The aviation corporation how friendly is it to women?

Question

am interested in becoming a commercial pilot. people expressed it wouldn't be fit for a girl but what are your experience and thoughts on this.

Answer 1

From what I have seen women seemed to get hired rather easily.  It may sound sexist, but if you have a pretty face being in a male dominated industry they will hire you faster than they will a more experienced male pilot.  I know there is a lot of people out there that are going to try to say that this is not true, but there is a lot of truth to it.  When I first got out of college I worked in an FBO for few years doing the old start from the bottom and move up thing.  They hired an attractive looking girl who had just graduated from Embery Riddel to work the front desk.  It did not take more than a few weeks and she was hired to fly SIC on a Citation.  Keep in mind she had about 300 total hours and she also fit the definition of a dumb blond to a T.  I would not want this girl operating my lawn mower, let alone an airplane.  But none the less even though there were plenty of guys there with much more qualifications she was hired.  Besides the more sexist reason there is a lot more opertunity for women pilots now then there used to be.  A lot of the old farts that would say "not in my cockpit" are retired now and a new gerneation of pilots are coming in.  It is not so much a problem of women not getting hired as it is there are just not that many women in aviation.  So I say if you want to fly go for it and don't worry about being female.  All the women that were in my major (aviation management) that wanted to fly got jobs doing so.  Yes there are some sexist practices out there, but don;t let it stop you.

Answer 2

As long as this is something that you want to do, you will be fine. There are plenty of women in all areas of aviation from pilots to mechanics.

I've been in the world of corporate aviation for years now and I love it!

Answer 3

It depends on what generation you are dealing with.  Aviophage will probably chime in with her experiences on this...  She definitely had more barriers to cross in her career than any female should have today.  There are plenty of women entering the industry today... Not to say that you won't encounter an "old school" captain or boss somewhere along the way, but those are becoming less common.  In fact, in many ways, being a woman is an advantage these days as companies are looking to diversify.  Good luck in your endeavors!

Answer 4

Whoever is telling you this is woefully out of date. Like several decades. Texas International, a predecessor of Continental was first airline in USA to have a female captain back in the 70's. Now days there are many many female captains and first officers working for all the airlines. Go for it if you can.

Answer 5

Some people think woman are only meant to be flight attendants, other people like myself love seeing woman pilot's. You may or may not have a hard time depending upon the person your are dealing with.

If its your dream to pursue a  professional pilots career, don't let your s*x get into the way.

Answer 6

This has been answered before.. but most of what you have already seen is correct. I have flown with many women pilots, and they fit the same cross section as the men... there are good ones, and bad ones. Sadly, good women pilots are lumped in with the bimbos.. and even worse, the bimbos are pushed through training and passed into positions that they are not qualified to handle (and honestly some don't even want to be there) and that is very dangerous.  It is bad for everyone when a woman pilot is promoted ahead of herself or others that are deserving because of her gender but it happens all the time.  

As said previously.. if this is something you want, then you need to solve it for yourself and get it done. Go to work to do your job, not to make friends or "make a statement."  You will run into some men that are not going to be pleased to see you onboard... and you know there are just as many women pilots that are not pleased to have a MALE pilot for a partner... it cuts both ways.  I flew extended schedules (months) with a few women pilots and they were professional (which says it all)  qualified and did all the right things, but that being said...  they didn't have that instinct for feeling the airplane. Most male pilots don't have it either. The only thing I ever noticed consistant with female pilots was their night vision and particularly their depth perception at night were not good, and this was 100% across the board.  It was good enough... a little rough on the airplane but within limitations.

you are entitled to take your shot along with anyone else, but I think you realize going in that not every male pilot is going to be pleased to see you coming on the scene...  but they all know by now.. that it is professional suicide to say or do ANYTHING...that could be construed as a sexist comment, gesture, or attitude... and some women use that as a weapon. I would give you this  piece of advice....   just be yourself, be PROFESSIONAL ALWAYS, and do not try to be "one of the boys"  some women pilots feel that cussing like a sailor, or talking football, etc...would make them fit in better. Just do your job and then go be with your friends and family..and keep your personal life totally seperated from work.. and  Heaven help you.. if you get romantically involved with someone where you work. That is professional suicide in ANY job... and ten times worse here.

Answer 7

There's nothing wrong with being female and a pilot.  At the last airline I worked at, I'd say about 10-20% or the pilots were women.

Answer 8

i personally think it is awesome for women to be pilots. I am seriously considering it as my profession. My uncle is a aviation and aeronotics teacher and from what he talks about there are a lot of girls who do it :)

go for it!