Code,401006
Subject,Gayle Gorman Freeman
Date,8/5/2010
Interviewer,Michelle Epps
Abstract,"Gayle Gorman Freeman is the president of Manairco, a family company that produces airstrip lighting.  She is the daughter of two pilots and has received several pilot certifications, including helicopter and glider licenses.  She has been involved in numerous aviation groups, including the 99s, the Whirly Girls, and the Young Eagles program."
Special Notes,interview was repeated for taping after initial interview taping did not work
minutes:,0:30:56
0,"introduction; born Mansfield 2/14/55; parents were both pilots; mother got license before 20 in Ashland, lived in Key West; met father in Mansfield"
1,father went into Air Force and flew C-47s; brother also a pilot and soloed at 16; she got her pilot license in late teens
2,"particpated in Angel Derby with mother--all women transcontinental air race originated in Paducah KY and ended Freeport Bahamas; did instead of college graduation; flew her mother's 1976 Vtail Bonanza (?); flew low into West Palm Beach and had engine trouble, called Coast Guard, made it to Freeport; was her only air race, mother did others"
3,also has helicopter license;  had some trouble with army examiner for check ride;
4,"her company Manairco; manufactures lighting equipment for runways, power units; talks about work in Atlanta airport"
5,"thinks that being a pilot has helped her in business in overcoming prejudice, has more credibility; company started in father's garage"
6,"talks about growth of company; didn't do other air races due to other commitments, lack of time, has 3 children, boys have taken lessons, but wants them to have passion for it"
7,"son Stuart has most interest, other children Curtis and Elise; Gayle did not like flying in parents' Bonanza, got air sick, liked horse shows; came back to flying in college"
8,"also has a glider license, did with her mother and father for fun, interested in getting seaplane rating, likes airplanes"
9,"talks about differences in flying planes, helicopters, gliders; glider most peaceful, talks about flying glider"
10,flies an A-36 Bonanza now; dream aircraft would be T-38 military trainer; Bonanza flies 180 miles an hour;
11,talks about traveling; went with mother to women pilots conference in Kathmandu; (phone ringing)
12,had an accident in a helicopter but nothing serious; need good maintenance and respect for aviation; mother also has helicopter license and was one of first 100 women to get license
13,"talks about them being each other's first passengers; Gayle was 200 after her mother (93 and 293); went to Lake Erie College and Ashland College, majored in business administration"
14,"talks about academic interests as a child, daughter enjoys math, was different when she was a child; has done a lot of speaking at schools, would land helicopter there and talk to her"
15,"talks about how life would be different if she didn't become a pilot; she wishes she had gone in military, were taking first group of female fighter pilots when she graduated college"
16,talks about stories of friend who was a military pilot and his experience; (dead air)
17,"had no female instructors; belongs to 99s organization, went to international convention in Hawaii; member of Whirly Girls; mansfield aviation club"
18,"Whirly Girls group very involved, give scholarships; mentor program would be helpful; Girls Fly; involved with Young Eagles program"
19,"talks about Young Eagles program, free airplane rides; likes to see children experience first flight"
20,"favorite thing about flying is her plane, flies in instrument conditions, has grass runway in backyard, likes to fly without destination; helicopter is more freedom"
21,"talks about flying helicopters, can land anywhere, was fun, talks about experience of landing with crowd waiting for male pilot to emerge"
22,(break in interview) ; talks about increasing formality between tower and pilot
23,"discusses communication between tower and pilots, how things used to be more fun and jokey, story about flying to Erie"
24,continued discussion about tower/pilot communications;  talks about fly-in breakfast at her house with 300-400 people
25,"thinks there are more liability issues but still have fun; talks about changes in flying since 9/11, has not changed as much in general aviation as in commercial"
26,has noticed some changes in security to access planes; heightened awareness of reporting things that don't seem right; but still better than Europe in terms of flight plans and freedoms
27,"parents are both still current pilots in 80s, that is what she wants to do; talked about Osh Kosh air venture; talks about flying with her friend Rich when she is pilot"
28,"assumption that he is pilot but it doesn’t bother her; takes dog on plane and has a log book, good passenger  (discussion of future contact)"
29,"discuss Michelle's background, she grew up by Hopkins; watched airplanes"
30,more discussion Michelle childhood in Parma; phone number exchange; end 30:56
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