In my years of flying (and being a hangar rat) I have never been treated any differently from the boys by colleagues, employers, students etc. Maybe I've just been lucky, (or incredibly insensitive!)Passengers occasionally, I've been asked to "make coffee luv while we wait for the real pilot to arrive", but a bit of humour is all that's needed to sort out misunderstandings there. No need to prove anything just get the job done right.
But I must confess to finding people (usually from outside aviation)saying "you've done so well..for a girl" rather patronising. I haven't done anything spectacular, just got on with it like all the other guys and girls. It's not as if it's heavy physical work, so what's the big deal?
Having said all that I have come across some women who were treated with contempt and/or ridicule but sorry sisters, that's what happens if you act like a prima donna.
[This message has been edited by Charlie Foxtrot India (edited 19 June 2001).]