‘In cockpit they call me captain, but the control tower calls me ma’am’

Photograph by Shirly Bumagun: Julie Levy, captain of the British Airways, talks to young people about being a pilot.

British Airways Skills London Event 2015, engaged with more females to undertake a pilot career due to the lack of women in cockpit.

In the east side of London at ExCel the Skills London 2015, took place this week on 13–14 November. This event runs every year and is London’s biggest jobs and careers event for young people.

The British Airways stand was located just by the entrance. There were hostesses, cargo team, engineer teams, a male pilot and a male captain. But among all those BA staff there was also a female captain who was engaging with young people with an inspiring career to become a pilot.

“In cockpit they call me captain, but the control tower calls me ma’am”

Julie Levy said, a captain of the boing 767 for the British Airways.

‘I wished I knew why there is a lack of women in cockpit. It’s a well-paid job, you can work part time during maternity and there is less risk on flying’ Mrs Levy said.

However, while Mrs Levy didn’t know the reason for the lack of women in cockpit, Talal Ghrairi from the cargo team seemed to have a clear idea why. ‘There is still a need to break that barrier where people think that being a pilot is a man’s job’ Mr Ghrairi said.

He also adds:’ we are going to female schools to introduce the pilot job as a female career to undertake.’

Although these tentative, men are still the majority in cockpit.

It is known that a pilot’s training can be expensive, and if you don’t have a wealthy family to support you, this career choice can be more of a financial challenge.

Photograph by Shirly Bumaguin: British Airways stand with entertaining video games.

Not with British Airways though. Rich, poor, doesn’t really matter, as this airline is willing to give a loan of £ 85 000 to whom passes the entry process.

Chris Baines, first officer said “It’s like a university student loan. When you start to work you give it back.”

But he also added “And the training is opento anyone from the age 18 to 55. Yes 55! As you retire at 65 you can still give the loan back in 10 years.’

In conclusion, not every Airlines offers a loan, therefore finances will always be a discriminating factor.

But Sharon Nichlson who has been in the aviation industry for more than 40yrs and she is currently an instructor and examiner said: “ anyone of a strong will and character will find the way of achieving their dreams. Anyone who has a strong enough belief in themselves and a will to get ahead can arise enough money to fly.”