Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) is a free, annual international event hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) chapters and corporate members, designed to inspire youth ages 8–18 to explore careers in aviation and aerospace.
While the 2026 date is September 19, the event is traditionally held on the third Saturday in September, making September 17 a common year for celebration.
GIAD offers a full day of hands-on STEAM activities, aircraft walk-arounds, flight simulators, career panels with women in aviation, and GIAD Activity Kits filled with resources like aviation magazines, sectional charts, and career guides. The day is open to all, regardless of gender, and encourages participation from parents, teachers, and mentors.
The event’s purpose is to break down barriers in a field where women remain underrepresented, especially in senior leadership and technical roles. By showcasing role models such as early female aviators and modern pioneers like Dr. Sally Ride and Eileen Collins, GIAD connects young people to real-world opportunities in flying, engineering, and space exploration.
For those interested, local chapters host events worldwide, and kits can be purchased online for $15 if not available at the event. The free Aviation for Girls app also provides year-round STEM content, scholarships, and career guidance.
In short, Girls in Aviation Day on September 17th is a celebration of aviation’s potential for everyone, a day to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to the skies.