The fact that so many of us remember the 'minority' is evidence in itself!
An MBE (equiv.) was handed out in 1997 (in NZ) to a female rescue pilot, for a SAR in the Alps.
I had the plesure of 'rescuing' a dutch B105 crew in Bosnia in 1998 (after an engine failure)......most astounded when the helmets came off to reveal long blonde locks.
Males/females...bah humbug. If you're up to the task, welcome.
As to the fixed-wing comments above (????) having spent 4000hrs on helos, I'm off to the A340; I'll never regret the path I've taken.
Good luck to you all.