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Description
Women in Aviation Week – March 3-9, is a special time when we come together to celebrate the trailblazing women who have made their mark in the world of aviation. It’s an event to reflect on their achievements, recognize their contributions, and inspire the next generation of women pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an aspiring pilot, or someone who simply loves airplanes, Women in Aviation Week is a time to honor the incredible women who have shaped the skies.
History
Aviation history dates back over 2,000 years, with early flight attempts involving kites, hot air balloons, and early jets. Kite flying is believed to be one of the first instances of human-engineered flight. In the 19th century, aeronautics was the talk of the town, as people experimented with hot air balloons, airships, and gliders, long before the airplanes we recognize today came into existence.
By 1903, significant strides were made in aviation, and on December 12, the first successful flight of an airplane, the ‘Kitty Hawk,’ took place, lasting about 12 seconds and covering a distance of 37 meters. This groundbreaking achievement, piloted by the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, in North Carolina, marked a turning point in aviation history. The impact of this event reverberated across the world, leading to the development of new aircraft for the transportation of people, goods, and services, and even the eventual advancement of space travel.
Up until 1910, the aviation industry was largely dominated by men, and gender discrimination was prevalent. Women had to fight vigorously to demonstrate their abilities and prove their worth in a field that was not welcoming. However, women’s contributions to aviation history began as early as 1754, when the first woman flew a hot air balloon, and continued with the first female pilot to earn a license in 1910.
Women of Aviation Worldwide Week was established to mark the licensing of the first female pilot, symbolizing a crucial step toward addressing gender inequality in aviation. In 2010, a pilot and aviation instructor named Mireille Goyer created the ‘Fly it Forward’ initiative, aimed at encouraging more women worldwide to get involved in aviation. Goyer’s initiative was designed to address the lack of exposure women had to aviation activities. With this initiative, her goal was to increase the representation of women in all areas of aviation, a vision shared by many pioneering female pilots.
By 2011, the event had grown into Women in Aviation Week, continuing the mission to inspire and empower more women to take to the skies.
How To Celebrate
1. Attend Events and Participate in Activities
Many aviation organizations, local airports, aviation museums, and schools host special events during Women in Aviation Week. These events may include panel discussions, workshops, seminars, or even fly-in gatherings that feature women in aviation sharing their stories and experiences. Look for events in your area or online, and attend to learn more about the contributions of women to aviation, meet inspiring women in the field, and network with others who share your passion.
2. Support Women-Owned Aviation Businesses
One meaningful way to celebrate Women in Aviation Week is by supporting women-owned businesses in the aviation industry. From flight schools to aviation maintenance companies and even aviation-themed boutiques, women entrepreneurs are making a significant impact. Find and support businesses run by women or purchase aviation-related products and services from them. It’s a great way to show appreciation for their work and contribute to empowering women in the industry.
3. Learn About Women in Aviation
Take some time during Women in Aviation Week to dive deeper into the history of women in aviation. You can read books, watch documentaries, or follow social media accounts dedicated to inspiring female aviators. There are many fascinating stories of women who paved the way for others, from Amelia Earhart’s groundbreaking flight to modern-day pioneers like Tammie Jo Shults. The more you learn about their achievements, the more you’ll appreciate how far women have come in this field.
4. Introduce a Young Girl to Aviation
Encouraging young girls to explore aviation is one of the most powerful ways to celebrate Women in Aviation Week. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, you can introduce the idea of aviation to young girls by taking them to an aviation museum, showing them aviation-related movies or books, or even enrolling them in an introductory flying lesson. Events like ‘Fly It Forward’ encourage pilots and aviation enthusiasts to introduce young girls to the world of aviation, inspiring the next generation of female aviators.
5. Donate to Aviation Scholarships for Women
Many organizations, such as Women in Aviation International (WAI), offer scholarships and grants to support women pursuing careers in aviation. Donating to these programs helps fund the education and training of aspiring female pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals. If you’re not able to contribute financially, you can also help by spreading the word about these scholarship opportunities and encouraging women to apply.
6. Host a Women in Aviation Event or Gathering
If you’re part of an aviation club, school, or community group, why not host your own Women in Aviation Week celebration? Organize a lunch or coffee gathering, a discussion panel, or a small seminar with women who have worked in aviation or are currently working in the field. It’s an opportunity to share experiences, talk about the challenges women face in aviation, and provide mentorship to the next generation. A small community gathering can make a big difference in raising awareness and encouraging more women to enter aviation.
Amazing Facts
1. The First Female Pilot
The first woman to earn a pilot's license was Amelia Earhart, but did you know that the first woman to earn a pilot's license in the U.S. was actually Harriet Quimby? She earned her license in 1911 and became the first woman to fly across the English Channel in 1912.
2. Women in Combat
In 1974, the first woman was allowed to become a military pilot in the United States. Captain Karen V. Johnson joined the Air Force and broke down significant barriers for women in the military aviation field.
3. The First Female Commercial Pilot
In 1973, Captain Bonnie Tiburzi made history as the first woman to be hired as a commercial airline pilot by a major U.S. airline—American Airlines. Her groundbreaking role helped pave the way for more women to enter the field.
4. A Space Pioneer
In 1983, Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space, making her mark not only in aviation but also in the space exploration field. Her accomplishments continue to inspire women to reach for the stars—literally!
5. Women in Aviation Today
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), only about 7% of commercial pilots in the U.S. are women. While this number is growing, there’s still much more to be done to encourage gender diversity in the field.
Why We Love
1. Inspiration for Future Generations
This week serves as a source of inspiration for young girls and women who dream of taking to the skies. Through educational programs, events, and stories shared during Women in Aviation Week, more and more women realize that aviation is a field they can thrive in, regardless of gender.
2. Celebrating Groundbreaking Women
Women in Aviation Week provides an opportunity to honor women who have achieved incredible things in a traditionally male-dominated industry. From early pioneers like Amelia Earhart and Jacqueline Cochran to modern-day leaders like Captain Tammie Jo Shults (the first female pilot to land a Boeing 737 after an engine failure), the week highlights the bold and brilliant women who have broken barriers.
3. Community Building
This week also fosters a sense of camaraderie among women in aviation. It’s an opportunity for women to connect, share their experiences, and support one another in an often challenging field. Whether through virtual or in-person events, the sense of solidarity is one of the things that makes Women in Aviation Week so special.
4. Raising Awareness
By shining a light on the women who work in aviation, this week helps raise awareness about the gender disparity that still exists. While progress has been made, women still make up a small percentage of the aviation workforce, especially in roles like commercial pilots and aerospace engineers. Women in Aviation Week helps bring attention to this ongoing issue and encourages more diversity and inclusion in the industry.
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