Controversial topic - warbirds and lack of women

[Liberator]

I dont know how to bring this up but its a controversial topic i think.

A female friend - who is sorta intersted in warbird but not that much - the other day related to me that all warbird clubs and warbird museums in Australia she had been dragged along too over the years, they seemed to present to her as really only been a "Big Boys Club" .....where men go to "play" in aircraft and women hardly take part or are welcomed.

I explained to her that warbirds across the world, are predominately a male interest area but yes surprising to her, a growing interest from women is happening in Australia in warbird operations and it wasnt a big Big Boys Club as she sugggested, nor is the industry for people who just go flying for the fun of it ......but involvs a variety of contributing factors.

She still doesnt believe my opinion and thinks a reason why warbirds dont attract more women .....is that women are not able to connect to them or get inside a mainly male dominated arena.

What do you people think of such comments presented by this woman?
Are they valid or are they not?

As i see and have seen at many airshows, flyins and events - warbirds are open to anyone, and the only really criteria i think that restraints people is money to afford a warbird or ride in them and how deep your own wallet and passion goes.

Sexism doesnt matter.

Phil

[Zachary]

Your friend needs to meet Connie Bowlin. Connie has flown everything under the sun, including B-17s and P-51s. I can introduce your friend to Connie via email if you'd like.

Zack

[K5DH]

She should be introduced to Chuckie Hospers. She and Doc owned a certain B-17G from 1979 through 2010!

[Mudge]

Don't tell Mrs. Mudge it's an "all boys club". She loves airshows and warbird museums. Doesn't really want a ride in a warbird. She doesn't even want a ride in a 747. Won't sit in the window seat when we do fly. I don't care...she's a keeper.

Mudge the fortunate

[TonyM]

I've got a woman, but lack a warbird.

TM

[GARY HILTON]

Tony,
I can hook you up today!
There is a Harpoon in your future!
G

[mustangdriver]

There was once a woman in my life who wouldn't even support my interest let alone hers. She is now my ex-wife. My 2nd wife Karen is a keeper. She goes along with it all, flies with me, goes to shows and museums, and even was excited that we got married then the next day to drove to Oshkosh. Like Mudge said last night it is great when you can share that with your spouse.
As for women being in warbirds, I think that they are welcome in most cases. We are lucky to have warbird groups that welcome everyone. Connie Bowlin, the Sally B gang, and the many volunteers that are women that just don't get a ton of time in the spotlight. I can't forget my friend Kelly on the Yellow Rose (who could win a beauty contest and change your plugs in the same breathe). Also let's not forget our own WIXers. Karen with her O-2, Cindy over at Planes of Fame, Beachgirl, Stephanie, and a few others. I think over all warbirds are more appealing to guys, but some women like them as well. I hope and would like to think that they are welcomed in when then try to join the gang. After all, women more than likely built the thing originally.

Last edited by mustangdriver on Thu Jan 19, 2012 7:22 am, edited 1 time in total.

[tom d. friedman]

i can see where women are a bit intimidated / embarrassed by some of the nose art......... i wouldn't want to see a male's wanker on a fuselage!!! i'm all for nose art........ it's history. i feel for you gals, but i / nor anybody else into the warbird thing wrote the standards, it just happened. no disrespect intended, we just put you on a pedestal!!

[Fleet16b]

Ask your friend if she has ever heard of Sue Parish or Carolyn Grace
Sue owned and Flew a pink desert camo P-40 for many years (along with a pink flight suit and big flowery hat )
Carolyn Grace owns and currently flies a T9 Spitfire and has also been on the circuit for years.

[Cindy]

As a woman who is into aviation and warbirds, let me chime in.
If you are a passive fan (male or female), you won't get 'in'. However, if you make your presence felt, and have a thick skin, you will be accepted and welcomed into the 'club'.
I didn't wait for an invitation. I kept showing up and poking around until someone finally put me to work. Since then, I've been given the opportunity to fly an SNJ-5 (I have over 60 hrs in one). I am restoring a Navion with my husband. And for the past several years, I have been the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator at Planes of Fame Air Museum. We have several female volunteers in our organization. I encourage all volunteers, but especially women and teenagers. Often times, women think there is nothing they can contribute. However, if you're willing to get your hands dirty, turn a wrench, sweep floors and do whatever else might be needed, you'll likely to be welcomed.
We are a close family. We argue, we tease, and we pull together when needed.
I recommend that your friend finds a local museum and start volunteering. It's the easiest way to get into the 'club'. If she's willing to put in the effort and prove she's truly interested in the warbirds, she will be accepted in time.
Cindy

[Fouga23]

I have never felt unwelcome. Most are even glad to see a girl who has an interest in aviation. And I don't have a problem with nose art? Why would I? It's art! And we all know beautiful things are female I call my aircraft "she"!
Only downside is that online, everyone assumes you're a dude I get "Dear Sir" e-mails every week!

[Fouga23]

i wouldn't want to see a male's wanker on a fuselage!!!

Because that would be too dangerous so close to the prop!

[Dave Hadfield]

I too can name a few women with the passion for vintage aircraft, but generally you're right, there aren't many. Not when you consider they are 50% of the population.

Fortunately I'm married to one. (She couldn't care less about naked-women nose art, BTW.) As long as she gets some stick-time in the P-40 once in a while, she's happy.



I think its mostly the Y chromosome. Only men have it. It's the one that motivates men to stroke the hardware. It contains 58 million base-pairs, each of which generates a shiver of delight in a man when a radial engine starts.

Dave

[Fouga23]

It's the one that motivates men to stroke the hardware.

You do realize how that sounds, don't you?

[wwrw2007]

My ex-wife had no interest in Warbirds, no desire to come to Oshkosh with me. I'm now happily remarried and although she had zero experience with warbirds when we met she does now. On our honeymoon we stopped at the March Field air museum and she just ate it right up and got sucked right in. When Miss Mitchell was in our area she arranged a nice private cockpit tour for me since the pilot, Alan and his crew stayed at the hotel she works at. The first time we went to Oshkosh her first question was "when are we going to camp here so we can stay the whole week?" Needless to say this one's a keeper.