To Boost Number Of Women, Minority Pilots Increasing numbers of women and minorities will be piloting the nation's commercial aircraft, thanks to a new agreement between Delta Airlines and Western Michigan University. Their successful integration into the ranks of commercial pilots will help address an industry-wide lack of women and minority representation in the cockpit.
Minorities now account for just one percent of pilots and flight engineers.
Slightly more than five percent are women. Traditionally, most commercial airline pilots received their training while completing military service. As the pool of military pilots shrinks, airlines are looking for innovative ways to bring highly trained individuals into the commercial pilot ranks. In addition, four undergraduates will be recruited to begin WMU's four-year bachelor's degree program in fall, 2001.