Women employed in male-dominated industries: lessons learned from female aircraft pilots, pilots-in-training and mixed-gender flight instructors

Abstract

To date, women who work in traditionally male-typed fields and occupations continue to face gender barriers. This paper reviews the literature on the topic then identifies and examines barriers presented during aviation training based on data from 296 female pilots-in-training, pilots, and flight instructors. Results show that the lack of acceptance, self-efficacy, lack of social support from organizations, flight instructors and family, and stereotyping are among the top obstacles women encounter during their flight training, often leading them to quit. Implications for human resource development (HRD) and for the recruitment, retention, and success of women in male-dominated occupations are discussed.