Female pilot jobs

[Anonymouse]

I am a programmer and I am very bored with my job. I have wondered if I have the talent to become an airline pilot. I have heard that the job market is not very good now. How much worse is it going to be for a female pilot? Is it worth it for me to start training or should I wait for better times?

[Irish Flyer]

You are right to say that now isn't a very good time in the pilot recruitment market at the moment. However, I am under the illusion that things will begin to pick up in the next year or so. I like yourself was involved in the software industry but have recently resigned my position to embark on my dream. I am begining my training in April and will take my approx 18 months. I think things will have improved at that time. If you don't think you want to take the risk yet why don't you think of a distance learning modular route to your ATPL. This way you can continue working at you current job and keep an eye on the market.

[phd]

Anonymouse. .My better half has been a pilot for 15 years and and an ATPL holder and commercial flying instructor for 10 years or more. She has never had any barriers placed in her way because of her gender, although has had to put up with the occasional sexist remarks and suggestive so-called 'jokes' from a few male colleagues. These were treated with the disdain they deserved. She has succeeded in what is, admittedly, still a male dominated work environment, through her own commitment, ability and sheer hard work. In this regard she is no different from any other pilot - it is a long, hard and expensive process to obtain a CPL/ATPL as a 'self-improver'. However, if you are serious enough about it you can do it. In a few years, by the time you have gained the necessary licence to earn a living flying, there may be some jobs around. We all live in hope!

------------------------------------------------. .Pobody's nerfect

[Artificial Horizon]

In fact,putting aside the 1000 or so unemployed pilots out there at the moment, women have a slightly better chance than thier male counterparts. according to employment law and the equal opportunities commission all employers should have a "fair" number of women in all sectors of thier operation. Therefore as relativley few females train the potential job opportunities are better.Tough on the guys but thasts life.

Importantly they still have to reach the same standards as us boys so lets not get into the "women drivers=no survivers" jokes.

[distaff_beancounter]

Anonymouse. .Do look at other threads on this forum, as you will see just how hard it is for any commercial pilot to get a job at present.. .If you are in any sort of reasonable job at the moment, then I would stick to that and get a PPL at the weekends. This will let you see if you really want to become a pilot. A PPL will count towards an fATPL if you go via the modular route, whereby you can keep the day-job, whilst studying for the fATPL in your spare time.. .As regards women getting jobs as pilots, I agree with the previous posters. Airlines used to refuse to hire any women up until about 15/20 years ago. Since then they have had to be seen to be equal opportunity emplyers, so have had to hire relatively more females to make up the ratios.. .Don't worry about the woman drivers jokes either. About 10 years ago the Home Office issued statistics that showed that women were far safer & more law abiding motorists - NOT better drivers - however you define that! (My insurers took 30% off the premium for my group 20 sports car ... so long as it wasn't driven by a man. :) ). .A few years ago the CAA did a similar study on pilots & came up with similar results. IMHO women, on average, may have less spatial awareness then man, but as pilots, they do tend to be careful & try their best, if only to show that they are as good as the men! <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> . .So, don't be put off. Flying is great fun, so enjoy it.

[A and C]

The two posts above just about cover the subject to distill it i would say that being female will get you to the front when it comes to an interview but that is were the advantages stop.

As for the sexist remarks ,they just did not happen in one company i worked for because it,s not good for advancment to "diss" the chief pilot !.

[simbinned]

anonymouse.lots of good advice so far.for what its worth..you dont say how old you are, but this may be relevant if you are considering some of the ab-initio schemes that the major airlines have run in the past.(and i'm sure will again when things start picking up).Being bored with your present job is not sufficient to see you thru' the quagmire of exams/study/training required for a professional license.On the other hand if by spending a little money now gaining a PPL you discover you love flying( not everybody does!)then the road will not seem as tortuous. . .Dont leave that (well-paid?) job just yet.

[easondown]

In my limited commercial career I've flown with several female captains and in my opinion they are more upto the job than their male counterparts !!!! - much more fun as well !!!

[Whirlybird]

onemorehold,

That's absolutely fine if it's what you've found, but please don't give people the opportunity to turn this into a "women fly better than men, no they don't, yes they do" thread. We've had far too many of those in the past. People who want them can read the archives. :)

[scroggs]

I would be very surprised to find any evidence of discrimination against women in any of the UK airlines' recruiting procedures these days. Unfortunately, you're unlikely to get the opportunity to find out over the next couple of years!. .I've no doubt this wasn't the impression you intended to give, but please never consider aviation just because you're bored with your current career. More than most, it requires dedication and determination, and is probably the nearest thing to a vocation outside medicine. Think very carefully before setting out on this path, and arm yourself with a Class 1 medical and attend the GAPAN aptitude tests BEFORE you commit to spending a great deal of money on your training.