First in Flight Luncheon

Frontiers of Flight Museum hosts the First in Flight Luncheon on Friday, October 16, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. It's an annual event presented by the museum, which bills itself as Texas' premier air and space museum. The luncheon honors pioneers in aerospace and raises funds for the museum's aerospace-STEM education programs, which reach more than 75,000 North Texas students each year.

This year's keynote speaker is Captain Theresa M. Claiborne, a retired United Airlines captain on the Boeing 787 and a real aviation trailblazer. In 1982, she became the first Black woman pilot in the U.S. Air Force, and later the first Black woman aircraft commander and instructor on the KC-135. She logged more than 23,000 flight hours over 34 years at United, retiring in 2024. She's also the founding President Emerita of Sisters of the Skies, an organization dedicated to opening doors for the next generation of Black women in aviation. The luncheon's honorary co-chairs are Dr. Whitney Strauss and Rhonda Marcus, with Jan Osborn and Trina Terrell Andrews serving as luncheon co-chairs.

The event also recognizes the 2026 First In Flight awardees: The Summerlee Foundation for Philanthropy Impact, Pizza Hut for Corporate Impact, Suzy Fulton as Children's Champion, Gulfstream for STEM Innovation, Notre Dame School as Community Partner, and Harry Boswell as Volunteer of the Year. Throughout the afternoon, guests follow an interactive dining journey through the museum, with a raffle drawing and a look at the education programs the luncheon supports.

Tickets are $250, and the luncheon runs from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, October 16, at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209.