What about skilled trades? Long lines at WIH? (Women In Hangers… ok, sarcasm-off), construction sites?, auto repair?, plumbing?, electrical...?

OK, maybe not ‘dirty’ blue-collar, how about white collar? Engineering? Hmmm, Only 13% of engineers are women. Hmmm, Wonder why. Certainly not because women aren’t smart enough as over half of medical and law school graduates in the US are now women (fact).

any chance women are simply not attracted to the idea of becoming an airline pilot? If today’s girls don’t see women populating flight decks, they’re just not looking. Southwest woman, former Navy “ace” saves the day after engine explodes, Female Thunderbird pilots, fighter pilots, etc. Unlike women of previous generations, the information and opportunities are vastly different for this generation.

Isn’t it more likely most are simply not interested? Sadly, there aren’t studies or statistics available for girls that were “encouraged“ to pursue aviation, then become discouraged, dropped out, or stayed, hated the lifestyle and became career FOs to avoid crappy schedules.

The pilot profession looks great in movies and brochures. Most reading this know it can be very tough (Health, families, furloughs, lifestyle, cost, income), and the ones that make it to the big leagues are the ones that wanted it so badly they were willing to endure the pain it took to get there. The rest fall off by the wayside somewhere along the way, or are miserable their entire careers.

it’s not always a good idea to ‘encourage’ people to pursue this lifestyle if they’re not inclined already. Better to let nature take it’s course, and allow those with the drive and passion to do the research (mouse click), to apply. The information and role models are there, if they’re not looking, they’re probably not interested.