Girls in Aviation event held by USU
Utah State University’s Chapter of Women in Aviation held a Girls in Aviation event Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Logan-Cache Airport to help young girls become interested in a wide variety of aviation careers.
Women are continuously and severely underrepresented throughout the aviation industry. According to Women in Aviation International, the international industry average for women pilots is just seven percent. The industry average for women in aviation maintenance is only two percent.
Claire Duggar, a USU Chapter Women in Aviation officer, said this event is very close to her heart. She said there is still severe and pointed discrimination against women in the aviation industry.
“When I got hired (as a pilot), I heard some men say I only got hired because I am a woman and whoever hired me just wanted a woman in dispatch. I have heard it in every airport I have been in. Everyone stares at me, they ask if I am there to pick up my boyfriend,” Duggar said.
She thinks this discrimination is due to women being severely underrepresented in the aviation industry. She said to stop the discrimination, more women need to become involved in the field, even if they face adversity.
“You have to fight so they know you are here to make a name for yourself. You have to push harder than everyone else to get what you want,” she said.
During the event, USU aviation volunteers set up several booths and activities around the airport where families, young women in particular, could learn more about the history of women in aviation and have the opportunity meet women in aviation.
Tristan Mazzu attended the event as a representative of Skywest Airlines. Her mother was a successful pilot and inspired her to become a pilot as well.
“I encourage anyone who wants to go in this profession to work hard and never let go of their passion. The women in this field are all going to be here to rally behind you to help you achieve your goals and dreams,” Mazzu said.
Jane Wu, a representative for the Logan-Cache Airport, helped girls climb into the cockpit of a twin engine plane throughout the event to help the girls experience what it is truly like to sit and fly in a plane.
“When they first get in (the plane) they see a complicated system, but then we start teaching them the ins-and-outs of the flying process and they are always like, ‘Oh this makes sense,’ and you see them get more and more invested. It is just so rewarding,” Wu said
Annie Liu brought her daughter, Melinda, to the event hoping to show her she can become an independent woman in any career she chooses.
Megan Nielsen | The Utah Statesman Girls learn about drones and the drone program at Utah State University at Girls in Aviation Day at the Logan-Cache Airport on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Girls in Aviation Day events are hosted across the world. Logan’s event was hosted by the Utah State University chapter of Women in Aviation International. The mission is to introduce girls to careers in aerospace and aviation through hands on activities and guest speakers. (Megan Nielsen)
Liu said, “Not everybody can fly a plane, but I want to show (Melinda) that she can do it if she wants. She can do whatever she wants. I truly believe that, and I want her to believe that too.”
Melinda ran excitedly around the event and exclaimed, “I want to do this every day.”
Charlotte James, another mother who brought her daughter to the event, said she wished USU put on more events like Girls in Aviation throughout the year.
“This is a very good opportunity to raise awareness of such an unrepresented demographic. Women can anything men can.”
This is the third year USU women have held this event. Kathleen Larson, the president of USU’s chapter, says more girls show up every year.
“I want to bring awareness that women can be successful and appreciated in aviation. We are here. We are just as smart as you are. We can fly planes just as well as you can.”
—Brianne Sorensen
@SorensenBrianne