Breaking Barriers at Paris Air
Aviation has long been a field dominated by men, but the tides are changing. Women are increasingly taking to the skies, proving that the cockpit knows no gender. At Paris Air, we are proud to support this transformative movement, empowering women to achieve their dreams of becoming pilots and aviation leaders.
Women in Aviation Throughout History
From the daring flights of Amelia Earhart to the groundbreaking achievements of Bessie Coleman, women have always been pioneers in aviation. Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license, overcame racial and gender barriers to inspire generations. Jacqueline Cochran, a trailblazer in the mid-20th century, set numerous records and played a pivotal role in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program during World War II. These women, and many others, paved the way for today’s aspiring aviators.
Their stories reflect resilience and determination. For example, Nancy Harkness Love, who organized the first group of women to fly military aircraft in the U.S., demonstrated that women could handle the same rigorous challenges as their male counterparts. Similarly, Valentina Tereshkova, although primarily known as the first woman in space, started her career as a skilled aviator, proving that the sky truly is no limit.
Women in Aviation Today: Careers and Salary Statistics
Despite these historic achievements, women represent less than 10% of licensed pilots worldwide. According to recent statistics, women comprise about 9% of airline and commercial pilots, while men dominate at 91%. Women also tend to gravitate toward roles such as flight instructors and private pilots, with fewer pursuing positions like airline captains or military aviators.
Beyond piloting, women are also making strides in aviation maintenance, air traffic control, and aeronautical engineering. However, challenges remain. When it comes to salaries, women in aviation often face a wage gap. For instance, male pilots earn an average annual salary of $121,000, while women pilots earn approximately $104,000. Addressing these disparities is essential to creating a more inclusive industry.
Encouraging women to explore non-traditional roles within aviation, such as aerospace design or aviation law, could further diversify the industry. With a growing global demand for pilots and technical experts, the industry has a unique opportunity to close these gaps and cultivate a workforce that reflects society’s diversity.
Supporting Women’s Dreams at Paris Air
At Paris Air, we are committed to changing these statistics. We believe that with the right training and support, women can excel in all aviation careers—from piloting commercial jets to leading aviation innovation. Our programs are designed to nurture talent and build confidence, with a strong focus on mentorship and community.
We’re proud to share stories of our female students and graduates who have achieved incredible milestones in their careers.
Meet Allie! Allie is now a Flight Instructor at Paris Air. She is from Vero Beach, FL. She also has a passion for modeling! She attained her PPL, IR, & CPL with us at Paris Air. We are so proud to have her as part of our community.
Meet Agamya! She is one of our graduate student pilots from India. Before coming to study with us, she struggled to break cultural norms and family pressures of choosing a “male career”. Nonetheless, she followed her dreams.
Why Women Choose Paris Air
- Diverse Role Models: Our team includes accomplished female instructors who serve as mentors and role models.
- Comprehensive Training: From private pilot licenses to commercial certifications, our programs cater to all levels of experience.
- Supportive Community: We cultivate an encouraging atmosphere where women can thrive alongside their peers.
Join the Movement
The aviation industry is growing, and with it, the demand for talented pilots. If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, now is the time to take that first step. At Paris Air, we’re ready to help you soar—no matter who you are.
