Women in Aviation Maintenance Break Barriers at Elite Competition

For over a decade, this event has celebrated the unsung heroes of the aviation industry, but many of the competitors are no strangers to working in the spotlight.

One-sided gender majorities are significant across several career fields in the aviation industry, but the biggest disparity is seen in aviation maintenance. With men comprising around 97% of technicians, women in the field are going to stand out.

As The Competition grows closer, I've been inspired to learn more about what the experience is like for young women, both at the event and in the industry overall.

In this article, I explore conversations with several competitors who are representing their A&P programs in the School division, including: - Jackie Boone - Macie Griffis - Emily Jansen - Kamryn Lowe - Lola Lower - Katie Tolson - Epic Flight Academy team

How female AMTs stay resilient against career challenges in aviation maintenance

The mantra of The Competition is "knowledge, skills and integrity," inspired by the three most important values that make up a good technician.

Many of the challenges young technicians face in the aviation industry are not unique to women. Aviation maintenance requires a precise understanding of aircraft anatomy and problem-solving. Perfection is the minimum standard, and that can feel overwhelming.

As Jackie Wilson of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University says, "There will be days when you feel like you know nothing, and there will be days when you feel like you're the smartest person in the room."

Wilson adds, "You have to be confident enough to learn from both, take criticism and accept that there will always be ups and downs."

For young women, drawing extra attention when in aviation spaces can also add to that pressure.

However, Embry-Riddle's Sandra Acree says, "Women in aviation programs are often afraid to mess up because they think that everyone is watching, but what about when you succeed?"

She continues, "If people want to underestimate you, that's their problem. You know what you're capable of, and at the end of the day, that's what matters."