NAPLES, Fla. - TelAve -- Girl Scouts from across Southwest Florida explored the world of aviation Saturday, climbing into airplane cockpits, learning aircraft marshalling signals and hearing firsthand from female pilots and paramedics during Girls in Aviation Day at Naples Airport.

Held Sept. 26, Girls in Aviation Day was a collaborative event between the Naples Airport Authority and Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida designed to inspire girls and young women through hands-on experiences while introducing them to potential careers in aviation.

"We're so happy to be able to localize [Girls in Aviation Day] here at the Naples Airport and hopefully encourage and inspire some of these girls and young women about careers in aviation," said Brad Fagan, director of community relations for Naples Airport Authority.

The event offered Girl Scouts a firsthand look at the wide range of careers available in aviation, extending well beyond the cockpit. Women in Aviation International launched Girls in Aviation Day in 2015 as a global initiative to introduce youth to aviation and potential career paths, including opportunities as pilots, air traffic controllers, avionics technicians, aerospace engineers, aircraft mechanics and safety officers.

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"I was told I could not be a pilot," said Cristina Jones, a pilot based out of Naples Airport. "I learned to fly when I was 42. I fly for fun. I'm very grateful I found aviation, and I have the means to keep doing it. I want to pass it on because there were women along the road who helped me keep flying. I just want to pass it on."

For the Girl Scouts, the morning provided an opportunity to ask questions, interact directly with aviation professionals and experience elements of flying and airport operations that they might otherwise only see from a distance.

Girls in Aviation Day is celebrated around the world to encourage young girls to explore aviation and aerospace while connecting them with women already working in the industry. Through events like the one at Naples Airport, participants can see firsthand the variety of opportunities available and learn that aviation careers are within reach.