What do clergy, farm managers, painters, barbers, security guards, and truck drivers all have in common? In terms of percentage, a woman is more likely to work in any of these male-dominated fields than in aviation. In a few of these, she would be two to three times more likely. But it’s estimated that just 6 percent of professional pilots are women, which is in line with the overall percentage of female pilots.
Why there aren’t more women in aviation is not easy to explain. Studies have examined the question, but as of yet no one has come up with a good explanation. If you listen to enough women who have made it through the process, the answer becomes pretty obvious—aviation can be a hostile environment for women.
This is especially true in the training arena, where many female students tell stories of inappropriate instructors, scary maneuvers, and a general disrespect. That’s not to say it happens all the time, of course. But it does happen. According to FAA data, 12.3 percent of student pilot certificate holders in 2011 were women. Compare that to a 6.6-percent representation in the general pilot population, and you realize that aviation has a problem that’s persisted for decades.
Even instructors and school owners who mean well don’t necessarily understand the impact of their actions. Many say they treat everyone equally. That’s a noble proposition that often can be a losing one. Regardless of gender, different people have different needs. A good flight instructor recognizes this and responds appropriately. And a good customer should demand it of a professional. Otherwise, we’ll continue to put up with the aviation equivalent of the schoolteacher who uses the same transparencies for 30 years.
This month we examine the issue from three sides—personal, professional, and public. Jill W. Tallman’s feature story on Girls In Flight Training ( “Women With Wings,” page 28) kicks off our special coverage. GIFT is a unique program that offers free instruction, reduced aircraft rental, and a supportive environment to female students. We also examine women in flying careers with “Aviation’s Glass Ceiling,” on page 43. Some people believe the low numbers of women in aviation is because of a lack of strong female role models, but they are here if you look around. We feature one of the best this month in “Debrief,” on page 64. Patty Wagstaff is a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic champion, and a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Her trademark Extra 260 is hanging in the National Air and Space Museum—upside down.
The work on increasing the ranks of female pilots is just beginning. If we can better understand the issues women face in training, it’s not inconceivable that thousands of new female pilots could join our ranks over the next few years. Because let’s face it: Flying an airplane is a lot more fun than driving a tractor-trailer.
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