A group of female pilots is hoping for a full house this weekend as it hosts a regional flying event that will make a stop at Bryan's Coulter Field.

The Houston chapter of The Ninety-Nines will lead contestants through five airports in search of a winning hand in the poker run.

All female licensed pilots are welcome to compete. Registration begins at 7 a.m., two hours before takeoff at West Houston Airport, where the first stage of the event is to take place.

Carol Brackley, safety chairman for the Houston Chapter of The Ninety-Nines, has competed in the past five poker runs and encouraged pilots who are looking to sharpen their skills to enter this year's contest.

"It's always a lot of fun with the camaraderie between planes and pilots," Brackley said. "It gives you an opportunity to do something fun that's also a good practice for your flying skills because you're flying and landing at five different airports. It keeps you on your toes, not knowing which airport is next right up until you take off."

In the contest, a pilot draws a card, then flies to the next airport to draw another card, Coulter Field spokesman Karl Preston said. Pilots will travel from West Houston to Huntsville, then to Conroe and on to a yet-to-be determined location. The event will end at Coulter Field around noon, Preston said.

Cost of entry is $20, with prizes for the best poker hand. Brackley says she is hoping for 10 to 15 participants this year after poor weather limited last year's turnout to five pilots.

IN SHORT

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Posted by: On: 11/13/2008

Comment Title: What day is the event?
Anyone know what day this event will be held?

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