Women in Aviation: A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Needs and Wants Necessary for Graduation

Abstract

Despite the increased awareness of gender and race equality movements, today's population of minority women in aviation is still underrepresented. This research focused on underrepresented minority women who want to pursue a career in the aviation field and what factors affect their level of success in a specialized aviation higher education institution. There is not enough data and research surrounding the topic of minority women in aviation and their paths to success in these institutions. This qualitative research aimed to bridge the existing gap in the literature related to minority women in aviation and their needs and wants to complete a four-year degree. The research objective was to raise awareness for equality of race and gender in aviation higher education institutions and explore the needs and wants that could lead to academic success for minority women. The qualitative research design brought in six students who identify as a minority woman defined by conditions set upon by the researchers, and they were asked a list of questions in a semi-structured interview format. The qualitative data collected from indepth interviews helped identify significant aspects and patterns that minority women in aviation recognize as needs and wants that could lead to academic success. Open communication, friendship and community, and positive faculty support were identified as the perceived needs and wants of minority female students in aviation. These findings can be used to better serve underrepresented students in an aviation specialized higher education institution. In conclusion, the findings can be used to bring awareness on an issue that is not widely studied or discussed in educational aviation institutions.

The United States Air Force pilot diversity dilemma

“…Qualitative research, which included a phenomenon-oriented analysis of interview data from six cisgender and transgender women, was conducted to determine any common themes in their journey toward an aviation career. The results indicated that the most critical aspect of their success was professors, family, and friends (Kim and Albelo, 2020). Regarding the accessibility of mentorship, this is directly contributable to both the theory of generative interactions (Bernstein et al ., 2019) and identity theory (Flum and Kaplan, 2012) due to cultural and societal norms which create this barrier.…”

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“…In recent years, achieving DEI goals for pilots and mechanics in the aviation industry has been an ongoing challenge. Conversely, research has also shown the benefits of DEI practices, such as higher retention and better performance (Albelo & O'Toole, 2021;Albelo et al, 2023b;Kim & Albelo, 2020). When it comes to aviation education, Albelo & O'Toole (2021) have shown that training programs that focus on diversity awareness and skills development tend to be more successful, while factors like the type of instructional mode and mandatory versus voluntary participation have limited influence on outcomes.…”

“…In response to these advancements, research into DEI within aviation education has flourished. Scholars and institutions have conducted studies to assess the impact of DEI initiatives, providing valuable insights and best practices for ongoing improvements (Fowler et al, 2023;Kim & Albelo, 2021;Kim & Albelo, 2020;Sanders, 2022). This researchdriven approach ensures that DEI efforts are evidence-based and continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of aviation education.…”

Moving Beyond Representation: Reimagining Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Aviation Industry

“…This kind of analysis transitions efforts from being solely about representation into ones that evaluate institutional structures that have maintained barriers to entry. Kim and Albelo (2020) conducted a qualitative study that gathered information on the experiences of female aviation students in order to better understand their barriers to success. Their findings suggest that female collegiate students looked for communication, community, and positive relationships with faculty.…”

“…Moving past programming, for Pawley, means questioning the degree to which researchers still rely on white male students for subjects, and feel obligated to defend the inclusion of underrepresented students. Her calls to reimagine research in engineering education resonate with the work of Kim and Albelo (2020) where more work needs to be done to better understand the experiences of minoritized individuals in order to create and promote solutions to the problems of representation. Some researchers are beginning to rethink their methodologies when it comes to evaluating and analyzing the experiences of minoritized students.…”