Honoring and Celebrating Women in Aviation Month

Women in Aviation Month is a time to celebrate the courageous women who have left a lasting impression on the aviation industry — from Raymonde de Laroche, the first woman to take a solo flight in 1909 to the modern day pilots and engineers. By learning about their accomplishments and the opportunities available, young girls can be inspired to change the future of the industry. 

Many women have made it into the history of aviation, but do you know who they are? They are rarely talked about and almost always unrecognizable. 

March is Women in Aviation Month, and it is the perfect time to celebrate these women, who have overcome gender barriers and societal limitations to reach heights that have shaped the aviation industry. What’s more, it is an opportunity to inspire girls who want to become future women aviators.

Historical Women in Aviation

Women did not just start paving their path in aviation today—they have been doing so for over a century. They understood early on that the sky was not the limit. Let’s look back at some of the trailblazers. 

Baroness Raymonde de Laroche of France was the first woman in the world to take a solo flight in 1909 before earning her pilot’s license in 1910. Then, in 1911, Harriet Quimby of the United States became the first American woman to earn a pilot’s license and only the second woman in the world. Her friend, Matilde Moissant of the U.S., also earned her pilot’s license and set several altitude records. She became the first person ever to land a plane in Mexico City. 

Tiny Broadwick loved the thrill of parachuting from airplanes. She was the first woman to do so and, in 1915, she was the one who introduced the idea to the U.S. Army.

Ruth Nichols wanted to be the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1931, but her plane suffered engine failure. This opened the door for Amelia Earhart to be the first woman to do so in 1932.

Women in Aviation During Wartime

By the time World War II struck, women played a vital role in aviation. Over 1,000 female pilots were part of organizations such as the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) where they would fly military aircraft as a means of support. Others, like Nancy Harkness Love, would transfer aircraft like fighters, bombers, and transports to military bases during WWII as part of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). At a time when women weren’t thought to have a place in war efforts, these women had skill and courage to act in such a role. 

What they did then helped us get to where we are today by challenging old belief systems.

Other Noteworthy Women in Aviation

There are many additional women that we simply cannot overlook. 

• Geraldine Mock was the first woman to fly around the world.
• Emily Howell Warner was the first woman pilot for a U.S. passenger airline when she began working for Frontier Airlines in January 1973.
• Marion Jayne is the record holder for the most cross-country speed race victories.
• Katie Higgins Cook was the first female pilot to join the Blue Angels.  

Keep in mind that this is only a few of the contributions that women have made. 

Ways to Celebrate Women in Aviation

Women have played a big part in getting aviation to where it is today. Celebrating them in aviation during this month and throughout the year is a great way to honor them. How can you celebrate? Flying and engaging with your flight crew, such as those on a private charter, is a great way to expose young ones to the world of flight and those involved in it. Below are a few other ways you can celebrate women in aviation. 

• Learn about female aviators. 
• Visit aviation museums. 
• Attend lectures and talks.
• Support organizations for women in aviation.
• Get to know female aviators in your local community. 
• Experience air shows and other events.

Women in Aviation Today: Inspiring the Next Generation

While the path may have been paved over a century ago by these key figures in the aviation industry, women still play a significant role. Now they are found as commercial pilots, aerospace engineers, in the military, and so much more. 

To secure the industry’s future, we must encourage more and more women to pursue careers in aviation. By sharing history, girls who may never have known this was an attainable career choice may be inspired. Stories of aviators, promoting STEM education, and offering mentorship opportunities that can empower them to think of a future beyond their imagination. 

While educational programs can allow girls to learn about the aviation industry and provide them with hands-on experiences, it is seeing those who are representing them in the field that can make the difference. 

Everyone needs role models and female aviators fulfil that role for so many young women. 

Experience Private Jet Charters with World-Class Flight Crew

Private jet charters offer many perks over commercial air travel, such as flexibility, convenience, and an immense amount of comfort and luxury. For those who have an interest in the aviation industry, chartering a jet can give you a chance to privately interact and engage with your world-class flight crew that can be made up of men, women, or both. Expect it to be unlike any other flight experience. 

The Early Air Way strives to provide their travelers with the best in air travel, both with a vast fleet of luxury jets and the highly-skilled professionals that care for and fly them. It is a company that strongly supports women in all aspects of aviation. 

Before you book your next flight, get a quote from The Early Air Way. And don’t forget to explore our empty leg specials!

Conclusion

Women in Aviation Month is not just a time to celebrate and honor female aviators but to recognize their contributions to the industry today — and throughout history. 

Women are not afraid to break barriers. But while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality throughout the field. Taking the time to educate, support, and encourage the young girls in your life can inspire them to reach for the sky.