May 14, 2025

RICHLAND, Wash. – A visual aid pilots use at the Richland Airport for safe and accurate navigation is getting an update.

Port of Benton is working with the Mid-Columbia Ninety-Nines chapter of women pilots to refresh and relocate the airport’s 80-foot compass rose. A compass rose is a large, symbolic compass painted on or near airport runways to help pilots calibrate aircraft instruments.

The Ninety-Nines is an international organization of women pilots representing over 90 years of women’s contributions to aviation. The organization promotes the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring women’s unique history in aviation. The Ninety-Nines has spearheaded the compass rose tradition, which is widely recognized throughout the aviation industry.

“The Mid-Columbia Chapter of the Ninety-Nines carries on the tradition and fulfills the need for air markings by volunteering our time to paint the airport names, compass rose symbols and other identifications on airports,” said Aileen Coverdell, local chapter member. “Ninety-Nines members have recently painted the airport names at Lind and Davenport and many other local airports in the past. The compass rose project at the Richland Airport is our first, and we expect to have up to 15 volunteers.”

Surveying will begin on Monday, May 19, with painting starting on May 23. The local Ninety-Nines organization anticipates the project will require approximately 150 volunteer hours from its members.

Stay tuned for news and updates at portofbenton.com.

###