Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2021

City

Corvallis

State

OR

Abstract

Women make up roughly half of the population, but continue to be an underrepresented group in aviation. They constitute nearly 14% of student pilots, but only 8% of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates, leading to a lack of understanding why a substantial number of women do not complete their training. Past diversity initiatives have not resulted in a sufficient increase in the numbers. This paper discusses a study in progress that is intended to gain perceptions of women’s experiences and obstacles in collegiate flight programs using a longitudinal survey of collegiate pilots. The aim of the study is to generate guidelines on how flight programs can impact change to welcome and retain their female students. We provide a preview of the survey structure based on a thematic analysis of the literature, present metrics we will track throughout the study from the themes uncovered, and discuss survey dissemination plans.


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