“We Can and Will Do It!” Female perceptions of pilot as a career”

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to better understand the low female enrollment rate in flight training programs across Canada. An examination of the most significant barriers contributing to low female enrollment in pilot training programs will help provide valuable insight to partner flight training units on how they may attract more females in aviation training, in turn, increasing the number of woman working as airline pilots. This study was qualitative, with data being gathered from face-to-face interviews with current female students in aviation, including early leavers (n = 9) and commercial airline employers (n = 4). Interviews were coded thematically and the following themes emerged from our analysis: Awareness of Aviation, Suitability of Aviation Career and Gender Discrimination. Findings demonstrated that the aviation profession needed to emphasize the importance of providing early education and awareness about aviation to both female and male students.