Women in Aviation inspire students

Ozona—Students from Ozona High School (OHS) and Sonora High School were given a firsthand look at the possibilities of a career in aviation during a special event on Sept. 23 hosted by the Federal Aviation Administration, Angelo State University, and San Angelo’s Mathis Field Airport.

Held in the OHS auditorium, the program brought together pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation students, many of them women, who shared their experiences in an industry still largely dominated by men.

Encouraging the Next Generation

Kristin Peterson, an air traffic controller at San Angelo’s Mathis Field Airport, said the field continues to expand with technology and opportunity.

“Aviation is a steady industry,” Peterson said. “It continues to grow. The technology continues to change. It's not going to go away until we learn how to teleport ourselves. It is the fastest, most efficient way to cover long distances. The aviation world is here to stay. So, there's a future there.” 

The speakers encouraged students, especially young women, to consider aviation careers as pilots, mechanics, controllers, and engineers. 

“It's an underrepresented part of society in the industry,” Peteson said. “Aviation is traditionally a male world. There’re male pilots, male air traffic controllers and men in charge. However, women are just as capable and ready to perform those duties.”

Sharing Journeys and Opportunities

Among the guests was Sarah McNeely, president of the Angelo State University Chapter of Women in Aviation and a current aviation student. McNeely spoke about both the challenges and rewards of pursuing a flying career.

“There are a lot of benefits,” McNeely said. “There's a lot of hard work that goes into training and to getting to that point, but pilots [can] make a lot of money depending [their] position. Most pilots are starting out with six figures, depending on the airlines.” 

Beyond the financial benefits, McNeely emphasized the sense of purpose and passion that comes with aviation.