Future aviators join VAI for 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day event The association hosted a group of aspiring female aviation professionals at an event in Maryland as part of the global campaign from Women in Aviation International. Each year, VAI proudly participates in the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Girls in Aviation Day—a global initiative aimed at increasing the number of women in all areas of the aviation industry. This year, the association hosted an Oct. 4 event at the College Park Aviation Museum in Maryland as part of the 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day, which took place Sep. 20. As of 2024, FAA data shows that women hold about 10.8% of student pilot certificates and roughly 5.5% of airline transport pilot certificates in the United States, underscoring the continued need to expand opportunities across the industry, according to WAI. “When I was in school learning to fly fixed-wing airplanes, I was always asking my professors how I could do more to address the issues I saw in the system,” says Theresa Marr, VAI’s director of government affairs. “At that time, I didn’t even know a career in aviation advocacy existed—one where I could continue flying while also advocating on behalf of pilots. It’s important to inspire girls to see the impact they can have on this industry. It goes beyond just learning to fly—every role offers an opportunity for women to advocate for and advance aviation.” We need women not only as pilots, but as mechanics, air traffic controllers, FAA personnel, engineers, safety inspectors, and more. Participating in WAI’s Girls in Aviation Day underscores VAI’s commitment to broadening the workforce pipeline and empowering young women to shape the future of flight.
