With North Texas serving as a major aviation hub, there is always a need to develop the next generation of talent.
At Dallas Executive Airport Saturday hundreds of girls and families gathered for the 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day.
It’s designed to inspire girls to pursue a career in aviation and aerospace.
“When I learned to fly back in the 70s, we were told we couldn’t do certain things. And I’m part of that original group that said, ‘Yes, we can,’” said retired American Airlines captain Dr. Janette McMurtrie.
The Women in Aviation – North Texas Chapter hosted the annual free event and welcomed students ages 8 to 18.
The event offered activities, aircraft tours, and opportunities to meet with companies and leaders in the field.
Students and staff from Rising Aviation High School in Addison came to share what they’re doing.
“We are actually located on the airport. Our school is ninth grade through 12th grade and we have two pathways: a maintenance pathway and a pilot pathway,” said 11th grader Morgan Lockridge.
According to data cited by the FAA, fewer than 10% of licensed pilots are women, even less in maintenance fields.
It’s why organizers say the yearly event is so important.
“The girls I first taught over a decade ago are now first officers with United, American, F-15 fighter pilots,” said McMurtrie. “It’s amazing to see how we change lives today.”
