Carol Ann Brackley is currently the Secretary of GHAFI. She joined GHAFI in 1999 and has previously served in the capacity of President, Vice President and Director. Carol received her private license in August, 1984. Continuing her flight training she received an instrument rating, commercial license, advanced Ground Instructor rating and became a Certified Flight Instructor in 1998. Immediately after receiving her CFI, she began working as a flight instructor. As a recipient of the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship in 2001, she was able to obtain her multi-engine rating.
Carol served as an FAA appointed FAASTeam Lead Representative (Aviation Safety Counselor) promoting aviation safety and training from 1989 until 2017. She has been a member of the Ninety-Nines since 1985, previously serving the Houston Chapter Ninety-Nines as Chapter Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary. Also served many years as Aerospace Education Chairman producing Flying Companion Seminars and working with various elementary schools, Girl Scouts. Currently serving as Safety Chairman. She also previously served the Ninety-Nines as the South Central Section Secretary. Participating in the Challenge Air Program she has flown many disabled children. As an Experimental Aircraft Association member she has participated in numerous Young Eagles Programs. In 2015 she was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas. In June 2012 she participated in the Air Race Classic, a 2600 mile transcontinental all women’s air race where she and her partner took 6th place.
She has written numerous articles and in 2012 published an autobiography of her life story entitled Onward and Upward: The Tales of Carol Ann. Carol has dedicated many years of her life to the aviation community to promote aviation safety, education, and to bringing the experience of flight to the future pilots of America. Carol work history includes 30 years as a legal secretary/assistant, and prior to retiring she spent four years as the Executive Assistant to the Manager of West Houston Airport.