The world of aviation isn’t as big as most think. Every airport you visit, every conference you attend, you eventually see a lot of the same people.
However, the aviation community continues to avoid stagnation, working toward a common goal of improving the industry for everyone involved. At this year’s Women in Aviation International Conference in Long Beach, Calif., the forward progress was on full display with many talking about the latest technologies in flight, continued industry growth and how to pave the path for future aviators.
We met with three women from very different backgrounds to learn more about who inspires them as aviators, what they envision for an equitable future and what advice they have for aspiring aviators.
Captain Lucy Young, American Airlines
Captain Lucy Young earned her first pilot’s license 43 years ago, and one year later joined the U.S. Navy as a pilot. In 1986, Lucy transitioned to commercial aviation and began her 33-year career with American Airlines.
Today, Lucy is a Captain flying the Boeing 767 based out of Philadelphia. However, as Lucy tells it, she never set out to become an airline pilot, it just progressed that way.
“I set little goals for myself along the way,” said Lucy. “I took it one step at a time. My first goal was to do a solo flight. I said, ‘Okay, that was fun. What’s next?’ Then I set out to do my first cross-country flight. Each time, I made a little goal, I built on a foundation and wasn’t afraid of the big picture.”
Throughout her career as a pilot, Lucy has looked up to Amelia Earhart for her courage and undeniable determination to accomplish the unthinkable. Lucy also thinks that same courage can be applied to young women joining the aviation industry.
“Don’t take no for an answer,” Lucy said. “You have to keep plugging away to get to where you want. Take inspiration from women like me who went full speed ahead to achieving their success.”
As for her advice for airlines looking to support more women in their company, Lucy think that it’s simple: hire qualified people, regardless of their gender. She’s also aware that the regional airlines like Envoy are a great way for women pilots to enter a pipeline into the major airlines like American.
“I think we do a great job encouraging women to join us,” Lucy said. “We just have to continue that outreach and find the best possible qualified people for the job.”
Linda Aggrey, WAI Chapter Member – Ghana, Africa
Linda Aggrey works in Ground Operations for Turkish Airlines in Accra, Ghana. She believes that the airline industry is a great career because of the ability to take on so many different responsibilities in one company.
“The aviation industry is full of passionate people who care about the future,” said Linda. “Everywhere you find so many empathetic people who show a real commitment to their work. We have so many smart and skilled women in the industry, they can do anything!”
When asked about her inspiration, Linda didn’t bat an eye and confidently stated, “Myself.”
“I try not to judge myself too hard,” Linda said. “I keep myself motivated to make it in my career or wherever. I stay optimistic about my future, and hold myself accountable.”
First Officer Judy Franke, Envoy
First Officer Judy Franke is not only a new pilot to Envoy, but this was also her first time at the WAI Conference. Over and over Judy remarked at how incredible the conference is for her now, but especially to a young woman aviator who’s just starting out.
“It’s so good for young girls to see all these awesome women,” said Judy. “Growing up, I didn’t really have any role models to look up to, so I would say for girls to take advantage of events like this one.”
Born in Germany, Judy moved to the U.S. when she was very young. However, she didn’t really have any women role models in the aviation world, so she looked up to her husband for guidance into her pilot career.
“My husband is also a regional pilot, so he was there for me to guide me through all my flight training, having gone through the process himself,” Judy said. “He was my mentor. He opened up doors I never knew were there, and I knew I could trust him because he wants what’s best for me.”
At the conference, she had her opportunity to gain inspiration from the amazing women speakers. One such speaker, a national hero, was Captain Tammie Jo Shults, who safely landed Southwest Flight 1380 after losing an engine midflight.
“It was so inspiring to learn Captain Shults’ story of how she overcame so much adversity in her life just to become a pilot,” Judy said. “She just kept going and found her goal – that’s really what I learned from her. Just go for it!”
As for how Judy feels about women pilots in the airline industry, she doesn’t really see an advantage or disadvantage in her experience training with Envoy.
“I get treated the same by everyone, especially by our Captains,” Judy said. “In my experience, I feel like I have the same opportunities as the men. I feel like I’m just as qualified as anyone else, and I get treated that way.”