calling all female pilots/wannabe pilots

[helelizwil]

afternoon all,

I'm starting a blog aimed at helping and encouraging people, but especially girls, get into careers in aviation.

To kick off, I'm writing a bit about the PPL and am looking for some contributors to help me.

I completed my PPL training in the US, but want to show that there are a host of options – going abroad/home/full-time/part-time – when it comes to doing the PPL. SO... I'm looking for other contributors to write a bit (a couple of hundred words) about their own training experiences – and what was good and bad about the way they tackled the PPL. Like I said, I did my training in the US, so particuarly looking for anyone who completed it in England or any other countries. But, if you have a particuarly interesting story and you trained out in the US, would be interested in hearing from you too!

If you think you might be able to help, with this or indeed any other story/topic that might be relevant get in touch, send me a message on here.

Have a great day and look forward to hearing from some of you!

[Piltdown Man]

Helen, I think the most interesting stories will be about what you have done now you are a pilot. The goal should be to use the privileges of the license, not to get the thing in the first place.

[helelizwil]

Thanks for the suggestion Piltdown Man. I completely agree with what you say, and will indeed be including plenty about what can be done afterwards with the PPL.

As well as this, however, I think it's important to include information/advice/stories concerning the logistics and considerations of undertaking the licence in the first place.

[CATS Support]

Also contact:

British Women Pilots' Association (http://bwpa.co.uk)

They have their diamond jubilee this year

[taybird]

I trained in England, it took me a few years to get my PPL due to lack of money. I was pretty much a hangar rat for the whole time and for a long time after I got my PPL. There was a big delay (ten years) between completing my PPL and my CPL etc, but I am now paid to fly.

[helelizwil]

thanks CATS Support, I will definitely get in touch.

taybird, yours is a great story that shows a lot of determination, persistence and no doubt hard work, would love to hear more about it.

[BittenEdges]

Hi helelizwil (http://www.pprune.org/members/412700-helelizwil),

I started my PPL training in the UK with a local flying club back in 2006 and finally passed my skills test in 2010! Perhaps a record for the longest time from first solo to passing skills test?!

Basically it's a long story of working Monday-Friday and having to fit flying training in at weekends, my original flying school having to relocate and then having technical issues with their aeroplane which took over a year to sort and then finally making the decision to finish my PPL at a school an hour and a half's drive away just to get some flying in!

It all seemed to work out okay though and now fly for Europe's largest regional airline, I certainly have some hard earned pearls of wisdom for anybody about to embark on flying training in the UK whilst trying to fit it around work commitments if you're interested.

Cheers! :ok:

[Transsonic2000]

There was a big delay (ten years) between completing my PPL and my CPL etc, but I am now paid to fly. Like this sentence, because it transmits a positive message, kinda "if you really want it, you can make it!" Certainly an inspiration for many out there :ok:

[redsnail]

Trained in Australia.
Worked in Australia (variety of jobs from instructing, bush flying, regional airlines)
Moved to the UK. Converted the licence.
Worked in ops, then night freight, now fly a biz jet. :ok:

[funkydreadlocks]

As a male who is a very strong advocate of gender equality, I believe society still frames the pilot job as a "men only" sector. In your opinion, how can I and other like minded men help change that image without accidentally providing fodder for the haters and making things worse?

[Ayay299]

Hi all

this is a question for female pilots….

I am considering a career shift and would like to start my pilot studies. I am a 42 year old female and i am trying to weigh the pros and cons of making such a drastic shift. The pro is that I would pursue something I love but the con is my age(I feel).

Basically I might have my frozen ATPL by 45yrs old and my window for work is from 45 to 60 or 65 (assuming i am maintain good medicals throughout).

Most advices I received were pushing me to go ahead with my pursuit . However, these advices have come from men. Since the pilot profession is dominated by men, I needed advice from females as they may experience things differently in the aviation industry.

I would love to hear from female pilots though, who:

1: started their studies around my age to understand more about their employment journey after their studies

2: who are currently in their 50s or 60s to understand what they face with employment at that age. For example, if a woman at that age is looking to swap airlines, would she be at a disadvantage. Would airlines rather hire a 60 yr old man than a 60 yr woman.

Things to note:

Money for training is not an issue but i am concerned with employability
I don’t have family commitments as don’t have children and there are no plans to have any
I am not fussed about captain rank as i know i am joining the industry late but happy to fly regardless

thanks

[redsnail]

Nothing is impossible but you will be behind the drag curve re employability. Where are you intending to look for work? That will make a difference.
I am 57 and have been in the industry since my 20s. Happily I am very well established and my next move is retirement. With age comes a perspective and wisdom that the youth are yet to learn. So you'll bring something to the table, if not hours.
Depending on where you're aiming at the age thing won't be an issue. For most mainstream airlines, it might be - but who knows? Female pilots are still very rare.