Beyond the Flight Deck - October 9, 2024

Navigating the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee

Welcome to this week's edition of "Beyond the Flight Deck,"?where we continue our mission to empower and advance women in the aviation and aerospace industries. Today, we turn our attention to a significant legislative milestone—the establishment of the?Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee?under?Section 403?of the?2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, signed into law in May 2024. Despite its promising inception, there has been a noticeable silence surrounding the committee's activities since its formation. In this article, we explore the implications of this development and discuss actionable insights that non-governmental industry players can adopt to further gender equity in aviation and aerospace.

Honoring a Pioneer: Who Was Bessie Coleman?

Before diving into the specifics of the advisory committee, it’s essential to honor the legacy of?Bessie Coleman—the first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license in 1921. Facing immense racial and gender barriers, Coleman’s perseverance and passion for aviation broke significant ground, inspiring countless women and minorities to pursue careers in aviation. Naming the advisory committee after her serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward inclusivity and equity in the aviation sector.

Establishing the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee

Section 403(a)?of the?2024 FAA Reauthorization Act?mandates the creation of the?Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee?within six months of the Act's enactment. The committee's primary objective is to?advise the FAA and the Administrator?on policies and initiatives that promote the recruitment, retention, employment, education, training, career advancement, and overall well-being of women in the aviation industry and related federal civil service positions.

Purpose and Scope

The committee is tasked with shaping policies that enhance the role of women in aviation by focusing on various aspects of career development and workplace environment. This includes fostering a supportive and dynamic industry where women can thrive professionally and personally.

Key Functions

Under?Section 403(d), the committee's functions encompass:

1. Fostering Industry Collaboration:?Engaging with private sector representatives to promote open and transparent collaboration.
2. Recommending Strategic Objectives:?Developing priorities and policies to improve recruitment, retention, training, and career advancement for women.
3. Evaluating Recruitment and Retention Opportunities:?Identifying ways the Administration can better attract and retain female talent.
4. Reviewing Previous Recommendations:?Assessing and updating prior recommendations to ensure effective implementation.
5. Coordinating with Other Departments:?Ensuring that the committee's directives do not overlap with existing objectives of the Office of Civil Rights or the Federal Women’s Program.

Membership Composition

Section 403(e)?ensures diverse representation by mandating:

• Voting Members:?Including the FAA Administrator or their designee and at least 25 individuals appointed by the Secretary, representing various sectors such as aircraft manufacturers, aviation labor organizations, public and private aviation operators, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Non-Voting Members:?Up to five members appointed by the Secretary, including representatives from the FAA’s Office of Civil Rights and potentially other federal agencies like the Department of Education and Department of Labor.

This diverse composition is designed to provide a wide range of perspectives and expertise, fostering comprehensive and effective policy recommendations.

Current Status: Silence After the Signing

Since the?Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee?was established in May 2024, there has been minimal public communication or updates regarding its activities and progress. This silence raises important questions about the committee's operational effectiveness and the broader industry's commitment to its mission.

Possible Reasons for the Silence:

1. Initial Setup Phase:?The committee may still be in the early stages of organization, including appointing members, setting up operational protocols, and defining its strategic priorities.
2. Internal Focus:?The committee might be working behind the scenes on foundational tasks, such as establishing working groups, conducting research, and formulating initial recommendations.
3. Bureaucratic Delays:?Government committees often face delays due to administrative processes, resource allocations, and inter-departmental coordination challenges.

Regardless of the reasons, the lack of updates highlights a critical opportunity for both the FAA and the broader aviation community to maintain momentum and ensure that the committee’s objectives are actively pursued and communicated.

Leveraging the Advisory Committee’s Framework: Lessons for the Industry

Even as we await further developments from the?Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee, non-governmental industry players can draw valuable lessons from its establishment to foster gender equity within their own organizations.

1.?Establish Dedicated Advisory Bodies:

Create internal committees or task forces focused on gender equity and inclusion. These bodies can mirror the committee’s structure by including diverse representatives from various departments and levels within the organization.

2.?Set Clear Objectives and Goals:

Define specific, measurable objectives aimed at improving the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women. Clear goals provide direction and enable the tracking of progress over time.

3.?Foster Collaboration and Partnerships:

Engage with external stakeholders, including educational institutions, professional associations, and other industry leaders, to promote best practices and collaborative initiatives that support women in aviation and aerospace.

4.?Implement Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs:

Develop programs that pair emerging female professionals with experienced mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance, support, and advocacy for career advancement.

5.?Promote Continuous Education and Training:

Invest in training programs that equip women with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles and prepare for leadership positions. Encourage participation in workshops, seminars, and certification courses.

6.?Enhance Workplace Flexibility and Support:

Create a work environment that supports work-life balance through flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and employee wellness programs. A supportive environment is crucial for retaining top female talent.

7.?Monitor and Report Progress:

Regularly assess the effectiveness of gender equity initiatives through surveys, feedback, and performance metrics. Transparency in reporting progress fosters accountability and continuous improvement.

Taking Action: Building an Inclusive Future

The establishment of the?Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee?serves as a beacon for the aviation and aerospace industries, signaling a renewed commitment to gender equity and inclusion. While the committee's silence post-establishment may be concerning, it underscores the need for proactive engagement from all stakeholders to ensure that its mission is realized.

Together, we can honor Bessie Coleman’s legacy by building a future where every woman in aviation has the opportunity to soar. Let’s commit to making the necessary changes today to celebrate our progress tomorrow.

Stay Connected?

The Elevate Initiative?is dedicated to supporting these efforts by providing resources, training, and advocacy to help women overcome challenges and achieve their professional goals in aviation and aerospace. By taking inspiration from the committee’s framework, non-governmental organizations can implement effective strategies to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Save the Date: October 30, 2024 – Elevate Executive Exchange

We are excited to invite you to our next?Elevate Executive Exchange?on?October 30, 2024. Building on the momentum from our September session, this upcoming exchange will delve deeper into actionable strategies and collaborative solutions to advance women in aviation and aerospace.

Why Attend?

• Connect with Industry Leaders:?Network with like-minded professionals dedicated to fostering gender equity.
• Gain Valuable Insights:?Learn from experts and successful leaders about effective DEI strategies.
• Drive Meaningful Change:?Contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for women in aviation and aerospace.

Register Now ?to secure your spot and be part of the movement driving positive change in our industry.

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Join the Lift Circle: Empowering Women in Aviation and Aerospace

We are excited to introduce the?Lift Circle, a dedicated community designed to support and uplift women in the aviation and aerospace industries. The Lift Circle offers a space for networking, mentorship, and the sharing of valuable resources to help you navigate your career journey. Whether you're looking to connect with like-minded professionals, seek guidance from experienced leaders, or collaborate on initiatives that promote gender equity, the Lift Circle is here to support you every step of the way.?Register for the Lift Circle today! ?and take the next step in empowering your professional growth. Register for the Lift Circle today!

FREE Mini-Course

Unlock your potential with our?free mini-course, "Overcoming Common Challenges Women Face in Aviation and Aerospace," and gain the strategies and support you need to advance your career and achieve leadership excellence.??Download now!

Schedule a Call

Schedule a call to explore how The Elevate Initiative can help your organization attract, retain, and promote women in aviation.?Book your call here.

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Thank you for your continued support and dedication to advancing women in aviation and aerospace.

Warm regards,

Dana Kirchmar

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