The world needs more female pilots

Since it first started in 2012, the annual “Girls Fly Too” event at the Abbotsford Airport has grown big time in popularity, and that’s a good thing according to founder Kirsten Brazier, because the world needs more female pilots. She says only 6% of professional pilots in North America are female, and only 2.8% of the maintenance population.

“These numbers to me are really appalling.  The flying is not that complicated…it’s a very challenging and rewarding career.  The maintenance trades are a very lucrative industry to be in.  There are fascinating careers in aviation, aerospace, marine and defense, and I’ve just questioned over and over again…why are there no women?”

The event includes not only hands-on activities for girls in everything to do with aviation, but there are also free flights for first timers, if they register in advance. This year’s Girls Fly Too event is happening March 12th and 13th.