“When I’m in my uniform, people are always assuming I’m a flight attendant,” says pilot and Lakewoodite Lynda Meeks. “Many people are surprised when I tell them that I am a professional pilot. Most people don’t know that women have been flying since 1910, and there are more and more girls getting their pilots’ licenses every day.”

At age 24, Meeks first learned to fly while in the Army, where she piloted UH-1 “Huey” helicopters. Also in the Army, she flew C-12 airplanes. Since leaving the military, she flew Beech 1900 airplanes for a regional airline, and now flies a Citation V for a private airline.

Meeks is involved with Girls With Wings, an organization that uses “aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities for personal growth.” On Saturday, May 3, in Lakewood Public Library’s Auditorium at Main Library from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Meeks will entertain, educate and inspire kids through activities about airplanes, flying and being a pilot.