Women in Aviation International (www.WAI.org), a nonprofit organization based in West Alexandria, OH, is dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. It offers year-round resources to assist with every stage of educational and professional development from students starting their first-time jobs, experienced executives pursuing advancement, and military officers transitioning to civilian or retired life. With 13,500 members around the world, WAI also has a growing network of local chapters in over 111 locations.
Unique to WAI is its diverse membership including astronauts, corporate pilots, maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers, and many others.
Solid Investment in Future Generations
As a solid investment in future generations of aviation professionals, WAI’s scholarship program has awarded nearly $10.6 million since the program began in 1989. Providing financial support and opportunities to young people is key to the industry’s demand for more pilots, technicians, and engineers. On July 1, WAI’s website (www.WAI.org/education/scholarships) will list over 100 scholarships available totaling more than $540,000 in awards. WAI membership ($45 annually) is a requirement to apply, and new this year, an applicant can apply for up to three scholarships plus an internship.
This year, WAI will mark the third annual Girls in Aviation Day, a worldwide program designed to reach aspiring aviators from ages 8 to 17. On Sept. 23, 2017, chapters and corporate sponsors will hold events for girls to learn more about aviation at airports, museums, and FBOs around the world. Individuals and companies are invited to contact a local WAI chapter to join in the fun, as volunteers are always welcome. Chapter contact details can be found at www.WAI.org/chapters.
Both the scholarships and Girls in Aviation Day programs are key initiatives to help spur young girls to think about job possibilities in aviation both inside and outside the aircraft plus all the supporting careers related to this dynamic industry.
WAI members have access to a wide variety of career and education resources including hands-on activities for classroom, club and school organizations. In addition, an extensive mentoring program and job postings can be found at www.WAI.org/education/education-resources.
WAI President and Founder Dr. Peggy Chabrian says, "While the percentage of professional female pilots is relatively small at about 4.2 percent, the numbers continue to increase every year. In 2015, a total of 13,141 women held commercial and air transport pilot (ATP) certificates, up from 7,290 in 1990, for a total of 10.7 percent, compared with all similarly certificated pilots. The number of female certified flight instructors (CFIs) in 2015 reached 6,669, as compared with only 3,239 female CFIs in 1990.”
She also shares that the number of female aircraft mechanics in the United States has doubled over the past 10 years to 8,400, but represents only 2 percent of mechanics worldwide, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Companies like Airbus, Delta Air Lines, The Boeing Company, and UPS want to hire more qualified women.
With projected needs for aviation maintenance professionals to be nearly 250,000 over the next 20 years, WAI also provides educational resources to encourage students to consider careers in this highly competitive and important career field.
Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance and Annual Conference
The 20-year-old Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) has a close relationship with WAI holding forums, training sessions, and workshops at WAI’s annual conference.
WAI’s three-day annual conference provides a unique venue for its membership to gather for education sessions, professional development seminars, training workshops and networking – lots and lots of networking. In addition, the exhibit hall features an array of technology displays and places to meet and network with 165 separate companies and organizations. Many exhibitors also attend in order to find suitable candidates for job opportunities with their organizations. “We combine technology and our traditional enthusiasm and variety of backgrounds and expertise of our attendees as the ideal formula for a successful conference,” Chabrian adds.
With a nod to the important historical contributions of female aviators, WAI inducts new members to the Pioneer Hall of Fame each year during a special ceremony at each conference. These courageous women with their trailblazing experiences have paved the way for future generations.
Plans are already underway for the 2018 conference to be held in Reno, NV, March 22-24.
Showing the diversity of WAI’s membership, this year marked the launch of a new marketing campaign, #IamWAI. Thousands of buttons have been distributed that members can wear at events around the country.
Another initiative launched this summer is a new membership category for women who fly or work with drones, UAS, and UAV aircraft. In late June, Women and Drones (www.WomenandDrones.com) featured a podcast with Dr. Chabrian detailing this program and plans to provide drone manufacturing tours and education sessions about this new endeavor at the 2018 conference in Reno.
Supporting this drone initiative, Sharon Rossmark, founder of Women and Drones, will be a featured speaker at WAI’s fall gathering Connect Dayton, Sept. 29-30. Rossmark will focus on new business opportunities in this aviation segment. The two-day event will include tours of local aviation sites, in addition to a reception and book signing and other engaging speakers. For registration and detailed schedule visit www.WAI.org/wai-connect-dayton.
To ensure the expansion of more female aviators and reach the goal of more diversity in the cockpit and maintenance facilities, join WAI and engage, connect, and inspire!
Kelly Murphy, WAI 2397, is editor-in-chief of Aviation for Women and director of communications for Women in Aviation International. She has been a longtime partner in Emerald Media and has recently been elected as board chairman of Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, a nonprofit utilizing over 550 volunteer pilots to transport patients to specialized medical care.
