The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a Women in Aviation Advisory Board, as announced by secretary of the US Department of Transportation (DoT), Elaine L. Chao. The Board has been set up as a requirement of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and is intended to further the DoT and FAA’s commitment to working with industry, academia and government to find ways to address the shortage of female professionals entering aviation careers by recruiting women through this committee, and providing them with clear pathways to aviation careers.
The work of the Board will focus on analysing industry trends; coordinating efforts among airlines, non-profit organisations and aviation and engineering associations to facilitate support for women pursuing aviation careers; expanding scholarship opportunities; and enhancing training, mentorship, education and outreach programmes for women interested in aviation careers.
“Our nation is facing a shortage of pilots and aviation professionals; there are great opportunities in this sector and we want to encourage more women to enter these exciting professions,” said Chao.
The FAA is accepting nominations for qualified candidates to serve on the Women in Aviation Advisory Board at the Federal Register until 29 October, 2019. The objective of the Board is to provide independent advice and recommendations to the FAA in supporting women’s involvement in the aviation field.
“We must find ways to inspire women and young people to enter the aviation profession,” added FAA Administrator, Steve Dickson. “We need pilots, mechanics, engineers and many other professionals to enter the aviation profession pipeline, and I look forward to working with the Secretary to boost the number of aviation professionals and keep our nation’s aviation industry strong and vital.”
The FAA is also accepting qualified nominations to the Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force – another requirement of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act – which was established to develop and recommend initiatives to the FAA for encouraging high school students to enter aviation careers. Nominations may be submitted until 30 October, 2019.
