Innovation vs Representation
On the 28th of January, I watched the first civil aviation supersonic jet, the Boom XB-1, take its first supersonic flight in the Mojave Desert. This was an incredible moment for the global aviation industry. This futuristic feat of engineering got me thinking: Why are we making such impressive advancements in aviation, yet struggling so much with female representation within the industry?
The Boom Jet flight happened to coincide with the release of the FAA statistics for female pilots in 2024. From 2010 to 2024, the total percentage of female pilots in the U.S. has risen from 5.4% to 7.3%.
This small increase—a mere 1.9% over 14 years—demonstrates just how far aviation has to go in terms of being an equal workforce. This disparity is even more striking when juxtaposed with the rapid advancements in flight performance and engineering across all areas of aviation.
Have you heard of Katherine Wright?
Katherine Wright was the younger sister of the famous Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville. She played a crucial role in testing the Wright Flyer (the first-ever powered flight, which took place on December 17, 1903), making her one of the very first flight engineers. Yet, her contributions have largely been lost to history.
Similarly, while Elise Raymonde de Laroche of France became the first woman to receive a pilot’s license in 1910 (license number 36), it wasn’t until 1993 that the U.S. Air Force had its first female fast jet pilot. In the UK, the Royal Air Force (RAF) did not have a female fast jet pilot until 1992.
When discussing the lack of female representation in traditionally male-dominated aviation fields, the conversation often focuses on women themselves: Do women really want to become pilots or engineers? Do they possess the necessary skills and attributes for the job.
But how often do we critically examine the industry itself—the infrastructure, design, and workplace policies? Are women actively choosing not to enter aviation, or was the industry never designed to accommodate them in the first place?
To emphasise this point, only 9% of women in the U.S. Air Force currently meet the sizing criteria for the F-15 fighter jet. This suggests that the very design of aircraft limits opportunities for women, rather than their abilities or ambitions.
The Reality of Women in Aviation
A 2024 survey of women in UK aviation further illustrates the systemic barriers they face:
• 45% of women do not have sanitary provisions at their airfield or workplace.
• 64% are not aware of any menopause support provided by their employer.
• 84.5% have witnessed or experienced sexism in aviation.
• 62.6% have experienced gender discrimination in the workplace.
• 70.8% feel that taking maternity leave has a negative impact on their career.
These statistics reveal deep-rooted issues in workplace culture, policies, and infrastructure that make aviation an unwelcoming environment for women.
While the aviation industry continues to push the boundaries of technology and engineering, it remains constrained by outdated gender disparities. The slow increase in female representation, coupled with persistent systemic barriers, highlights a critical need for change. Rather than questioning whether women are interested or capable, we must examine the industry's infrastructure, culture, and policies that have historically excluded them.
True progress in aviation should not be measured solely by technological advancements but also by the inclusivity and diversity of those who propel the industry forward. Addressing these challenges is not just a matter of equality—it is essential for the future of aviation.