and races. I have always wanted to be something where people respect me for helping young kids,not just being a solo glider pilot or a technical sergeant. I want them to know that there is a big and broad world. And that everyone of them can make it in it if they work their hardest. Time and loyalty will take it place. If their dream is to be the next male or female to go to mars or to space I would tell them they are the "Best of the Best". Every child has a dream even if it's not to be a pilot or go into space. They are our future. Write back soon.Anna Dell

[ AnnaDell - 237 - 19:16:56 ]
RE: Ann/Mrs.Westberry 7th grade science. How big is the moon compared to the sun?
Hello Ann! The moon has a diameter of about 2,155 miles. The Suns Diameter is 864,000 miles. I would say the "Sun" weighs in about 861,845 miles larger that our moon. The Sun's Diameter is more than 100 times the diameter of the Earth. Now I have a question for Mrs. Westberry's 7th grade class - Can you guys tell me what gases the Sun is composed of? Thank you Mrs. Westberry - You must be a Great Teacher!

[ ANNADELL - 238 - 19:26:00 ]
RE: Dear Anna how does it fell to fly your on plane. I wis i can do the same thing. that is really awesome for you to being flying on a plane. Do you still go to school. what do your friends think about it
HI, Well my airplane is my baby. What do you mean you wish you could do the same thing. You can!!! All it takes is a little confidence. You are what you make yourself to be. Yes I am still in middle school. My friends hate to fly. They are either scared to death of heights or just plan hate airplanes. Well write back soon!ANNA DELL

[ ANNADELL - 239 - 19:28:32 ]
RE: Hi Anna, I only read the first paragraph of your profile and was shocked to see that you are only 14 years old! I mean other 14 year olds dont even know if they are going to collage or not. It takes alot to be what you want to be and i respect you for what you are doing.(Showing young people that it is possible to do the things you really want to do) Were you scared the first time you tried to fly? How did you feel? I was thinking about being an astronaut because it is soooo exciting!Well im not sure if i will become one yet. Did/do you like science? What did/didn't you like about it? I LOVE SCIENCE!! Thank you for your time bye, Ayanna P.S.-Good luck on your goal! bye
YES NATALIE, I'm still on and writing like crazy. lol!

[ ANNADELL - 248 - 19:38:05 ]
RE: Hi I am 9 years old. How many flights have you been on?
HI, How are you doing! I hope good. Well I have been on 70 flights. You only have to have 30 to solo in a glider. I wish you well with all your dreams.ANNA DELL

[ AnnaDell - 250 - 19:56:25 ]
RE: Megan/Mrs. Westberry/Lakeside Middle School/Anderson, SC What exactly is the Aurora, or Northern Lights, and where does it come from?
Hello Megan! Join me at this Websites: http://www.pfrr.alaska.edu/aurora/INDEX.HTM & http://www.alaskascience.com/aurorafacts.htm. I'm sure that SpaceWeather.com has something on it as well. The Aurora Borealis is quite a phenomena and so beautiful. My father use to tell me about how beautiful the curtain of lights were and after studying and seeing many photographs of them - just imagine the beauty when you get to see them in person. Check out the sites! Tell Mrs. Westberry Thank you for allowing her class to be involved today!

[ AnnaDell - 253 - 20:01:52 ]
RE: hi, I was wondering, to get your B badge, do you have to hover in the air, for a half hour, or do stuff? Same question for the c badge. What grade are you in? Who inspired you to be a pilot, and how old were you when you knew you wanted to be a pilot? Thanks! Sincerely, Marlo
Hey! To get my B and C Badges in Soaring I will have to find Thermals that will keep me afloat in the Glider for 30 minutes. Actually, If I told you the truth my plan is to just stay up for about an hour and thirty minutes to get both badges. Now I will probably have to have just the right weather, but one day the weather will be perfect and I will get those badges.

[ AnnaDell - 257 - 20:12:00 ]
RE: [Natalie/YWAC] Hey Anna, there was one point in my life that i wanted to be a pilot. But i backed away from the thought because i always hear about small planes crashing, or some kind of crashing that occurs. Doesn't that ever scare you? Because MOST of the time, everyone dies in a plane crash. So i dont know, it just scared me.
Hey Natalie, First, thank you for your help today! I appreciate you so very much! I would like to hear more about you - I know without a doubt you are pretty incredible to be handling all of this today. If your really want to be a pilot I will tell you it is all about "Safety." Planes will crash- that will continue to happen. I have surrounded myself with really incredible instructors. They have pushed me in the "Safety Area." If you really love something, just anything - I can promise you it will come at some price - maybe your health, etc., etc., but I chose flying because I truly love it! I study and practice a lot! My instructor has taught me to "Box the Wake" and he has prepared me if my tow cord should wrap around my wing - these are all scenarios. He would not release me to fly - AT ALL - if he thought I could endanger myself in anyway. My parents and I have talked about the risks and out of respect for them I study and practice continually. So whatever you desire to do - It will come with risks. I just practice my risk over and over again. I practice spins and stalls - any and everything I fear could happen while I'm flying alone I practice Big Time with my Instructor until I feel very confident to do them on my own. Hope that helps! It's all about learning Skills. Have a Good One!

[ Natalie/YWAC - 258 - 20:14:42 ]
Thanks Anna. Yeah your right about what you said. But yeah. Oh and your welcome about helping you out with this web chat. I have never been a moderator before. I am only 17. But its cool to try new things out some time. So where are you from?

[ ANNADELL - 259 - 20:16:01 ]
RE: [ANNADELL] YES NATALIE, I'm still on and writing like crazy.lol!
HI AYANNA, You know what, it was in my blood to fly. It was like something like Deja-vu. I love science! The thing that I didn't like about it was the math. I am horrible in math. But math comes in science. You were thinking about being an astronaut you said. Tell me something what do you want to accomplish in your life. Is it science you love? Well science comes in flying. You are only what you build yourself to be. You make it happen. It's inside of you. You are really neat person! I hope you have dreams. I want you to accomplish them for me as well for all people. Thank you write back soon!ANNA DELL

[ ANNADELL - 260 - 20:20:38 ]
RE: Dear Anna, It's Hutton again. I was wondering do you want to be an astronaut when you get older and go into space. I know you say you shouldn't be in the Guinness Book of World records, but what you are doing is really neat. Email me soon. Sincerely, Hutton
Hey Hutton, Yes I want to be an astronaut! I really want to go on the "Mar's Mission". I want to go to the Air Force Academy first. Then go into the Air Force. When I get out of the Air Force then go and work with NASA. I really want to be a fighter pilot in the Air Force though. Write back soon!ANNA DELL

[ AnnaDell - 261 - 20:22:33 ]
RE: Hey Anna, Is it cool to be a pilot at such a young age? I think what you are doing is totally awesome!! When did you start to fly? I think you are really cool! E-mail me back!!!!!!
Hey! You know what I think is cool! Is that I'm flying a plane before I'm driving a car. I think my parents like it that way too! Hee! Hee! I am one of many young people that fly in gliders my age. Now I will admit that they say it is something like 5% my age in the Nation or World that do that, but it is Great Fun! I started flying around March of 2001 and I turned 14 in May 2001 and in June 2001 I was a solo-glider pilot. It definitely has given me confidence and I've had to learn self-discipline to work in my studies, activities, flying, Civil Air Patrol and fun time, but IT IS SO WORTH IT! What is it you would like to do? I think that all kids are awesome - we all have so much to give - and at our age - guess what? If we can find a mentor in what we enjoy - they are usually lined up to help us! So find something you really enjoy and Go For It!

[ AnnaDell - 264 - 20:28:42 ]
RE: [Natalie/YWAC] Hey Anna, i just wanted to let you know that I am at Nasa right now and we have been meeting all these women pilots. Right now I am at the Nasa Ames moderating this chat. i pick all the questions that I think you should answer.
Natalie, I know exactly who you are and Thank You for your hard work. I am bad jealous that you are getting to meet the Women Pilots. Tell them Hello for me! Take care and lets stay in touch throughout the day! I'd like to know more about you Natalie. Tell me more about your life. HAVE A GREAT DAY AT AMES!

[ ANNADELL - 265 - 20:29:35 ]
RE: hey Anna, I think you are really cool. After reading the first paragraph of your profile, I decided you would be one of my role models. Looking up to you will push me harder to reach my goals. When did you start flying and who was your inspiration? Write back soon!!!
Hi There, Well Thank You! I've never been a role model before. What is it that you desire to be. Is it go into space type. Or engineering maybe. Maybe a fighter pilot! If you ever need to talk to me and ask me questions about anything. You don't think twice about getting on here and writing ok! I will help you with anything that you need help with learning. That is if I know it.LOL!!! We need to reach out to tones of kids that need help with stuff. Write Back soon.ANNA DELL

[ Natalie/YWAC - 268 - 20:36:28 ]
Anna. Don't be jealous. I am sure that you will be one of the women pilots in the future here at NASA Ames.

[ AnnaDell - 269 - 20:39:14 ]
RE: Woodside Elem. Hi! how did you think you wanted to be in the Civil Air Patrol? Do you really go on rescue missions? What to you do on rescure missions?
Hello to Woodside Elementary! How are all of you doing today! I am so excited to hear from you! Actually it was my mother that got me interested in Civil Air Patrol after I announced to her that I wanted to be a Pilot! I do not do any rescue missions, but Civil Air Patrol is know for many great missions. Civil Air Patrol was the first to fly over the World Trade Center after the Disaster to take Aerial Photo's.

[ Lori/QuestChatHost - 268 - 20:36:28 ]
Thanks for sharing with us today Anna!!