Imagine this scenario: A customer arrives at the airport to be checked out in an aircraft. There are two people behind the counter. One is an attractive young woman. She’s cheerful, upbeat, and has a good command of the paperwork required to release the aircraft. The other is a slightly disheveled man in his mid-50s. Graying, balding, he’s quiet, maybe even a bit gruff. The customer finds this a bit off-putting, but understandable since anyone who spends the bulk of their day in a cockpit with student pilots at the controls is likely to be a bit disheveled and grumpy now and then.
As the young lady walks the customer to the airplane, the older gentleman follows a step or two behind, wandering onto the ramp with no obvious ambition steering him to the cockpit.
The young woman removes the cowl plugs and pitot cover. She stows them away, then recovers the fuel sample container, all the while talking about the airplane, its characteristics, and where your flight will take you today. The older man meanders about 20′ away, only occasionally looking up from the ramp in front of the airplane.
This is where the customer sticks his or her foot deeply into their maw and cements it there with purpose. “Pardon me,” they say to the young woman demonstrating the walk-around inspection, “but shouldn’t the pilot be showing me this?” They point to the fellow roaming the ramp.
“I am the pilot,” she replies, somewhat surprised the customer hadn’t been able to differentiate between the instructor pilot who has the keys to the airplane, a thorough command of its characteristics, and V speeds, and the lineman doing a FOD walk on the ramp.
Make no mistake, this happens. Unfortunately, it happens a lot. It’s one of the primary complaints of some of the most proficient, best pilots I know. They’re professionals, they’re accomplished, sometimes they’re even in uniform and yet customers still assume they’re front desk staff, not pilots. This, even though the young woman has greeted them, explained which aircraft they’ll be flying, introduced them to the aircraft, and begun the pre-flight walk-around inspection.
I’ve seen my friend Genesah Duffy referred to disparagingly on social media because she’s female and has tattoos.
But her talent doesn’t shine through for a disquieting number of us. Her gender does. And so, this commercial pilot with land and sea ratings, and a helicopter ticket, has to put up with the disappointment of being publicly ridiculed by lesser credentialed cretins because she doesn’t fit the stereotype in their mind.
Genesah flies and demonstrates the ICON A5 for a living. She’s their chief pilot on the East coast. My friend has flown with the rich and famous, and she’s flown with elated potential owners who are experiencing the A5 for the first time. She is, in a word, impressive.
After suffering the indignity of the insults she has to endure, I imagine she has an expression running through her head that’s modeled on Steve Martin’s “Excuse me” routine. But I’m sure I’m wrong. It’s hard to believe that sort of disrespect is anything but soul wrenching.
She’s not alone in that regard, either.
I recently checked-out in a C-172 with an instructor I’ve never flown with before, although I’ve known her for some time. Gabby Gress worked line-service at my home base airport when we met. She was working her way through her commercial and CFI tickets then. I always found her to be bright, capable, and hard working. Fueling aircraft in the Florida summer sun requires some drive. Gabby has that. No doubt.
She’s nearly a foot shorter than I am and weighs in at close to half my tonnage. If you were measuring by the old stereotype, it would be easy to dismiss her based on appearance alone. You would be wrong, though. Very much so. She grew up on a grass strip in Delaware. Aviation has been part of her life since her earliest days.
In fact, this diminutive powerhouse of a woman actually holds a world-record in aviation. She soloed a C-152, a C-172, and a Robinson R-22 on the same day. That day happens to have been her 14th birthday. In Canada, things like that can happen. I was more than a decade older when I soloed, and I did it in just one airplane, not two airplanes and a helicopter.
My check-out went great. Gabby is one of the most thorough CFIs I’ve ever flown with. She ran me through my paces like a pro. Slow flight, power-off stall, power-on stall, steep turns, hood work, and even an emergency descent due to a simulated wing fire. Pattern work included landings that simulated short field, soft field, as well as a no flap landing. She simulated an engine out. And we did a variety of takeoff scenarios as well.
She didn’t sleep-walk through the check out because we know each other, or because I was checking out in a docile airplane that she knew I could handle. She did her job like a true pro, impressing the heck out of me in the process.
And yet she tells me people sometimes ask her, “Why don’t you just become a stewardess?” They apparently think her interest in aviation is rooted in a desire to marry a pilot, not because she actually loves to fly.
Genesah and Gabby both tell me things are getting a bit better for women in aviation.
“They’re not as rude,” says Gabby of the people and the comments she encounters.
They’re still disparaging, unfortunately, but not as much as they once were.
I’d like to think the rest of us could do better than that.
“Aviation is a 100% viable career for a woman,” Genesah explained to me. “But it’s only going to get better if we keep promoting it.”
I can commit to that. One of aviation’s great appeals to me has always been that it’s a meritocracy. If you can do it, do it. Considering we’ve intentionally or unintentionally excluded a slew of talented, capable, enthusiastic potential pilots in the past — and that most of us would like to see the pilot population grow — I say we welcome women with open doors, high-quality service, and a real dedication to helping them achieve the dream of becoming a pilot.
If you’re very lucky, you might get to fly with pilots as qualified and accomplished as my friends Genesah and Gabby. I certainly hope so. I’ll continue to do it every chance I get.
I did get one good idea out of this thread . . . tattoo the POH on their arms. Nowadays that won’t work unless their arms are fourteen feet long and have the bulk of Hulk Hogan, modern POH’s are very big and involved.
How about the checklist instead?
Of course for each different airplane they flew, they’d either need to get the tattoo removed and replaced or grow another arm. (What’s the name of the Hindu goddess, Shiva? The one with all the arms? She’d make a GREAT pilot!)
C’mon all us old, bald, grumpy white guys, it is time for some 100LL therapy – get out there and go fly!
I lose all admiration as soon as I see the self-disfigurement. The tattoos people hide behind these days are disgusting. Come on boys and girls, you’re not 13 any more. If you want to be respected as a professional, you can start by looking like one.
Let me know when airlines break away from having only stereotypical clean shaven white males as pilots. Seriously what’s with no well groomed beards? I’ve been in the military for 15 years, had a beard for 12 of those years, but I can’t have one at the airlines because they want us to all look like identical robots. And don’t give me than face mask seal BS. That myth has been busted, and I’ve proven it wrong while in the .mil as well.
Also, why can’t women be topless in public like men can???
All that has already happened, including more than two genders. The next evolution will be the elimination of flight ops standardization because it is too limiting and restrictive for the free spirits among us.
Uniforms don’t allow self-expression, either, so wear what you desire to go flying. If you’re more comfortable, then we all benefit.
Nirvana Airlines. It’s a beautiful thing to behold.
That’s right, what’s most important about being a professional airline pilot? Why, it’s expressing one’s personal individuality, of course! You ought to wear your shorts and Birkenstock’s on the flight deck if that’s makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. How about socks? Optional?
The only thing aviation needs is to divorce itself of pop culture, sensationalism and misinformation. There’s no such thing as a “world record for soloing three different aircraft at the age of 14”, I don’t care WHAT your gender is. The NAA carries no category for such an activity, and for good reason.
I know women pilots who are not good pilots but because they are women they get away with being pilots I rented out 3 airplanes and my wife even said hard starting aircraft women have more problems starting them I know 2 women who are good pilots but I know 10 or more men who are great pilots and tattoos not if someone else is there think of it this way would you eat at a restaurant that let animals run around in the kitchen
That is my opinion and I will spend my money the way I want thank you
Been out of the stone ages long?
Wow, you are my hero. The freedom you must enjoy. The money you saved on your progressive education that doesn’t let people get bogged down by that pesky period. Bravo!
Hey Ted, given the limited number of women pilots, your sample cited in your comment indicates women ARE better pilots than men. According to the FAA, 7.9% of pilots in the US are women. But your sample of 12 indicates that they represent 16.6% of the “good pilots”.
I hope your w&b calculations get more scrutiny than this line of reasoning.
There are important elements of flying best handled with grace,beauty and elegance. I don’t see anything man-ish about that. Personally, I’ll take a 67 Corvette 427/390hp/4speed at a red light on a Friday night over the fluffiness of flight. Women pilots?, I’m all in ! Always have been, Always will be.
One has to only read the comments above to see why there is a problem. The problem isn’t the girls, it is the boys.
No. It’s both. As long as we keep hyphenating instead of being inclusive the issues will continue. Assimilation, not hyphenation…kind of like America, in general.
Thanks for the article! It was entertaining and eye-opening. As a 53 year old white guy pilot, I am very disappointed—but unfortunately not surprised—by my brethren who are eagerly chiming in with their edgy ignorant crap and bias. So concerned about—omg!—Reverse Discrimination! Hilarious! Does any RD exist? Sure. But mostly it’s a myth, and it certainly pales in comparison to the dominant biases in our world. But just the whiff of RD has them absolutely freaking out! (Would any old white guy trade? Become a woman or a person of color! I don’t think so. So cut the outrage. It makes you look very foolish.)
No men allowed in the 99s! Oh the unfairness! Weenies! Imagine if these old dudes had a lifetime of being treated as second or third class people, what non-male, non-WASPS have “enjoyed” for—like—ever! These cowardly posts are sadly a phenomenon of all social media, wherein Neanderthals can sit in their undies behind a screen and say rude things they’d probably never have the courage to say in person. (Yes. I would say these things in person.) It’s also a function of (old) age. These old duffers are indeed MAGA, but not in the way they think. They are MAGA by increasingly making their transitions to the next life—and leaving the world a little better and more open-minded when they do. It’s hard to be patient as these old guys finally die off, but it helps to know that in spite of the current ignorant …errr… “climate,” the arc of the world is bending toward improvement—as the small-minded old folks are laid to rest, and the younger, more enlightened folks increase their presence.
Meantime, I’d like to ask my old white brothers to pump the brakes a bit on the anger and the “fire-pluggery” and just try to see women and non-WASPS as your extended family here on planet earth. Cause that’s what they are. Your extended family. Try to be kind to them. Even if they have tattoos or girl parts. Or both. Life will be much sweeter. Try it. You might like it.
(WASP’s in the original meaning: White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestants.)
Thank you Sir, Been a professional pilot my whole adult life and heard almost every comments. Been flying fires for 19years and loving it. Hope we do eventually evolve ?
well at 17, being the only girl flying…I had lots of those graying, balding and gruff old pilot guys around, some good, some not so much. I could be arrive alone to a place, even wearing the entire pilot uniform with stripes and people would still ask me where is the pilot?
Don”t take it personally. I was standing outside a hotel in my uniform waiting for transport for me and my crew to the airport when a nice little old lady asked me to help her with her bags (thinking I was hotel staff). I smiled, helped her and was tipped a buck for my friendly effort. No harm, no foul.
Just do your job and be one of the crew with a good sense of humor and you’ll be OK. Accept the cranks like the good ones with a bit of charm. Does wonders. ALWAYS fly the hell out the airplane. You may not always be liked by everyone, but you’ll be respected.
Thank you so much for this story, Manny. You have reminded us of a timeless truth. It’s a beautiful thing forgiving others their trespasses—as one of the more popular religions preaches but doesn’t always follow—with the grace and kindness you did in this example. Even more so in real time! This is what a person of true character would do. You had the right to be annoyed or even upset. But what good would that do YOU? You’ll live a longer, happier, healthier life, laughing and sharing your joy with others than fighting with everyone who steps on your toes. I still think the complaints of those that are truly discriminated against ought to be heard, but not every situation calls for it. Thank you, brother! Fly on!
Precisely my point, Manny !! Several of your comments were right on MY points. I see others agree, too.
Identity genderism is flowing from all the identity politics in social media. If you’re a good pilot and you happen to be female … great. Keep doing it and pretty soon, no one will notice your gender. Just don’t rub my nose in it. I was never a misogynist and I’m very tired of subtle misandry or “chip on their shoulder” comments of female aviators. I’ll be damned if I’m gonna genuflect to any female pilot because they had an uphill climb into the left seat. I was raised very poor and ain’t anymore … why … because I worked at it. I didn’t spend any time complaining.
If a female aviator is gonna expend extra energy complaining … use it to make me a sandwich … and bring me a beer first ! (sic)
Right. You don’t have to be the best pilot, you have to be a good pilot. Do the job and you’ll be respected. I always told folks if you want love, go home. If you want the respect of your peers, do the job…male, female or otherwise. Jeez…
You don’t have to be a male to blend into the culture of aviation and there’s a lot of examples out there to prove it. Once you go home, have at the extracurricular agenda, but be a damn good pilot when the time comes. Have some respect for the profession. Oh yah, for both boys and girls, wear the uniform like it is a uniform, not a pair of pajamas ready for Saturday’s laundry. Show a little pride and respect.
I can make a damn good sandwich, BTW. Why? Because I like sandwiches. Making sandwiches can be a multi-gender talent…like flying.
You do realize, Manny, that we’re a dying breed. But you made me laugh.
I have had a lot of flight instructors over the years. By far the best was a female. I lost touch with her but I hope she made it to the airlines or beyond.
Being in my mid-eighties this isn’t the first time I’ve seen ‘much-to-do-about-nothing’ but it’s certainly the ‘most-to-do-about-nothing’ I could ever have imagined. Makes me miss Closed (non-open) Cockpits!
Fortunately, I was taught to fly in 1949 by an ex-USMC WW2 flight instructor who’s reputation for old & gnarly had brought him to still take great joy in his work. Sitting behind me in the Aernocka of the time, he was able to whack me on the back of the head to emphasize his words,… which was very effective. Still flying 70 years later I’ve never forgotten the important things in flying he taught me back then!
After five decades of professional flying I don’t care what color or flavor the pilot is as long as they do their job. I’ve seen both genders do great and lousy jobs. We still need to keep meritocracy at the forefront, regardless of who they are. Does discrimination exist? Yes. In my case, it has made me work harder to be the best I can be. I earned every job I got and demonstrated the required capability.
It has been determined for a long time that aviation can be unforgiving at the hands of the incompetent. For that sake, programs like affirmative action and similar attempts at “leveling the playing field” have no place on the flight deck…and there are a number of examples worldwide to prove it.
You’re awesome. Just saying! Keep up the great work and the great attitude!
I hear what you’re saying, Jamie, BUT … don’t ya just hate linking conjunctions? I generally aren’t as overt and outspoken negative as I’m about to be but … you’ve pushed MY big red button now and I ain’t putting up with it any longer. You better put your shoulder harness on and cinch it tight …
I AM one of those graying, balding and gruff old pilot guys who has been around for a very long time … longer than you by a yard stick. I swing wrenches, too. I’m sick and tired of having the female pilot population or wannabees being inordinately hyped, given special handling or priority over others and labeled as victims … as you just did. If you’re “lady” is a pro, she shoulda opened her mouth and said, “I’m your CFI or pilot.” How hard is that? If she won’t do that … maybe I don’t want to fly with her for fear she won’t take the airplane away from me if I hose up the ride? Hmmm … seems Icon has had a few bad scenarios on checkouts, too. Just sayin’. I think you made this story up.
Just the other day on another aviation e-zine, I heard a podcast by the head of the 99’s. It, too, rubbed me wrong. She was trying to say that females are only 6-7% of the pilot population, that the statistic has remained static for decades and everything possible must be done to improve those numbers. Why? So I dug deeper. I found that the 99’s do NOT allow males into their organization yet are enjoying IRS 501(c)3 status. Can you spell measurable discrimination? I let them have it over that. I can imagine what would happen if an airline or say AOPA or EAA or an airline excluded females from joining their ranks so … why should the opposite be true. See my point? Why don’t you make up a story about THAT?
Another example. Tammie Jo Shults, the hero SWA pilot is always identified as a female in every announcement for a speech she’ll give. Why ? What does her sex have to do with the price of tea?
I am not a misogynist; far from it. I like and respect females … especially my wife. In fact, the above situation led me to see if there was a reverse word for discrimination against males … there is … MISANDRY. I called out the 99’s for exactly that. How come you’ve likely never heard of that word? Answer … because it doesn’t serve THEIR narrative taking advantage of being a definable subset of the population. You’ve fallen into the trap. Since the 60’s, many groups have been employing that tactic and — frankly — I’m fed up. The current political ‘climate’ has sent me over the edge.
I would have NO problem flying with a younger female CFI. None! Honest injun. (Oh boy … I just made the injuns mad at me). If females want to be pilots, I’m sure very few could show overt discrimination … especially these days. In fact, I’d bet airlines are giving females favorable extra points just to meet gender quotas at the expense of male pilots. So why are you putting them into a separate pigeonhole? If you want to be “alike,” act that way and — soon enough — you will be and nobody will notice. Keep shoving my nose in it and you ain’t gonna get anywhere. I’m as stubborn as a fire plug.
Beyond the above, I’ll say one other thing that’ll likely make some folks mad at me. If I showed up for a flight check and a female covered in tattoos popped up … my immediate reaction WOULD be negative. If they see fit to cover themselves with tattoos, that’s their right and business. It’s also my right to walk away. It says a lot about what and how they think. Don’t try to right justify or even bring the subject up … it isn’t appropriate here. How about if a male CFI with oily long hair, smelly clothes, a cigarette in his mouth and smelling of drink showed up? Would you walk away? Again … see my point. Appearance may not be “everything” but first impressions sure as heck say a lot. Your premise here is all wrong. You’re giving preference to females at MY expense in a story you likely made up.
Ya know … I read your articles religiously. (Oh boy, I did it again). I learn from most of ’em but you’re falling into the modus operandi of pontificating TOO much lately. You may want to look inward and think about what I just said. Like Jack Webb of Dragnet said, “Just the facts, ma’am … stick to the facts.”
Now then … should I send you some bandages? I’m retired military and my rules of engagement don’t allow me to take any prisoners. I wonder if Ben will allow this comment to stay ?? Hope so. Someone needed to say this so … it may as well be me. It’s time.
I might add that I still open doors for the ladies but mostly only the older ones say, “Thank you, you’re a real gentleman.” Now that I’m a septuagenarian, the ladies oughta be opening the doors for ME. It’s my “right.”
100% spot on! The introduction, with extended hand, should have been ”Hi, my name’s Genesah, and I’m a Certified Flight Instructor here at XYZ Aviation”.
In 51 years (so far) as a Marine Corps fighter pilot, CFI, 30 years of Part 121, CFI again, I’ve seen women who were very accomplished. I’ve also seen women who could program the box but would have a tough time flying their way out of a wet paper bag. There are some who are a credit to the profession and others who give thanks every day for the EEOC. As always, when flying with someone else, stay alert!
Semper FI … do or die, Ed 🙂
I find it amusing that you think the story in the beginning of the article is made up. I’ve personally had it happen to me, multiple times. Yes, even when I introduce myself as the pilot. Why? People tune it – not an everyday occurrence, but yes it happens.
I’ve taken over the controls from multiple military pilots, like yourself, that think the experience they have from the military somehow makes them more equipped to deal with the situation at hand while being checked out in new aircraft they’ve never flown before.
Fear and hesitation in the cockpit is not an option.
Lastly, the fact that you compare a female pilot with tattoos to a male pilot that shows up to fly drunk with bad hygiene makes you so vastly out of tune with reality it’s a joke.
Never judge a book by its cover!!! It just makes you look like a shallow nincompoop!!
As also like the “made up story” character Genesah, and yourself I too am ex military. And we were ALL taught and trained to be the BEST US for the betterment of the mission. You sir are not being the best you by comparing a military veteran with tattoos who could fly circles around both of us, to what I could only ass-you-me (assume in case you missed that) as a person who sounds like a homeless person from “your era of alcoholic pilots”. We don’t know if he has been afforded the same opportunities as the rest of us…. some one you know nothing about their background. Maybe they came from a broken home and have been dealt with challenges that you or I could NEVER imaging and barely made it out by the skin of their teeth. Maybe they were also judged about their passion of aviation and were told they would never make it and did so and now because of nay-sayers like you, have a fu&$ it attitude towards, again nincompoops like you….. yes women are a small portion of all Aviation…. and why is that? Well I would think it has a lot to do with the way men in charge see themselves as superior. And that stems from the day where boys took auto mechanics in high school and girls took clerical and home Ec. We as a society have taught girls to support us as we are “the man” and when a woman steps up and says this is not right she is treated with disparaging words on one end (you) and a voice of amazement and encouragement (this article). As a father to 2 girls I have taught them that if they want something bad enough do you best to get it and eff the naysayers. And if anyone EVER doubts you are competent to be in the position you are holding, kick em in the nuts since they are thinking with the wrong head!! IGY6
Well! Finally a calm, reasoned, logical posting! (NOT)
Honestly after reading your comment I find it more to be pontificating than what you called the original article. I know Genesah personally and she’s probably one of the most straightforward people I have met. Just because the article doesn’t say that she introduced herself doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. That seems to be your opinion on a lot of things it shows. To me your response is more un-measured than what you claim. The tattoo comment alone is more judgmental of your own personal merits of what you expect than what that person covered in tattoos could actually teach you. In all things you will find good and bad pilots of both sexes. But the attitude you show here is the exact reason that there isn’t a lot of women in aviation and that needs to change as we need more women to participate in trying to become pilots. And the only people stopping them is people with attitudes like yours. and Larry btw I’m both a former Marine and a current helicopter and airplane pilot
I knew I could shake “them” out of the bushes …
Waaaah, Waaaah.
Stand up straight, taller tap, heads up, chest out, stomach in, fix that gigline … get over it grunts. Stop crying and concentrating on being victims and start acting IAW.
As for tattoos, anyone who covers their body — as opposed to putting the name of a loved one someplace private — has a very serious short in their A20’s. Get my drift? Artistry hangs on walls in museums; skin is one of the vital organs of the human body. That’s MY opinion and I’m stinkin’ to it.
Now then … had she tattoo’ed the POH or the Constitution on her arms … maybe.
Larry – I don’t think you get it – Even when the aviatrix is the CAPTAIN of an airliner, passengers still assume she is the Flight Attendant! Speaking up doesn’t even help some put two and two together.
Tammie Jo Shults? The MEDIS like the headline “Woman Pilot” as it is far more grabbing since we are so few compared to the “Plane Captain”.
“I found that the 99’s do NOT allow males into their organization yet are enjoying IRS 501(c)3 status. Can you spell measurable discrimination?” Screams the one of the 94% of the dominat demographic???
Mmmm, OK WHATEVER! It is all about YOU…
“I can imagine what would happen if an airline or say AOPA or EAA or an airline excluded females from joining their ranks so … why should the opposite be true. See my point? ”
There are plenty of fraternities/sororities that do the same. You are not making any point as they are perfectly right in doing so for their minority groups.
BTW – It is “99s” (Ninety-Nines), not “99’s”. There is no apostrophe…
“I’d bet airlines are giving females favorable extra points just to meet gender quotas at the expense of male pilots. ”
Seriously?!!! Maybe 2% are female in the airline new hire classes these days and all the ladies meet the minimum hour requirements – just like the men do! Today’s industry is not the United Airlines Affirmative Action hiring of 1982. You are really showing your age now….
Now you’re worried about making sure that the passengers know a female Captain is pointing their aluminum tube through the sky … geesh !!
Fine! From now on, I want the following announcement over the PA:
“Our MALE Captain, Billy Bob, requests that all passengers remain seated until HE pulls up to the gate. He’s the one with four bars on his shirt.” Wouldn’t want the PAX to mistake HIM for the stewards in back.
And … at Airventure … I want the EAA to dress all MALE Pilots up in black T shirts and take their picture in Boeing Square, too. We could call them “GOB’s in Aviation.”
My point was that if you want to be equal then BE equal and stop reminding me of your sex in every sentence that involves something totally unrelated, like my Tammy Jo reference. She saved a planeload of people … good for her. Great, actually.
How’s about the two USAF F-16 pilots on 9/11 out of Andrews AFB. Col Sasseville and Lt Heather Penney. You never hear about HIM but she shows up everywhere. If they’re equal … then they’re equal. But — of course — she’s a good looking female so we have to trot her out in front of the cameras. In the military, the senior officer is always recognized first … irregardless of sex. Maybe it’s a whole new USAF?
First you’re moaning that you want to be equal and then you’re demanding that your sex status be used everywhere. Give us all a break. Stop whining. Show me one case where a female was denied entrance to anything in aviation in 2019. Well, maybe if an airline Captain aspirant showed up for her interview covered in tattoo’s ??
IRS 501(c)3 status requires equality and equal opportunity … look it up.
LAX … isn’t that in Kalyfornya?
When I left the Air Force in 1979 we were just beginning to get female crew members in the squadron so I never had the opportunity to fly with any. My first experience with female pilots was while working at Flight Safety training pilots on Falcons. I have to say it was a pleasant surprise to find that the ladies were not only just as competent as their male counterparts, in many cases they were better. Not sure if they have an advantage due to women supposedly being better able to multi-task than men, or if it is the old story that women have to try twice as hard in order to be accepted. At any rate, at Flight Safety and then during my 29 year career at a major airline where I often flew with female pilots I was never disappointed with their preparation, flying skills, book knowledge or decision making.
Well pardon me, for I am old.
After some ultralight experience, I trained in the late 90’s with my instructor, Bart Spadaro at Spadaro Airport in N.Y. Bart was also an old school A&P / IA mechanic who really knew his way around Cessna airplanes.
One the many things that set Bart apart from most other instructors is that when you screwed a maneuver up, he would YELL at you and often say: “What are you trying to do, KILL US?”
When I asked which headset would be best to purchase, his reply was: “Don’t need no stinkin’ headset”
Now with today’s tender sensibilities, such student treatment would never “fly”; but hearing Bart occasionally YELL at me didn’t bother me at all, because it reminded me of growing up with my guff dad.
I miss them both terribly.
Jerry King
“less credentialed cretins…” the author’s desire to leave a disparaging insult leaves him looking less like he took the high road, and more like you’re looking down your nose, trying to “influence” thru a culture of shame, while accusing another of being judgmental. I love hypocrisy. It adds flavor to pretty much any opinion piece.
Try keeping to the high road next time, because in this article, the irony is the insult you threw are far more obvious and intentional than the cretin-gentleman’s was. You are blatantly mocking, rather than gently nudging. Bad Form.
That is all.
BINGO! Go up and read what I wrote Rob. Glad to see I wasn’t the only one insulted by Jamie.
I should have added to my diatribe that looking at someone with a “jaundiced” eye is NOT discrimination.
Women in aviation is nothing new. People not familiar with aviation will make a lot of mistakes…assuming the lady along is a passenger is just one of them.
We’re less than 10% of the pilot population. Definitely still unicorns.
Thanks Jamie. It helps all of us.
well, then get out and get your ratings and apply for jobs like everybody else, or is it better if you sit back and cry “discrimination” and want jobs handed to you??
She isn’t crying discrimination; she’s stating facts.
well I started flying professionally in 1982 and there were plenty of female pilots, Captains actully at the commuter airline I joined, one was my training Captain…dont see how a female pilot can be percieved as a novelty…
Agreed. While there may be a few dinosaurs left that see women as a novelty in aviation, for the most part, this article is a load of bunk. My primary flight instructor 43 years ago was a woman; and a fine CFI. I didn’t see it as a novelty when I walked in the door at the FBO back then any more than I see women in aviation as a novelty now.
From my viewpoint, when a woman decides to fly professionally, there are a number of groups willing to throw scholarships her way for the asking to help promote her into aviation. For men, not so much.
yup, complete rubbish..GAN seems to be running out of real news..seems most agree reading the comments above