Women in Aviation: A Workforce Report

Aviation industry forecasts reveal the depth of the need for qualified personnel worldwide and the projected growth of the industry. Over the last five years, the industry has experienced average year over year passenger traffic growth of 6.5%, resulting in “unprecedented” financial prosperity for North American airlines (Boeing, 2018a). North American air carriers have accounted for more than half of the global industry prosperity in the last five years (Boeing, 2018a). The growth is attributed to multiple factors including lower air fares, higher standards of living in large emerging markets such as China and India, new airline business models, and growth in travel and tourism (Boeing, 2018a). The trend is expected to continue with a forecast growth rate of 4.7% average passenger growth over the next twenty years. (Boeing, 2018a). To meet that need, Boeing is forecasting that the number of jet airplanes in the commercial market will nearly double through 2037 (Boeing, 2018a). Growth in general aviation (GA) is also impacting the industry. In 2018, general aviation aircraft shipments experienced an increase of 5% for piston aircraft, 5.2% for turboprop aircraft, and a 3.8% increase in business jets (General Aviation Manufacturers Association [GAMA], 2019). While the overall GA fleet is forecast to remain relatively stable through 2039, growth in turbine and rotorcraft fleets is anticipated while fixed wing piston aircraft are forecast to decline (Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], 2019a). The number of GA hours flown is projected to increase in the same time period (FAA, 2019a). With the anticipated growth in both GA and commercial markets, operations at FAA towers are projected to grow .9% a year through 2039 (FAA, 2019a). The FAA also anticipates growth in the area of commercial space operations (space launch activities other than military and civilian government such as NASA) (FAA, 2019a). Such expansion in commercial space flight will result in increased FAA activity in the areas of approval for equipment, training, technicians, inspections and other related activities. As a gauge of the level of current activity in this area, the “FAA currently conducts as many as 400 pre-flight/reentry, flight/reentry, and postflight reentry safety inspections per year” (FAA, 2019a, p. 35). One of the fastest growing market segments in aviation continues to be Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). In the short time since UAS registration went into effect (December 2015), there are over 900,000 registered UAS, compared to just over 212,000 registered active GA aircraft (FAA, 2019a). A highly trained workforce to meet the needs of the expanding industry remains essential. As an example of the growing need, between 2018 and 2037, Boeing forecasts a need for 790,000 new pilots, 754,000 new technicians, and 890,000 new cabin crew (Boeing, 2018b). Women in the aviation workforce are a vital resource for meeting the personnel needs. Before exploring the number of women in aviation, it is interesting to begin with a look at women in the U.S. workforce. The number of women in the workforce in the U.S. has increased over the past several decades (Toossi & Morisi, 2017). Women made up about 1/3 of the workforce in 1950 compared to 46.9% of the workforce in 2018 (Toossi & Morisi, 2017; Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2018). The gender gap is excepted to continue to narrow (Toossi & Morisi, 2017). In addition, the women’s labor force is projected to become more diverse, “reflecting greater racial and ethnic diversity” in the next ten years (Toossi & Morisi, 2017, p. 18). It is also interesting to note that the proportion of women ages 25 to 64 in the labor force who hold a Bachelor’s degree and higher increased from 11% in 1970 to 42% in 2016 (BLS, 2017). By comparison, the number of men ages 25 to 64 in the labor force who hold a Bachelor’s degree and higher was slightly more than doubled during the same time frame, reaching just over 36% in 2016 (BLS, 2017). Currently there is insufficient data on the number of women in the aviation workforce. While solid information is available on some segments of the industry, through FAA data for example, it remains a challenge to get a baseline of information in many segments in the industry. Data sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and member participation in aviation specific professional groups has been targeted to attempt to fill these gaps. The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive study of the number of women in the aviation workforce. When able, data from multiple sources are provided. In addition, the work will provide a baseline so future reports can be developed to establish and monitor trends in the workforce. At a time when the industry is facing unprecedented shortages of qualified personnel, understanding these key gaps in the workforce can lead to strategies to not only expand the workforce but also enhance diversity

ICAO Aviation System Block Upgrades: A Method for Identifying Training Needs

Since the mid-1970s, air traffic growth has expanded two-fold once every fifteen years (ICAO, 2013). The ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) is a roadmap to achieve a “vision of an integrated, harmonized, and globally interoperable air traffic management (ATM) system” (ICAO, 2012, p. 1). A component of the GANP is the Aviation System Block Upgrades (ASBU), a framework for achieving that vision. A collaborative approach led by ICAO between public and private organizations and member states resulted in the development of the ASBU framework. However, obstacles exist for successful implementation. One area of concern is the need for training of qualified personnel including air navigation service providers, flight crews, and those responsible for safety oversight. While the ICAO strategy has the potential to enhance global interoperability through such means as information sharing and management, more efficient flight paths, and improvements to airport operations, obstacles must first be overcome. The purpose of this research is to develop a template that can be used to identify the training needs associated with the implementation of the ASBU modules. The template can be applied by selected groups within individual ICAO member states to determine a customizable training plan allowing the state to maximize benefits from implementing ASBU modules

Aviation Outreach Model and Gap Analysis: Examining Solutions to Address Workforce Shortages

The purpose of this research is to examine aviation outreach programs to identify best practices and areas for improvement in the endeavor to recruit youth to the aviation industry. The research includes creation of a model of aviation outreach and development and application of an aviation outreach gap analysis design. Three programs are analyzed, Women in Aviation Girls in Aviation Day, Experimental Aviation Association Young Eagles, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association High School Aviation Initiative. Each program takes a unique approach to recruiting youth and the strengths and weaknesses, based on the aviation outreach model, are discussed. Results of the research reveal that each of the three outreach programs should be considered a best practice. Recommendations for aviation outreach are provided with emphasis on increased attention to outcome measures. This research contributes a new method to assess outreach programs, a critical task in the effort to create solutions to the global aviation workforce challenges

The FAA: A Tombstone Agency? Putting the Nickname to the Test

The purpose of this research was to investigate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) activity before and after six catastrophic airline accidents to examine the alleged reactive policysetting reputation of the FAA. Actions reviewed were regulatory, inspection, and enforcement activities. The study revealed that change in agency activity does occur following an accident. The location of the event appears to influence the direction of change. When accidents occurred within the United States, FAA activity increased following the accident. The opposite occurred for airline accidents outside the U.S. The increase in FAA activity following U.S. based events, supports the reactive, tombstone agency reputation the FAA has acquired. In addition, the research revealed nine FAA activities judged by industry experts as having the ability to improve safety in the airline industry. Inspections and certificate actions are considered activities that will improve safety. Regulatory actions, fines, warning notices, and letters of correction were judged as non-safety enhancing activities. The result of this research was an increased understanding of how the FAA responds to airline accidents and the consequences of the response

“You’ll Never Really Be One of Us”: Women’s Underrepresentation in the Aviation Workforce

Women are underrepresented in many aviation occupations despite outreach and recruitment efforts from multiple organizations. Attracting women into aviation is a necessity not only to address workforce demand but also to achieve the benefits of a more diverse workforce to include enhanced profitability, safety, and innovation. To address the gender gap, the research presented here attempts to inform recruitment/retention strategies by identifying both the positive and negative factors that influence a woman’s decision to pursue a career in aviation and the decision to persist. Additionally, factors such as participation in youth outreach programs, role of mentors, influencers who support or interfere with the pursuit of aviation as a career for women, and development of a better understanding of barriers to the career field are all explored. The results reveal a profile for recruiting, and identification of factors that deter women from the field, which include cost of entry, negative workplace culture, and maintaining work life balance. The information gained will allow for tailoring strategies for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women to the identified factors that influence career decisions in order to close the existing gender gaps in aviation

\u3ci\u3eInteractive Learning: The Casewriting Method as an Entire Semester Course for Higher Education Teacher\u27s Manual\u3c/i\u3e

UNOAI Report 94-2 This guide explains the reasons for employing the case method as a tool in the academic discipline of aviation. It promotes the use of case writing as a unique opportunity to derive even further benefits from case analysis. The benefits to students of using case writing as a learning strategy include a focus on the strategy of a real situation; development of an ownership interest; and development of reasoning, decision making, judgment, group dynamics, formal written and oral communication ability, and organizational skills. This is a teacher\u27s guide that includes the course syllabus, schedule and practical tips on introducing the concept of case study, assigning groups, selecting a topic, and assigning roles. Other topics covered are case writing guidelines, case components, timeline for case writing of individual and group projects, case development, case presentations, case evaluations peer evaluations, group self-evaluations, examples of case writing, and a breakdown of those sample cases.https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/facultybooks/1168/thumbnail.jp

The Airline Quality Rating: Developing an Industry Standard

This article presents a brief summary of the Airline Quality Rating (AQR) methodology, AQR results for 1991 and 1992, an overview of the Statistical Process Control (SPC) method, and its application to AQR data. Due to the AQR monthly quantitative data, AQR scores can be used to create an SPC chart that, in turn, provides a means for developing standard levels of quality for individual airlines and for the industry

Multimodal freight transportation: sustainability challenges

Due to globalization in trade, the development of multimodal cargo shipments and the related transport needs have created a range of challenges. Interestingly, sustainability of multimodal freight transportation is still subject to minor consideration, on the grounds that economic interests are frequently positioned much higher than social or environmental objectives. This proposed research plan is needed to assess whether and to what extent the multimodal freight system is achieving the results in the sustainability dimensions: economic, social and environmental. Thus, it will carry out a critical appraisal of the multimodal freight transportation sector to provide an up-to-date knowledge on the sustainability challenges and the potential solutions through doctoral research. This paper structured to present a review of existing literature on freight transportation and multimodal freight transport highlighting the sustainability concerns with multimodal freight transport systems. It also highlights the gaps in knowledge with a justification on the need to address these gaps for the system to function optimally. It also covers the methodology that would be applied and the sources of data that would be reviewed to ensure the aim and objectives are clearly addressed. The paper concludes by discussing the significance of the expected findings in the light of sustainability in multimodal freight transport to the academia, policy makers and the freight transportation industry

\u3ci\u3eInteractive Learning: The Casewriting Method as an Entire Semester Course for Higher Education Teacher\u27s Manual\u3c/i\u3e

UNOAI Report 94-2 This guide explains the reasons for employing the case method as a tool in the academic discipline of aviation. It promotes the use of case writing as a unique opportunity to derive even further benefits from case analysis. The benefits to students of using case writing as a learning strategy include a focus on the strategy of a real situation; development of an ownership interest; and development of reasoning, decision making, judgment, group dynamics, formal written and oral communication ability, and organizational skills. This is a teacher\u27s guide that includes the course syllabus, schedule and practical tips on introducing the concept of case study, assigning groups, selecting a topic, and assigning roles. Other topics covered are case writing guidelines, case components, timeline for case writing of individual and group projects, case development, case presentations, case evaluations peer evaluations, group self-evaluations, examples of case writing, and a breakdown of those sample cases

Sustainability and Air Freight Transportation: Lessons from the Global Pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis has transformed the delivery of services and goods by public, private, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with one of the largest impacts being in air transport systems. This paper focuses on related opportunities and challenges within air freight transport management, exploring sustainability in light of recent, heavy human and economic costs across the world. There is, in the resulting process of recovery, the potential to create changes in the airline industry and across a number of private and public partnerships that will improve long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability and stability. This paper also describes the impact of the current environment on air cargo operations to include the role of significantly reduced airline schedules on overall air cargo capacity. It considers the potential role of government in providing the infrastructure for collaboration between sectors, addressing the goals of sustainability, efficiency, effectiveness, and citizen responsiveness. NGOs provide a voice for community groups in ways that governments and corporations may not. Efficient markets link producers at various stages to consumers through global and local supply chains. Integrating key concepts from sustainable development and logistics, this paper explores short-run and long-run planning required by each of the three sectors to tackle the immediate shortfalls in global transportation by air. It then investigates urgent but longer-term environmental issues tied to air transport, such as global climate change, air pollution, and the nonrenewable nature of fossil fuels. Many of the infrastructural changes in the airline industry may offer solutions across public administration. With the tremendous impact of air transport on a number of other goods and services, carefully constructed solutions may have sustainability benefits across industries. As the tragedies of COVID-19 inevitably shake the foundations of organizational systems in all three sectors, this paper offers recommendations for advancing opportunities for a more efficient freight supply industry that minimize negative impacts through sustainable development