From the Cockpit

Celebrating the Centennial of Women in Aviation

August 17, 2010

“Well-behaved women rarely make history.”

I have seen this quote attributed to several different, notable personalities in the annals of times gone by, and no matter where it comes from or from whose lips it passed, it’s pure, unmitigated truth. It was as valid back then as it is now.

As you walk around the California Capital Airshow this year, you might notice a few things perhaps out of the ordinary. You might see a young lady sporting a baseball hat and sunglasses with long dark hair and an infectious smile. You might also notice the fact that she does everything with her feet, as she was born without arms. Be sure to tell her hello and take a moment to listen to what she has to say, as you might learn something — either about flying or about yourself and your perception of what the world has taught you about limitations. Her name is Jessica Cox, and she’s an FAA-certified sport pilot.

Yes, I did say pilot. I also said FAA-certified. She flies a 1961 Aircoupe F-1A, and what allows her to do so is the fact that the rudders on the aircraft are manipulated by the control wheel instead of traditional rudder pedals; which brings us back to the “does everything with her feet” part. Jessica’s story personifies the dedication, innovation, and pioneering spirit that women have brought to the aviation industry, and she is truly an inspiration to all of us who fly.

As you continue to journey across the ramp and start checking out static displays, you might also notice a lot of women in flight suits. Congress removed the ban on women in combat aircraft in December 1991 with the passage of Public Law 102-190, but the Department of Defense policy still prohibited women from taking combat aircraft assignments. However, on April 28, 1993 the policy ban was lifted by then-Secretary of Defense Les Aspin opening the gates of opportunity to female jet pilots.

Seeing a woman in a flight suit with a set of wings on her chest flying combat missions has certainly ruffled a few feathers, but these brave warriors offer no apology–nor should they. They’re just as vibrant, confident, capable, aggressive, and….lethal….as their male counterparts. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be where they are. The armed services have not relaxed the standards in pilot training to accommodate women. You either make the grade, or you don’t. You either fly the airplane and employ it, or you don’t. Simple as that.

It’s important to remember something – the airplanes they fly and the ordnance at their disposal doesn’t care about the physiological differences between men and women. An aircraft responds to control inputs made by the person flying it, and weapon systems do what they are designed to do at the request of the person in charge of them. Aircraft are colorblind, could care less about your religion or what you had for dinner – none of that matters.

Another woman that will be present at the show is LT Meagan “Vargas” Flannigan. The diehard enthusiasts among us might recognize her as “Meagan” from the documentary film “Speed and Angels.” She was the last female to be qualified to fly the F-14 Tomcat before the aircraft was retired from service a few years ago. More recently, she is an instructor pilot at NAS Oceana, Virginia, and teaches students how to fly and fight with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Not too shabby for a girl, wouldn’t you say?

From 1942 to 1944, more than 1,000 women were trained to ferry aircraft, test planes, instruct male pilots, and tow targets for anti-aircraft artillery practice. The women came from all socioeconomic backgrounds: teachers, nurses, secretaries, factory workers, waitresses, students, housewives, debutantes, and actresses. They were, and still are, known as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) and the California Capital Airshow is fortunate enough to have several of them in attendance.

Often shunned by their male counterparts, they were pioneers, fearless and committed. The WASP program was the brainchild of Jacqueline Cochran, a successful businesswoman and legendary aviator, and General Hap Arnold, Chief of the Army Air Forces. More than 25,000 women applied for the program, and to qualify each applicant needed 200 hours of certified flight time (later reduced to 35 hours). 1,830 women were accepted and received pilot training at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. Thirty-eight women were killed in the line of duty.

The WASPs earned an amazing place in our history and opened the doors for women such as LT Megan “Vargas” Flannigan and so many others. If you have time to learn more about these remarkable women, I encourage you to do so.

These are just a few of the women that will be representing and celebrating the Centennial of Women in Aviation at this year’s California Capital Airshow, and we encourage you to talk to them, to listen to their personal stories, and to be inspired by what they’ve had to overcome to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

Buy your ticket today and stop by the Performers Autograph tent and… Ask for a photo. Ask for an autograph. Ask questions. You’ll remember each of them. And, history will too…