The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking for leaders in aviation and related industries (yes, that includes drones) to join what could be a transformative movement to shape the future of women in aviation. Applications are now open for the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee. This committee marks a new initiative named after the groundbreaking legacy of Bessie Coleman, who was the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot’s license.

What the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee entails

This Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee was designed to develop actionable strategies to attract and retain more women and girls in aviation careers. It came about as part of a Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB) report titled “Breaking Barriers for Women in Aviation: A Flight Plan for the Future” which was released back in March 2022. 

With it, the FAA says it aims to assemble 25 leaders from across the aviation industry. That includes small business owners, aviation specialists and innovators.

Committee members will:

• Contribute unique perspectives to address gender disparities in aviation.
• Collaborate with other experts to design and implement actionable recommendations.
• Help shape the future workforce by inspiring the next generation of female aviators.

The committee will meet at least twice a year, with a focus on driving meaningful change to increase diversity in aviation.

Why the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee matters

Currently, women make up only 10.3% of total pilots as of Dec. 31, 2023, according to data released by the FAA. Within the drone industry, the rate is even more bleak. Just 8.4% of Remote Pilots (aka drone pilots) are female. That’s a total of 30,935 female drone pilots in the U.S.

For what it’s worth, the rate of female drone pilots is slightly higher now than it has been in past years, but not by much. The prior year, women made up 7.9% of all certified remote pilots. Women and Drones compiled a neat graphic visualizing that exact data, which you can see below:

The Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee seeks to close these gaps by addressing challenges, increasing opportunities and inspiring a more inclusive future.

This initiative not only honors the contributions of pioneers like Bessie Coleman but also lays the groundwork for ongoing innovation in the aviation industry.

Who should apply (and how do you do it)?

The FAA is looking for a diverse range of nominees who can bring fresh ideas and perspectives. If you:

• Have experience in aviation or related fields,
• Are passionate about empowering women and girls in STEM and aviation careers,
• Want to contribute to driving positive change in a historically male-dominated industry,

…then this opportunity is for you.

Interested candidates can apply here to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. Applications are open now and will be considered through Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 at 6 p.m. ET. It’s all spelled out on the official application page, but expect to include a short biography, resume and statement.

And yes, men can apply too.

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