HAI CONVENTION NEWS
DAY 3
march 9, 2023
ainonline.com OEMs Robinson Results A successful sales year | 06
AAM A Prescient VFS The power of technology | 08
AVIONICS Life Extension Keep ‘em flying longer | 10
TRAINING Reality Goes Virtual Loft puts VR to work | 13
MARIANO ROSALES
Celebrating International Women’s Day yesterday, an impromptu gathering of the best and the brightest of the helicopter industry’s talented women took a timeout from the busy Heli-Expo show to pose for AIN.
More women would boost lagging heli workforce by Kerry Lynch 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 that 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.” continues on page 22