In a room full of women pilots and educators attending the thirteenth annual Women in Aviation International conference held in Nashville, Tennessee, in March, the numbers make even less sense than they do on paper. Roughly 6 percent of all U.S. pilots and only 3 percent of airline transport pilots are women. These figures haven't changed substantially in decades. There's a general consensus that more women than ever are pursuing aviation careers, but somewhere along the way, the numbers no longer equal the enthusiasm. The number of female faces in major university aviation classrooms across the country decrease as senior year approaches. From six out of 50, they drop to two or three out of 50, declining in number and scale relative to their male counterparts.
And if the flight training industry cannot keep young women enrolled in these aviation programs, how can it keep them in aviation in general?
Researchers at Arizona State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Kent State University, and Bryant College sought to determine which factors influence women to stay in collegiate aviation programs or to leave and pursue other paths. Ideally, the research would identify ways in which schools could adapt their programs and provide services to all students that would aid in retention.
The resulting paper is "Retaining Women in Collegiate Aviation: A Data-Driven Model." Some findings were no surprise: Women are having a different experience in collegiate aviation, simply because of who they are and how they learn. As a group - and acknowledging that some women learn differently, as do some men - women learn more by interacting with their peers, searching out consensus and thorough understanding of a subject before proceeding, using more imagery in their language, and seeking mentors more often. And yes, they are slower to display confidence than their male counterparts and may show hesitancy in their speech.
For every student, professor, and flight instructor, there are lessons from these findings. Students should find support groups, whether established formally on campus, or derived from study groups for a given class. If you are a student, look at the classes ahead of yours for a mentor, or among graduates of your program - particularly if you know someone in your chosen career. Female student pilots learning to fly outside the university environment can adapt this concept by networking with other female students - and certificated pilots - at their flight school or FBO.
Instructors can ask those students who appear hesitant more questions about a subject to ensure that they understand it thoroughly before proceeding. For example, it arose in the fishbowl discussion that many women did not have the exposure to fixing things around the house that their brothers had. A trip to the maintenance hangar at a quiet time so that the student can touch and manipulate parts of an engine tends to increase confidence and help the student feel comfortable that she has mastered the material before going on to, say, emergency procedures in flight.
In the classroom, group situations provide more opportunity for students to interact, ask each other questions, and learn from each other. Above all, the same standards for men and women must be maintained and a professional atmosphere cultivated.
An example of how this can work from a syllabus standpoint involves the rate at which pilots complete a given task within a certificate, rating, or professional pilot course. A woman without an athletic background may not be accustomed to using her depth perception, which is a primary skill necessary for landing an airplane. The instructor can assist the pilot by helping her to use peripheral vision to judge her height above the runway while her skill in using depth perception catches up. Also, the student can take heart in the fact that she may well catch up with her peers during instrument flight tasks, as following an instrument approach is similar to following a cooking recipe and therefore uses different abilities.
* A program that the University Aviation Association (UAA) and ERAU hope to launch this fall is MentorNet, to fill the needs of all students by helping them find others in their chosen career who are interested in helping them out. The online program will enlist faculty and other aviation professionals to serve as mentors to students at UAA-member schools across the country.
Julie K. Boatman
Cessna Skylane Data Approved For Simulator
Vector Training Systems of Grand Forks, North Dakota, which makes aircraft-specific FAA Level 3 flight training devices and general aviation multimedia training software, has received FAA approval for its proprietary Cessna Skylane aircraft reference data. Now, the company's Skylane flight training device (FTD) customers, including the U.S. Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas, and Recurrent Training Center in Champaign, Illinois, can work with their local FAA offices to receive FAA Level 3 approval. For more information, visit the Web site ( www.vtsweb.com/ftd/index.html ).
Diamond Shows Special-Edition Katana
Diamond Aircraft exhibited a special edition of its DA20-C1 Katana at the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida, during April. The two-place Katana is a popular training airplane. The special edition model includes a premium interior with redesigned plush leather seats, offering more shoulder and hip room; integral folding headrests; a larger, easily accessible luggage compartment; and improved ventilation. Exterior enhancements include streamlined wheel fairings, a silver lower fuselage, and high-visibility graphics. Depending on customer reaction, the modifications may be incorporated into future DA20 and DA40 aircraft. For more information, visit the Web site ( www.diamondair.com ) or call Diamond Aircraft at 888/359-3220.
OMF Applies For IFR Certification On Symphony 160
OMF Aircraft plans to enhance the Symphony 160 by pursuing certification for IFR and night flight, and by seeking a 10-percent increase in useful load. Such changes would further enhance the Symphony's appeal as a training aircraft.
Company officials said in April at the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida, that all of the engineering has been done and the paperwork has been filed with the FAA. The company hopes to have FAA approval this summer.
The single-engine, two-place Symphony is geared toward the training market with its low operating and acquisition costs and good flying characteristics. And even though it's built by a German company, nuts, bolts, and screws are based on the English system instead of the metric system for easy maintenance by North American owners. The aircraft is built with a combination of aluminum and composites to reduce weight. The introductory price for the IFR model is $140,000, or $20,000 more than the base VFR model. For more information, visit the Web site ( www.omf-aircraft.com ).
Diamond Star Gets FAA Certification
Diamond Aircraft has received FAA certification for the North American-built IFR four-seat DA40-180 Diamond Star. Deliveries to U.S. customers will begin immediately. The airplane features a 180-hp Lycoming engine, 145-knot cruise, and an 824-pound useful load. For more information, see the Web site ( www.diamondair.com ).
FlightSafety Gets FAA Approval For Citation Bravo Simulator
The FlightSafety International learning center at San Antonio International Airport has received FAA Level D approval for a recently installed Citation Bravo full-flight simulator. The simulator was designed and built by the FlightSafety Simulation Systems Division in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its panoramic visual system was produced by the Visual Systems Division of FlightSafety in St. Louis, Missouri.
The San Antonio center is equipped with simulators for the Citation CJ1, CitationJet, Citation II, Citation SII, and Citation III, as well as the new Bravo. FlightSafety recently announced that a new Citation training center is being built in Florida at Orlando International Airport. The 52,000-square-foot center will be completed at the end of the year with simulators for a variety of Citation models.
Also granted recently was Level D approval from the FAA for an advanced Gulfstream 200 full-flight simulator at FlightSafety International's learning center at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, and for a Bombardier Regional Jet full-flight simulator at FlightSafety's Cincinnati training center.
Aviat Offers New Bush Plane
Aviat Aircraft Inc. has introduced a new airplane, a slimmed-down Husky with a lower price tag. Called the Husky Pup, the airplane has a 160-hp engine (20 fewer hp than its older brother), a fixed-pitch prop instead of constant speed, and there are no flaps on the standard model (but they will be available as an option). Cruise speed for the airplane is 140 mph, range 1,000 miles with reserves, and the useful load is 860 pounds. The introductory price is $110,000. Aviat expects to receive FAA certification in July.
Cirrus, Lancair Offer All-Electric Models
Big-aircraft technology continues to trickle down to the smallest general aviation aircraft. Cirrus Design and Lancair are now offering all-electric airplanes that eliminate the vacuum system. Cirrus has introduced its next-generation entry-level SR20 Version 2.0 for the 2003 model year, while Lancair plans to deliver by late summer its first Columbia 350. The 350's all-electric system replaces the dual vacuum pumps currently offered on the Columbia 300. "All-electric is the way the industry is headed," said Ron Wright, Lancair vice president. "It's been the standard in turbine aircraft for some time, and the technology is now within reach of the piston-aircraft market."
Liberty XL-2 Offers Engine Advisory System
Liberty Aerospace is offering the Vision Micro Systems VM 1000 engine instrumentation and caution advisory system in its two-seat XL-2 aircraft. The system has been specially programmed to display percent of engine power. This permits the pilot to make consistent power adjustments. The XL-2, powered by a 125-horsepower Teledyne Continental IOF-240 engine with its Powerlink full authority digital engine control (FADEC) engine control system, averaged 120 KTAS while consuming 5.75 gallons of fuel per hour during the cross-country flight from Montrose, Colorado, to Lakeland, Florida. The light touring aircraft climbed to 14,400 feet msl to top the Continental Divide before flying east. For more information, visit the Web site ( www.libertyaircraft.com ).
Cessna Offers 'Cool' Option
Many people at Sun 'n Fun were wondering what Cessna Aircraft Company was up to by placing large, round vent holes on either side of the fuselage on its single-engine aircraft. Answering the demand from customers, Cessna is now offering air conditioning as an option on Skyhawk and Skylane airplanes. The option boosts the price of 172 Skyhawks by $19,850 and $22,850 for 182 Skylanes. Cessna is looking at adding the option to 206 Stationairs.
Piper Receives Repair Certificate
The New Piper Aircraft Company has received a Part 145 repair station certificate. The FAA certificate allows New Piper to maintain all Piper and New Piper twin- and single-engine aircraft as well as the engines and propellers found on the aircraft. "To be able to service our customers in all their aviation needs is a truly unique offering in today's aviation marketplace," said Dan Snell, New Piper vice president of customers. "Our FAA-certified Piper Factory Service program allows us to do that."
Mesaba Airlines Signs New Deal With WMU
Northwest Airlink's Mesaba Airlines has signed an agreement with Michigan University's College of Aviation that will allow WMU graduates to fulfill the airline's multiengine flight time requirement for pilot candidates by completing WMU's jet orientation training course. The four-week jet training course, conducted on WMU's Boeing 737-type flight training device, has been offered for the past 18 months. Mesaba became the college's first domestic airline partner in 1999 through a bridge training and hiring program, and has since hired more than 30 WMU alumni.
'Weekend Warrior' Program Gets Three New Planes
Texas Piper Inc. delivered three Piper Warriors to U.S. Flight Academy of Denton, Texas. The airplanes will be used in the academy's Weekend Warrior program, which is aimed at weekend students who learn to fly at their convenience and within their budget. The school is in the process of obtaining its FAR Part 141 certification. For more information, call Texas Piper Inc. at 214/339-2713, or visit the Web site at www.texaspiper.com .
School News
SLU Creates New Master's Program In Aviation Safety
In light of the nation's growing concern for aviation safety, Saint Louis University (SLU) is offering a new online degree program.
Because the FAA now requires airlines to employ aviation safety managers, SLU's Parks College of Engineering and Aviation has launched a master of science degree in aviation safety management. Previously there were no such programs at the master's level, according to the school.
"We designed the program's curriculum to follow the FAA requirements for top aviation safety managers," said Alan Stolzer, associate dean of Parks College. The Web-based program was designed for busy aviation professionals. It requires a student to earn about 30 graduate credit hours.
The school estimates that it will take the average part-time student two to three years to complete the degree. For more information, call 314/977-8251 or check out the online summary on the Internet (http://parks.slu.edu/msasm/).
College Receives FAA Flight School Certification
Dowling College's School of Aviation recently received FAA certification as a Part 141 flight school and has expanded its fleet of aircraft.
Located in Brookhaven, New York, the school offers all the piston-engine airman ratings and certificates from private pilot through flight instructor. The school's Piper fleet is comprised of four Warriors, one retractable-gear Arrow, and one twin-engine Seminole. All of the aircraft are equipped with Garmin avionics with GPS moving-map navigation displays. In addition, the school has a Frasca 241 flight simulator.
Besides a bachelor of science in aeronautics/professional pilot degree, Dowling offers a comprehensive aviation curriculum for students interested in any profession from aviation business managers to air traffic controllers.
ERAU's Summer Academy To Open For Teens
From learning to fly to building a mock space station, teens will be busy at the Summer Academy operated by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at its Daytona Beach, Florida, campus this summer.
The academy, which runs from June 21 through August 16, offers learning opportunities for aspiring pilots and astronauts ages 12 through 18. Some of the programs teach students to fly while others focus on space exploration. The program includes housing and meals. Tuition runs from $1,200 to $12,500 depending on the type and length of program. Prior to the start of flight training, students must obtain an FAA Class II medical.
The application deadline is June 1. For more information, call 800/359-4550 or see the Web site ( www.erau.edu/dce ), where you can download an application or a complete forms packet.
Florida College Selects Comm1
Miami-Dade Community College's Aeronautical Science Program has recently integrated Comm1 software into its flight-training curriculum.
Developed by e-Publishing Group, of Frederick, Maryland, the interactive programs teach student proper radio communication techniques.
"We have a lot of air traffic in and out of Tamiami [Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport], and our students need to be up to speed with their radio work as fast as possible-that's why we got Comm1," said Jorge Pita, manager of aviation at the Florida school's airport facility. For more information, see the Web site ( www.Comm1Radio.com ).
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