‘I think the most important thing is information. For my part, I was never aware in my youth that I could become a private pilot.’ – Marie Benchaiba, Airclub Manager at Wingly
Wingly, Europe’s leading flight sharing platform with almost 500 000 registered users, addresses the lack of female representation in aviation by engaging thousands through its social media campaign.
Today, out of all the pilot users on Wingly’s platform in the United Kingdom, only 10% are women. Similarly for passenger users, only 10% are women in the UK. The figures reflect the underrepresentation of women within the industry.
Hence, the social media campaign mentioned above proved to be an essential initiative for Wingly as it raised awareness with over 64 000 views and 5 000 likes on Instagram and TikTok.
As a matter of fact, to further learn about the women working in the aviation industry, Wingly decided to interview Lilya Turner Hurd (20) a student pilot currently living in Oxford, who collaborated with Wingly on this social media campaign, as well as Marie Benchaiba (25), who has been working at Wingly for over a year as an Airclub Manager and who is a pilot herself.
Lilya decided to become a pilot at the age of twelve and was strongly inspired by Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to complete a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Lilya quickly recognised the gender gap within the industry. Fueled by the desire to make a difference, she is determined to inspire girls and young women to become pilots, like herself.
What’s your favourite flying destination?
My favourite flying destination has to be the Isle of Wight. I remember my first flight there; flying over the needles was spectacular, and I realised how lucky I was to be following my dream.
What’s your favourite airport?
Oxford London Airport has and will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where I did my first solo in a DA40 and where I currently train with Leading Edge Aviation. Training in a busy airport has allowed me to experience different scenarios.
What’s your favourite Diamond aircraft?
My favourite Diamond Aircraft has to be the DA42. On take off, when you set full thrust, the aircraft feels so immense and powerful. I always have a grin on my face when I hear the engines start up, and each flight feels like a new experience. I am never in doubt of the capabilities of the aircraft, it climbs like a rocket, and its Austro Engine allows for a smooth start in all conditions. The comfort paired with such advanced avionics, allow for a luxurious and premium flight.
What’s the best piece of flying advice given to you?
Aviate, navigate, communicate: 3 words my instructor always accentuates in my pre-flight briefing. It’s so important to remember that you are in control of the aircraft, not the other way round. I recall back to my first solo, in -9 degree Celsius weather. Never kicked in as I walked out to the aircraft, but the moment I opened the canopy, clicked in my seatbelt and started working my way through the checklist, I knew I was ready. The DA40 started with ease and I remembered what my instructor had told me, ‘Just fly the aircraft, everything else will follow.’ So that’s what I did, I completed my circuit, touched down and that advice has stayed with me and always will.
Marie Benchaiba became a licensed pilot at the age of 22. During the interview, she highlights the issue of limited resources available on becoming a pilot. In fact, Marie did not even think it was a possibility.
What made you decide to become a pilot?
I was always drawn to aeronautics, but I had no knowledge of light aviation. For me, it was impossible that one day I would be in the pilot’s seat. However, I found my way back to the flying club and I now have my private pilot’s licence (PPL).
What do you like most about flying?
What I love about flying is, of course, the ability to gain altitude, admire and discover what the landscape has to offer. But above all, what I prefer about flying is being at the controls and piloting. That’s why I love aerobatics so much, as it allows me to manoeuvre in three dimensions, push myself, and perfect my piloting skills.
In your opinion, what can the aviation industry do to encourage more women to become pilots?
I think the most important thing is information. For my part, I was never aware in my youth that I could pass the BIA (Aeronautics Initiation Certificate) or even become a private pilot. It was only when I was searching for a job in this field that I came across my flying club. I didn’t even know there was an aerodrome nearby! It’s really important to communicate about accessible pathways and careers in aviation to encourage women to get involved.
What do you think of Wingly’s social media campaign encouraging women to join the aviation industry?
I think it’s great that Wingly is committed to this cause because there is still a lot of work to be done. The video series format is interesting because it allows us to follow the journey of the women in aviation. Overall, I think there should be more approaches like this because it has real influence on the community.
Learn more about Wingly’s campaign on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and via #WomenFlyHigh.
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