Like breaking through clouds into clear skies, women in aviation have pushed past barriers to claim their place in flight. Once grounded by outdated views, they’ve climbed steadily, proving skill matters more than gender. Their journey has lifted not just themselves, but the entire industry—clearing a path for the next generation of women to rise.
For over a century, women have helped shape aviation. In 1910, Raymonde de Laroche became the first woman to earn a pilot’s license. Amelia Earhart followed, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. These aviation pioneers broke barriers in the sky for women to join and lead in a male-dominated field.
Today, women not only work as pilots but they are engineers, aircraft mechanics, and aviation maintenance technicians. They inspect, repair, and maintain the planes that keep passages travelling.
The industry is seeing more women take roles as aviation professionals. Women now study aviation maintenance, welding, and manufacturing. These roles require skill, focus, and training and women are meeting these challenges.
More trade schools and companies are supporting women in technical roles. Aviation Maintenance Technology programs, like the one at Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) offer students hands-on training and mentorship. We help men and women start a lifelong career.
Women Pioneers in Aviation and Maintenance
Here are some of the female pioneers that shaped the aviation and maintenance industry:
- Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. She set many flying records and used her fame to support women in aviation. Her bravery broke barriers for female pilots everywhere.
- Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1921. Denied flight school in the U.S., she learned French and trained in France. When she came back to the U.S., she performed in airshows and inspired young black women to aim high.
- Elsie MacGill, known as the “Queen of the Hurricanes,” was the first woman to earn an aeronautical engineering degree. During World War II, she led the making of the Hawker Hurricane fighter plane in Canada.
What Does an Aviation Maintenance Technician Do?
Aviation Maintenance Technicians inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft keeping them safe and air worthy. They check systems like engines, brakes, landing gear, and electrical controls. They also follow strict rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Many Aviation Maintenance Technicians also work with advanced avionics systems. These include flight controls, radar, navigation, and communication systems. Working on these systems takes focus, good hand-eye coordination, and strong problem-solving skills. Skills that most women possess.
Why Become an Aviation Maintenance Technician?
Air travel keeps growing, and so does the need for trained aviation maintenance technicians. Airlines, cargo companies, and private jet services all need skilled aviation mechanics. That means steady job opportunities for men and women Even during recessions, aircraft still need maintenance, therefore this career is stable and offers opportunities for advancement. With experience and extra training, women can become lead techs, inspectors, or maintenance managers. Some move into training, engineering, or owning their own aviation maintenance business.
For anyone looking for a career that’s in-demand offers stable income and benefits, what a future to grow within the industry, aviation maintenance might be the right career path for you. Whether you’re just graduating from high school or switching careers, aviation maintenance offers a lifelong career.
How To Become an Aviation Maintenance Technician
Becoming an aviation maintenance technician starts at AIM. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to become an aviation maintenance technician.
Step 1: Complete High School or Get a GED
Aviation maintenance technicians need a high school diploma or GED before they can start training. This includes strong skills in math, reading, and science.
Step 2: Complete an FAA-Approved Program
The next step is to start attending a certified Aviation Maintenance Technician program. Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers hands-on training at multiple campuses across the U.S. Our programs are FAA certified and prepare you for the FAA certification exam.
Step 3: Pass the FAA Exams
After completing your training at AIM, you’ll take a set of FAA exams. These include written, oral, and hands-on tests. Passing them earns you an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.
Step 4: Start Your Career
Once certified, you can work at airlines, repair stations, or aircraft manufacturers. Plus, our career services can help you connect with employers within the community.
What is the Future of Aviation?
The future of aviation is advancing at a breakneck speed, with new technology leading the way. Whether it is electric and hybrid aircraft or automation of more advanced flight systems and tools to help pilots and aviation maintenance technicians be more successful in their role. Even drones and AI will change how cargo, data, and people move through the skies.
As the industry evolves, more women are stepping into these avionics roles. From pilots to technicians to engineers, women are proving they belong in the industry. With the right training and a support network from AIM, there are clear skies ahead.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to commit 21 months to becoming a certified avionics technician? An investment in your future is the best investment you can make. Now that you know that an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Maintenance is a smart path to enter the industry, it is time to learn more about how the AAS Degree Aviation Maintenance Technology at Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) will help you start your new career.
