A Woman’s Place Can Be in the Cockpit

Just over 6% of all pilots are female, according to Women in Aviation, a professional group for women employed in the aviation industry. Women have moved out of the era of "firsts" — the first female captain of a major U.S. airline (Emily Warner in 1976), or first woman to fly in a helicopter around the world (Jennifer Murray in 1997) to be captains of commercial aircraft flying for airlines worldwide. For example, Captain Karen Hahn has been flying commercially for 22 years, mostly for Continental Airlines in the U.S.

Women are now flying not just to set their "firsts" or set other records, but because they love flying as a career — they each have a passion for aviation and adventure.

One female pilot, Ms. Shumway Mortine, who lives in Ohio, USA, recently became a certified flight instructor. She said" the thing about aviation for me is it's the marriage of science, adventure and problem-solving."

Many organizations continue to help pave the way for women interested in aviation as a career. One of the best known, "The Ninety Nines," was founded in 1929 by Amelia Earhart. What began as a group of female aviators now has over 5,000 members in 36 countries throughout the world.

Phoenix East Aviation has both male and female students — and both male and female instructors.  Contact PEA for more information www.pea.com on how you can begin your flight training.