Women of Aviation Week (observed March 3–9 in 2025) recognizes and celebrates women’s incredible contributions to aviation. From pioneering pilots to aerospace engineers and air traffic controllers, women have long been breaking barriers and soaring to new heights in this historically male-dominated industry. This week celebrates their achievements and calls on future generations of women to pursue careers in aviation.
The History of Women in Aviation
Women’s history in aviation is rich with stories of courage, determination, and groundbreaking accomplishments. Amelia Earhart stands out as an iconic figure and a household name, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, whose daring flights inspired countless others. But the story doesn’t stop there. Women like Bessie Coleman, the first African-American and Native-American woman pilot, and Jacqueline Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier, paved the way for future generations.
As explored in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, women have a long and storied aviation history of overcoming societal and institutional challenges to earn their place in the skies.
Wanda Whittsit: Pilot, Trailblazer, and Philanthropist
Wanda Whittsit exemplifies the varied and inspiring ways women have shaped modern aviation. The founder of LifeLine Pilots and an accomplished pilot herself, Whittsit is an aviation pioneer who created a model by which volunteer pilots use their time, skills, and aircraft for good.
In 1980, starting in her garage, Whitsitt founded LifeLine Pilots, a nonprofit organization of civilian pilots who volunteer to transport patients in need of remote, life-changing medical care. For years, Whittsit arranged flights, flew missions, and organized all public relations on her own. In 1981 alone, Whittsit flew patients a total of 2,634 nautical miles, ultimately inspiring 40 other pilots to volunteer that same year.
Since then, not only has Whittsit inspired hundreds of LifeLine Pilots volunteers, she inspired pilots in other regions of the US to start their own nonprofits offering free medical flights. Over a dozen similar organizations now span the US, ensuring that patients in all regions are not denied life-saving care due to travel access.
Of these organizations, LifeLine Pilots remains the oldest of its kind, having completed nearly 10,000 life-changing missions since its inception. From Whittsit’s 2,634 nautical miles in 1981, she and the LifeLine team helped grow an organization that flew patients nearly 140,000 nautical miles in 2020.
Women in Aviation Today: Breaking Barriers
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in many areas of aviation. For instance, only about five percent of airline pilots worldwide are women, according to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots. However, there are encouraging signs of change:
- Leadership Roles: Women like Christine Ourmières-Widener, former CEO of Flybe, and Helane Becker, a top aviation analyst, lead the way in aviation management and analysis.
- Military Aviation: Women increasingly take on combat and leadership roles, breaking long-standing barriers.
- STEM Contributions: Female aerospace engineers, technicians, and researchers are making significant contributions to advancements in aviation technology.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Encouraging more women to pursue careers in aviation starts with providing role models and mentorship opportunities. Organizations like Women in Aviation International (WAI) play a critical role by offering scholarships, networking opportunities, and educational resources.
Mentorship programs are critical. Access to female role models in aviation can inspire young women to believe they can succeed. According to UNAUSA, mentorship is one of the most effective ways to increase women’s participation in STEM fields, including aviation.
Why Women of Aviation Week Matters
Women of Aviation Week, held annually in March to coincide with International Women’s Day, serves multiple purposes:
- Raising Awareness: It highlights how mainstream narratives often overlook the achievements of women in aviation.
- Encouraging Participation: The week showcases role models and inspires young women and girls to consider careers in aviation and aerospace.
- Promoting Equality: It emphasizes the need for continued efforts toward gender equality in the aviation industry.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) underscores the importance of increasing women’s participation in aviation, pointing out that diversity leads to better decision-making and stronger performance in the industry.
How to Celebrate Women of Aviation Week
There are many ways to celebrate and honor Women of Aviation Week:
- Attend Aviation Events: Many organizations host webinars, lectures, and air shows highlighting women’s contributions to aviation.
- Share Stories: Use social media to share inspiring stories of women in aviation using hashtags like #WomenOfAviationWeek and #WomenInAviation.
- Encourage STEM Education: Support programs that encourage girls to pursue education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), which are essential for many aviation careers.
- Visit Aviation Museums: Museums often feature exhibits on women in aviation, providing educational and inspiring experiences.
Help Us Ensure Everyone Can Access Medical Care
Women of Aviation Week reminds us how far women have come in aviation and how much further we can go. By celebrating the trailblazers of the past and supporting the next generation’s dreams, we can ensure that the skies are open to everyone.
Taking after the legacy of women aviators like Wanda Whittsit, organizations like LifeLine Pilots ensure that charitable, non-emergency medical air transportation continues to reduce barriers to healthcare access. Serving the Midwest, LifeLine’s volunteer pilots complete hundreds of missions annually, bringing patients to and from life-saving medical care. They donate their time, expertise, and aircraft use and cover all the expenses necessary to ensure that people needing medical and humanitarian assistance are supported.
LifeLine Pilots was founded on the principle that everyone, regardless of income or location, should be able to access quality healthcare. Our organization receives no government funding. Instead, volunteer pilots support LifeLine Pilots by donating millions in flight time and planes ($1.6 million last year alone)!
You can continue to honor LifeLine Pilots founder Wanda Whittsit’s dream of making the world a better place by joining our generous supporters. There are so many ways you can help. Your cash or crypto contribution, or even your time as a volunteer, can ensure that a person gets the healthcare they need. Supporting the non-emergency air medical travel community saves lives and improves healthcare accessibility. Your support ensures that these vital services can continue to operate and expand, helping more people receive the medical care they need, regardless of their location.