More than 25 years ago Cyndi Ice set out to become a pilot.

She logged 14 hours of flight time…then life events stalled that journey.

But the dream never faded.

Starting a career in education in 2006, Ice taught physical science and physics at Kingfisher High School for eight years and currently works as a training specialist with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

She and her husband, Brad, have three grown children and four grandchildren.

While teaching at KHS, Ice said she had the opportunity to encourage students to explore the aviation/ aerospace industry.

“I taught the four forces of flight, Bernoulli’s principle and we designed, developed, analyzed and implemented the data we received from the airplanes and rockets students made,” she said.

Additionally, Ice said students had the opportunity to discover even more aspects of aviation on field trips to the Thomas P. Stafford Museum and Tinker Air Force Base.

“Sparking the interests of students to greater cre-

CYNDI ICE is pictured above prior to her first solo flight after revisiting her dream of becoming a pilot. On the left is Ice in the cockpit boom seat for the landing of the KC-135 during a refueling mission. [Photos provided] ative heights has been my long-term goal since I began teaching,” Ice said.

“My experience as a high school science teacher gave me a stronger awareness, passion and understanding for the benefits that aviation provides in our classrooms, communities and around the world.”

With her goal of becoming a pilot always in the background, Ice went on to earn her certification in the Federal Aviation Administration’s pilot cold weather survival course in 2018.

Although not a pilot at the time, Ice said she decided to enroll in the program, which turned out to be a fortuitous event.

“I met the secretary of the national Ninety-Nines Association (an international organization of licensed women pilots and student pilots) and that is what sparked my interest in the Ninety-Nines,” Ice said.

Established by 99 women pilots, the Ninety-Nines’ mission is to promote the “advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.”

JoiningtheNinety-Nines, Ice said her passion for aviation was reignited while participating in the 2021 Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day.

“This experience solidifi ed my determination to continue exploring the skies and pursuing my love for aviation,” Ice said.

Completing her first solo flight in February 2022, Ice received her private pilot license in mid-2023.

Currently a member of the national organization of Ninety-Nines, Ice also serves as the secretary of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Ninety-Nines and is involved in a multitude of activities.

“My goal as a Ninety- Nine member and secretary, pilot and instructor is to develop opportunities for anyone interested in aviation and aerospace and expand aviation interest in Oklahoma,” Ice commented.

She recently attended the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots 95th anniversary gala hosted by the State of Oklahoma at the state Capitol. The event celebrated the groups’ remarkable legacy in aviation history, sisterhood, progress and its many decades headquartered in Oklahoma City.

The gala was hosted by Representative Nicole Miller and the Oklahoma 59th Legislative Women’s Caucus, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), Will Rogers International Airport and Sundance Airport.

Celebrating the spirit of the Ninety-Nines the event showcased the rich heritage of Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry and diverse tapestry of people and ecosystems across the state’s 77 counties.

As a pilot and aviation enthusiast, Ice has participated in Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics events and symposiums, compass rose paintings at airports across the state, Okie Derby, Impact Partnership Grant Aerospace Day, Oklahoma Education Industrial Partnership and other related activities.

She is also a member of the Oklahoma Pilots Association and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and recently completed another course of pilot cold water survival and hypoxia chamber training in 2024.

“As a pilot, I continue to promote aviation to students in public schools, aviation programs and flight schools, sharing my love of the industry with them,” Ice said.

“Most importantly, I am passing my passion along, through my involvement with the Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics, Oklahoma Pilots Association & Flying Club, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, as well as my participation with the Oklahoma chapter of the Ninety-Nines as secretary.”

Currently Ice is in the process of earning her instrument, commercial and multi-engine ratings, as well as advanced ground instructor and certified flight instructor certifications.

“With these ratings and certifications, I will inspire and instruct new pilots and pay it forward by flying with aviation charities such as Pilots N Paws,” Ice said.

“My first flight (for Pilots N Paws) I delivered a 2-yearold Husky from Mesquite, Texas, to the Guthrie airport on Nov. 11.”

Pilots N Paws is a non-profit organization which helps coordinate the efforts of volunteers working to provide services of rescuing, sheltering and adopting animals and volunteer pilots and plane owners willing to assist with animal transportation.

Additionally, Ice said in the future she hopes to work with her sister who founded the non-profit Best Life TNR & Rescue in Salinas, Calif., to help transport adoptable kittens and cats in need of rescue.

Through her association with the Ninety-Nines, Ice also recently had an opportunity to fly on a mission with the 507th Air Refueling Wing out of Tinker Air Force Base.

One of 13 members and guests of the Ninety-Nines who flew with the 507th crew, Ice spent approximately three-and-a-half hours flying over Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma observing the intricate process of the refueling of five B-52 bombers.

“It was an amazing experience,” Ice commented.

Each member took turns laying in the back of the KC135 airplane to observe the refueling process, she said.

“It was like laying in the back of an RV going down the road, but in the sky,” Ice said. “You lay down on your belly and look out the back to see the B-52 bomber pull up and the pilot in the back directing the tube into the plane while you’re flying.”

As an added bonus, Ice was selected to sit in the cockpit boom seat for landing and she said it was amazing.

With aviation and aerospace booming in Oklahoma, Ice said there are abundant opportunities available within the industry.

“It’s not just about being a pilot,” she said. “It’s about being a manager, financial positions, mechanics, ground instructors and all types of positions.”

Though the financial aspect can be challenging, Ice said in some instances a career in aviation can be more economical than earning a traditional college degree.

Reflecting on her love of aviation, Ice said, “I love the serenity of being in the air… it’s so peaceful and very fulfilling.

“Watching the sunset is very beautiful…and flying over (Kingfisher Winter Nights) lights is very impressive.”

As a Kingfisher Trails board member, Ice said she also had the opportunity to take aerial photos of Newfi eld Park to submit with a grant application.

Encouraging anyone with an interest in aviation to pursue their passion, Ice recommends taking advantage of opportunities to visit with individuals involved in the field, either at airports, attending the Ninety-Nines speaking engagements at schools or organizations or other avenues.

“I would highly encourage any young person that is interested in aviation, especially if they’re going through the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association program they have at the schools, to do it,” Ice said.

“Even if they don’t want to be a pilot, there are so many other opportunities out there in aerospace,” she said.

The Ninety-Nines organization, Ice added, is a wonderful organization which provides support, the sharing of knowledge and scholarships for women interested in aviation.

“The Ninety-Nine group provides me with extensive support and the opportunity to network with fellow female pilots around the world,” Ice said. “There’s a camaraderie and so much support from these ladies of all ages.”

Additionally, Ice said the group supports the vision of equal opportunities for women living in rural areas.

“I’m on a quest to inspire more people—especially women—to join me as a Ninety-Nine and spread the word and benefits of the exciting world of aviation and aerospace,” Ice said.

“Aviation is the industry of the future and I’m excited to see it grow in Oklahoma.”