Expert: D. Norkus - 2/21/2007

Question
Hi, I was just wondering if you could tell me the different job opportunities for women who are considering to become a pilot. I would also like to know the benefits of being a pilot as a woman and if there are any disadvantages. Thanks!!!

Answer
Caroline

The job opportunities in the civilian world for pilots are the same for women as men: the airlines, corporate, fractional ownership pilot, government agency, bush and charter flying among many, many kinds of pilot jobs.

I cannot address flying careers other than airline, as that is all I have done. However you can read all about the various kinds of pilot jobs and their requirements here-

http://www.avscholars.com/AvScholars/Channels/Careers/pilots.htm

The benefits of becoming a pilot are many (travel/seeing new sights, office with a great view, meeting new people) but they vary, as do the disadvantages, depending on what you expect from the job and the kind of flying you are hired to do. So, the answer to this question really depends on the specific pilot career.

The benefits to being a woman pilot? Well, women are still a minority in aviation, so that will open doors in a few avenues. Additionally, organizations like the International Organization of Women Pilots: The "Ninety-Nines" and Women In Aviation International are great resources for female pilots. They offer mentoring and flight scholarship opportunities. Visit their sites:

http://www.ninety-nines.org
http://www.wai.org

My pilot careers page-
http://www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

Hope this helps,
Dottie