Senate Resolution No. 1907

BY: Senator LARKIN

HONORING Heather M. Howley upon the occasion of
being named a 2017 Orange County Woman of
Achievement

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those women of achievement within the Empire State who
have made strong contributions to their communities and who inspire
others through their model citizenship; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Heather M. Howley upon the occasion of being named a 2017 Orange County
Woman of Achievement by the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and the YWCA
Orange County to be recognized at its 25th Anniversary Celebration on
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at Anthony's Pier 9, New Windsor, New York; and

WHEREAS, CEO and Chief Pilot for Independent Helicopters LLC,
Heather M. Howley grew up in Albany, New York; despite a huge fear of
heights, she traveled across Europe on small planes and in 2005, she
relocated to the West Coast with just $1,000 to her name; and

WHEREAS, Soon after arriving in San Diego, Heather M. Howley had the
opportunity to take a free helicopter ride, and it was at that moment
that she realized her passion for flying; and

WHEREAS, Heather M. Howley began aviation classes at a local
community college; her initial training included 200 hours of flight
time, student loans and online classes, all while working two full-time
jobs; and

WHEREAS, In the summer of 2007, Heather M. Howley accepted a
position as a helicopter instructor with Silver State Helicopters based
at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, before the possibility of
owning her own business presented itself; and

WHEREAS, Heather M. Howley founded Independent Helicopters LLC in
the fall of 2008; located in Newburgh, the company offers helicopters
for charter, flight instruction, tours, aerial photography, and power
line and pipeline patrol; and

WHEREAS, After meeting the love of her life at Kobelt Airport in the
Hamlet of Wallkill, Heather M. Howley and Marius Ivascu were united in
marriage on March 9, 2013; that summer, she opened her second flight
school at Saratoga County Airport; and

WHEREAS, Heather M. Howley went on to earn her airplane license, and
currently has more than 5,000 hours of flight time; she is a certified
instrument flight instructor and airline transport pilot, flying both
helicopters and airplanes; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the
community, Heather M. Howley is a member of Women in Aviation
International and Whirly Girls, an organization for female helicopter

pilots; she also partners with Girl Scouts to work with young girls ages
8 to 13 on their aviation badge; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in memory of her late husband, the first
Marius Ivascu Aviation Scholarship will be awarded to a student who
embodies his true spirit, drive and determination; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that New York State is the
home to countless women who are strong and colorful threads, vital to
the fabric of our rich heritage, who have contributed, and continue to
add to the advancement of our culture through their traditional and
non-traditional roles in society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Heather M. Howley upon the occasion of being named a 2017 Orange
County Woman of Achievement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Heather M. Howley.