‘Inspiring the next generation’; Girls in Aviation Day take dreams to new altitudes

800 young girls took part in Girls in Aviation Day at the London International Airport, an event meant to empower females in aviation. CTV's Reta Ismail reports

Annual Girls Aviation Day was held at London International Airport today, meant to empower the next generation of women in aviation, aerospace and STEAM.

It was a day of hands-on learning for 800 young women, who took over a portion of the tarmac at London International Airport (YXU).

The Great Lakes Aviators Canada hosted its second annual Girls in Aviation Day, in hopes of showing young girls that the sky is the limit.

“I think these events are very important, especially for young females. It’s such a male dominated industry at the end of the day,” said Kaitlyn Thomas, a first officer pilot, with Air Canada.

Students got an up-close look at aircraft and explored interactive stations, meeting women from all aspects of aviation.

“I learned a lot about ‘roll’ and turbulence and how to manage turbulence, just thinking about being in Jello, which I thought was really fun,” said eighth grader Ola Obute, who hopes to become a pilot one day.

A former Military Tactical Hercules pilot, Jackie Book, who is now the Director of Commercial Aviation Management, and President of Great Lakes Aviators Canada Chapter hopes today’s event gives the young girls an opportunity to learn more about all the different careers in aviation.

“When girls think of aviation, they just think about becoming a pilot. They don’t think about air traffic control or maintenance or manufacturing or any of those other than the business of aviation, which is one of my favorite things, so they don’t think about all these other aspects that are aerospace,” explained Book.

The event, which empowered students from five area school boards, was a collaboration between 40 local and industry partners, including Western University, Fanshawe College and YXU.

“We have a big vision in aerospace and aviation education, and we want to become an aerospace hub for aviation,” said London International Airport CEO Scott McFadzean. “Inspiring the next generation, specifically females who are underrepresented and in the aviation sector is near and dear to our hearts here at YXU.”