The helicopter sector lags behind other industry segments that have recognized a severe workforce shortage, agreed panelists participating in an “Embracing Equity” discussion on Wednesday during Heli-Expo.
The panel, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, was moderated by Jen Boyer, a principal of Flying Penguin Communications and a helicopter pilot, and included six other women who hold a range of positions within the industry.
Boyer kicked off the discussion with findings of the 2022 Women in Aviation Advisory Board report that women account for less than 20 percent of the aviation workforce, fewer than 10 percent of licensed pilots, and 2.7 percent of mechanics. “What's more, even in mid-career, there's a dearth of leadership development opportunities for women,” Boyer said, noting the numbers dwindle for women in higher-level positions. “Corporations are making changes, but the helicopter industry is far behind,” she said.
Women in Aviation International CEO Allison McKay addressed the industry's failure to retain talent, suggesting a need to attract a more diverse demographic. McKay pointed to airlines' creation of their own flight and maintenance schools as an example of how other segments have reacted to shortages.
“They are reaching into communities that have never really been exposed to aviation either,” she said. "So they're trying to tap into the full market that is the workforce as opposed to just looking at traditional segments.”
That includes turning to helicopter pilots and transferring them to fixed-wing aircraft, McKay continued. “They’re doing this very successfully…Anybody who was a helicopter pilot is being thrown so much money, so many signing bonuses, [and] a really clear [mandate] to keep growing in their career," she lamented. "The helicopter industry needs to come together and figure out how do we grow our own population and then retain it.”
Other panelists gave key advice on the need for managers' willingness to lead on diversity. “Everyone plays a role,” said Linda Deslatte, v-p of commercial programs for Bell. “I would love it if everybody went home today and tried to think about how they were promoting equality in the workplace. As leaders, as engineers, you can be mentors from anywhere you are.”
For women, said CH-47 Chinook captain Fallon Blattner, they have to get used to being “the first.”
“Almost a hundred percent of the time I am the only female pilot,” said Blattner, who works as a contract pilot largely performing firefighting duty. On many occasions, she received support from managers, who pointed out she was the first female pilot they hired or to get a certain type rating. “For me personally, I don't even know that. It's my job. I go to work, I do the best that I can,” she concluded.
