The Twirly Birds, an international organization of helicopter pilots who have soloed a helicopter at least 20 years ago, celebrated this year’s Les Morris recipient at its annual meeting on March 3. The event was held in the Lake Mizzell room of the Hilton Hotel, adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center here in Orlando, Fla. Attendees had the privilege of hob-knobbing with Sergei Sikorsky, son of Igor Sikorsky, who will be presenting the Les Morris award.

This year’s recipient is Nancy Miller Livingston Stratford, who received her helicopter certificate in 1947. Stratford holds Whirly-Girls member number 4, making her a pioneer advocate and role model for women helicopter pilots all over the world. But her aviation fame goes deeper. Before she was a helicopter pilot, Stratford flew for the British Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II. She brough copies of her book on the experience, Contact! Britain! A Woman Ferry Pilot's Life during WWII in England, and signed them at the event.