Female Pilots at Airlines (AFW Mar/Apr 2023)

This article appeared in the March/April issue of Aviation for Women Magazine

For the past two years, I have focused on women’s history in a particular niche of aviation for Women’s History Month. In 2021 it was the women who flew for their countries during WWII, and, in 2022, women in space—specifically our pioneers who underwent the same physical tests as the men for the early space program in the 1960s. This year we’ll celebrate the history of women airline pilots. Flying for the airlines was not something I aspired to when I dreamt of being a pilot, but now that I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many in the industry, I realize I may have been misguided. Like any other specialty in aviation, the lifestyle clearly has its challenges, but part of me pines for the travel. When I see our sisters’ pictures in multiple, diverse cities around the globe on their layovers, while I’d have to pay thousands reach the same destinations, I think maybe I missed an amazing opportunity. At the same time, I relate to their challenges, and the collective experience we all share pursuing careers as women in aviation. 

In January, the Aviatrix Book Club discussed Jet Boss: A Female Pilot on Taking Risks and Flying High, by Captain Laura Savino. Laura weaves a healthy dose of humor and wit into her story, starting off as an eager teen at her local airport to secretly pursue her ambition of becoming a pilot. She takes us on her journey through Purdue University, to the highs and lows of the aviation industry from PanAm to United, with the added challenges of medical issues and motherhood. Hers is an inspiring and entertaining book for adults and young women interested in pursuing a pilot career. 

Laura’s is just one of many memoirs by women airline pilots. Mary Shipko’s book, Aviatrix, is the story of her journey to become the first female pilot for the legacy Hughes Airlines. Mary has also written a children’s version of her story, entitled Daring Mary, and has an anthology of stories highlighting the history of women in commercial aviation in the works. 

Lynn Rippelmeyer shares her inspiring story in Life Takes Wings: Becoming the First Female Boeing 747 Pilot. This memoir follows Lynn from her first flight lesson in a seaplane to instructing and flying charters, while also working as a Flight Attendant, before becoming a pioneering airline pilot. 

Available in the U.S. in April, Island Girl to Airline Pilot: A Story of Love, Sacrifice, and Taking Flight, tells how Tonga native Silva McCleod’s marriage to an Australian pilot led her off her small Pacific island to the cockpit of a 777.  

In This is Your Captain Speaking: Reaching for the Sky Despite a Life of Abuse, Depression, and Fear, Courtney Schoch demonstrates that people who have suffered incredible hardships can still find a path to a success in aviation. 

Tammy Jo Shults explains how both her military and airline flying experiences culminated in safely landing Southwest Flight 1380 after a catastrophic engine failure, saving 148 lives, in Nerves of Steel: How I Followed My Dreams, Stayed True to Myself, and Faced My Greatest Challenge, also available in a middle-grade version for ages 8-12. 

In March, the Aviatrix Book Club will discuss From Sarees to Stripes: True Stories of Commercial Women Pilots of India, by Captain Manisha M. Puri. At 12.4 percent, women make up twice the global average of pilots in India. This collection of stories highlights the women who paved the way. I hope you’ll join us in the discussions. Blue skies, and happy reading!