The Daily O’Collegian

Women are largely under-represented in aviation despite great job opportunities with above average starting salaries.

“Ultimately, aviation professionals, primarily pilots, tend to be male dominated because, historically, they always have been,” aviation professor Chad Depperschmidt said. “That continues on.”

Although the number of women in aviation has increased, it is small compared with men’s representation in the industry according to Women in Aviation, International’s Web site.

Women made up 6 percent of the pilots in the U.S. and slightly more than 18 percent of non-pilot aviation employees in the U.S. in 2005, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aeronautical Center’s statistics.

“I anticipate women in aviation to continue increasing.” Depperschmidt said. “There are many incentives for females to get involved in aviation such as scholarships and organizations like Women in Aviation, International.”

Aviation became popular during World War I when the military didn’t allow women to fly in combat. Women’s lack of participation was not based on their lack of interest, but the limitations the military put on them during this time period.

In 1911, Harriet Quimby became the first licensed female pilot in the U.S. according to Women in Aviation, International’s Web site. Women’s participation in aviation has increased, but not dramatically.

Women are treated equally   in the field, said Travis Felderhoff, an aviation sophomore.  He said he doesn’t think women are intimidated by men dominant in the field.

“I think the females are just as professional as the males,” Felderhoff said. “They go through the same training we do.”

Kathryn Marquart is an aviation freshman with the professional pilot option.

“I think it is great to be a girl and a pilot,” Marquart said. “Boys are more likely to respect you if you are a good pilot.”

Marquart’s family introduced her to aviation.

“My whole family is involved in aviation,” Marquart said. “My dad actually taught me to fly, and I loved it.”

Marquart said there is typically only one other woman in her aviation classes.

“I think one reason women are not involved with aviation is they want a 9 to 5 job,” Marquart said. “They want to be able to be with their families at night.”

There are many different career options for people in aviation other than becoming a pilot. These include dispatchers, engineers, logisticians, flight attendants and other options.

“Overall, I don’t know that we have done a good job of marketing what is out there and available for women that would enjoy being a part of the aviation industry,” said aviation professor Mary Kutz.

Women in Aviation, International uses resources to aid women in aviation and to encourage more women to choose a career in aviation according to its Web site.

“This is an exciting field,” Kutz said. “A lot of occupations allow you to contribute to the overall mission of aviation and aerospace.

“Oklahoma’s industry is growing to the point where there is going to be a lot of vacancies, we just need to somehow do a better job of getting the word out.”