Women definitely are in the minority when it comes to their presence in the cockpit. Most passengers have seen or heard a woman flightdeck member while flying on an airliner. but few even know that they are an integral part of the corporate flight departments.
In these tough economic times the image of executive transportation in private aircraft has been tarnished by the media. What isn t told is the story behind the incredible safety factor and time/money savings that this mode of corporate transportation delivers. And what has not been widely publicized is the competence of the flight crews that deliver this safety factor whose training equals that of the airlines. In addition these crews have additional duties that qualify them as managers, dispatchers, cabin attendants, and public relations emmissaries.
Retired corporate pilot, Nina Anderson not only tells her story but worked in collaboration with several other women pilots who forged new territory in the 1970s and 1980s by being the first hired by their airline or their corporate flight department. In a time when women were mostly excluded from executive positions, including the front office of a jet, these woman persevered. Their stories give inspiration to anyone who has the qualifications to achieve their career goal but finds the door closed for any number of reasons.
In her book, Flying Above the Glass Ceiling she takes us through the accomplishments of women flyers from the 1800s right through present day, noting their specific struggles of entering a man s occupation and giving insight into what it was that kept them moving toward their dream. Giving us a glimpse of their personal stories, their triumphs and disappointments, we are taught lessons that can apply to anyone persuing their chosen career.
Information presented is not limited to women aviators but encompasses many of the occupations that make up the category, aviation mechanics, dispatchers, flight attendants, aircraft brokers, engineers. Tips from successful aviation related business owners help the reader to get a glimpse of how they can deal with discrimination, relationships, competition and a sexist attitude.
This book is an entertaining read, but more than that reveals the determination and passion of these women who all rose to success in the face of many obstacles.
