The BWPA exists to inspire and support women in all areas of aviation and all types of flying, including fixed wing, rotary, gliding, microlights and ballooning.
Members of the BWPA are involved in all areas of aviation, including commercial flying, recreational flying, instructing, air traffic control and engineering. Members are of all ages, experiences and backgrounds, but share a common passion.
Formed in 1955, the BWPA came into being ten years after World War II Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) women pilots had been thanked for their services to their country. This was a time when women were allowed to work, but only in jobs deemed appropriate for the fairer sex, and they were expected to give up work to look after home and husband upon marriage.
Today, there continue to be only 5-6% females flying professionally in the UK and worldwide, and similar percentages in general aviation. Much of this is due to lack of information and opportunity, so we aim to raise awareness and aspirations.
The BWPA’s aims are:
- To promote the training and employment of women in aviation, and the promotion of practical schemes to assist women to gain air licences; including raising awareness of opportunities for females of all ages.
- To act as advisers to women regarding the training required and the openings available in aviation.
- To promote and encourage collaboration between members of the Association, and to enable women in aviation to meet and exchange knowledge of mutual interest and to communicate views from the Association.
The BWPA’s aims are:
- To promote the training and employment of women in aviation, and the promotion of practical schemes to assist women to gain air licences.
- To act as advisers to women on the training required and the openings available for women in aviation.
- To promote and encourage collaboration between members of the Association and to enable women in aviation to meet, exchange knowledge and to express the collective opinion of its members.
- To act as promoters of news, developments and articles which may assist the development of interest in aviation amongst women.
We achieve these aims through attending events for young people to raise awareness of careers in aviation, awarding scholarships, presenting awards to recognise the achievements of women in aviation, arranging flying weekends in the UK and abroad, arranging group visits to local places of interest, and publishing newsletters and articles.
We are also involved in several initiatives and schemes to raise awareness of both aviation careers and STEM subjects for females and to encourage women to fly for recreation. Some of this work involves working with other aviation organisations and airlines.
We are a non-profit making association run by volunteers who are enthusiastic and committed to our aims of promoting and supporting women in aviation.
The result is a dynamic, responsive organisation of like-minded people.
You can support our aims through becoming a member or by making a donation.
