Maximizing Participation of Women in Collegiate Aviation Education

摘要

The purpose of this study is to collect and analyze information which can be usedto examine the reasons for the seemingly low number of women in the United States' collegiate aviation educational system. With ever-increasing global competition, it is vital to assist all qualified persons in the aviation field to succeed in their chosen area of this profession. Only by utilizing all trained persons, men and women, will the United States remain competitive in aviation. With women comprising such a large percentage of the work force, it is only logical to employ the best and brightest of both genders to accomplish this goal. Data will be collected directly from program directors and/or aviation faculty at each participating member institution in the UAA with a four-year degree program in aviation. These directors and faculty members can offer insight into whether or not women are, in fact, under-represented in higher aviation education, and, if so, what they believe can be done to rectify this situation. They will be able to evaluate the status of aviation education and what the future needs might be. This research endeavor will attempt to determine what progress has been made in recent years to increase the percentage of women in collegiate aviation education. Both factual data and perceptions from the respondents will be acquired. By analyzing the history of women aviation educators, this study hopes to offer means of maximizing participation of women in collegiate aviation education. Recommendations for improvements which will allow the integration of women more readily into this field will be sought. The information gathered through this study will allow persons in higher aviation education at all colleges and universities and at the University Aviation Association to better understand the role women should be playing in this field. Such information will also be useful to the aviation industry at large as women become a larger force in this area of study and expertise.