Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
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Shirley McManes stands by the jet fighter plane mounted at the entrance to Brandon’s airport Sunday afternoon. McManes was one of the people who raised money to place the landmark there back in the 1970s, an effort which was commemorated in the 99 insignia painted onto the nose of the plane.
The Silver Star jet at the entrance to Brandon’s McGill Field is now once again emblazoned with the number 99.
The Ninety-Nines circa 1970. (Left to right) Mae Binkley, Jean Rose, Ruby MacDonald, Shirley McManes, Shirley Allen, Mildred Murray, Georgia Kraeling and Katherine Sykes. (Submitted) (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
An old postcard shows the original sign at the entrance to Brandon Municipal Airport and how the Silver Star jet looked in the 1970s. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
The number on its nose commemorates the group of women responsible for installing the jet off of Highway 10 back in 1971.
The group of 10 women, known as The Ninety-Nines, made up the Brandon chapter of the international organization of licensed women pilots.
Shirley McManes is one of four surviving members. She began flying in the mid-1960s.
"My husband and I, we owned our own aircraft," she said. "I wanted to know how to get the plane down, sort of a co-pilots course. So I went back and by the time you get your co-pilots course and learn to get the plane down, you sort of conquered it … I ended up graduating in 1965."
McManes brought the idea to bring a jet to McGill Field, as a dedication to women aviators everywhere. The Ninety-Nines were immediately on board.
"To raise money, we turtle- waxed airplanes and painted houses, we made emergency kits and sold it to different pilots," she said.
When they raised enough money for the plane that was based at Rivers, McManes said it was taken to Saskatoon to remove the engine and they had it shipped to Brandon on a flatbed trailer.
The plane was installed, with 99 painted on the nose.
"I was extremely proud," McManes said.
The original members of The Ninety-Nines were the late Katherine Sykes, Dorothy Rosenman, Jean Rose, Ruby MacDonald, Georgia Kraeling and Mae Binkley. McManes, along with Marge Polo, Shirley Allen and Mildred Murray are the only surviving members.
In 1997, the jet received a new paint job and through a misunderstanding the 99 was removed by Edmonton-based 401 Squadron.
"We were extremely disappointed when we were made aware of that," McManes said. "We didn’t know anything about it until it was done."
McManes was in touch recently with Rod Sage of the operational services department with the city and explained the story to him.
The jet got another paint job last week, with the correct number.
"I’m thrilled, absolutely," she said. "The girls are so excited … I want to put in a special thank you to Rod Sage and his staff for all the help and support in bringing the T-33 back to it’s original beauty."
The Ninety-Nines disbanded in the ’70s, due to a declining membership and reduced flying activity. The group purchased a painting, which depicts an aerial view of the countryside over Brandon, by artist George Buytendorp and donated it to the Brandon Municipal Airport to be displayed in the terminal. McManes is planning to provide the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum with photos and other interesting keepsakes to keep the history of The Ninety-Nines alive.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition September 4, 2012
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The Silver Star jet at the entrance to Brandon’s McGill Field is now once again emblazoned with the number 99.
The number on its nose commemorates the group of women responsible for installing the jet off of Highway 10 back in 1971.
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The Silver Star jet at the entrance to Brandon’s McGill Field is now once again emblazoned with the number 99.
The number on its nose commemorates the group of women responsible for installing the jet off of Highway 10 back in 1971.
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