Take advantage of Aviation Programs for High School Girls – And How You Can Too
For years, aviation felt like a boys’ club—but that’s changing. More women are stepping into cockpits, control towers, and engineering labs, and many of them got their start young. If you’re a high school girl dreaming of a career in the skies (or know someone who is), the opportunities are growing faster than ever.
Here’s the thing: talent has no gender. But for too long, young women weren’t encouraged to see aviation as their field. Thanks to programs, scholarships, and mentorships designed just for girls, the shift for women has begun to turn. So, how do you get started? Let’s break it down.
Why Seeing Women in Aviation Matters
Right now, only about 6% of U.S. pilots are women, not because girls aren’t capable, but because many never get the chance to explore aviation early.
That’s where flight school training comes in. When girls try flight simulators, meet female pilots, or take an intro flight, something clicks: This could be me.
Aviation Programs Just for High School Girls
You don’t have to wait until college to dive into aviation. Across the country (and the world), there are programs designed to help girls take their first steps:
- Discovery Flights – Take a discovery flight right here at Fly Legacy and see what it’s like to fly up close and personal!
- Flight school intro programs – Many local schools offer discovery flights where you can actually take the controls.
- Aviation summer camps – Some are just for girls, pairing students with female mentors in the industry. Take a look at our summer camp schedule
- High school STEM tracks – Some schools now offer aviation-focused classes or clubs.
The best part? These programs don’t just teach skills—they introduce you to women who’ve been there and can answer your real questions.
Flight Training Opportunities for Young Women
Once you’re hooked, the next step is training. More flight schools now offer programs tailored for young women, including:
- Schools with female instructors (so you learn from someone who gets it).
- Accelerated courses if you’re serious about going pro.
- Workshops on challenges women in aviation face—and how to overcome them.
It’s not just about flying, either. You’ll meet other girls who share your passion, building a network before you even graduate!
Making Flying More Affordable
Let’s be real: flight training isn’t cheap. But there are many ways the right flight school can help just for young women, including:
- Pay-as-you-go funding: Fly Legacy offers pay-as-you-go options to help with the overall costs of our program.
- Purdue Program: This degree program gives you a broad perspective of the aviation industry, from understanding your aircraft to managing aviation operations that can save you on tuition costs.
Many of these are open to high school seniors, so applying early can give you a head start.
The Support System You Didn’t Know Existed
Beyond money and training, there’s a whole community cheering for you:
- Mentorship programs – Chat with female airline pilots, engineers, or air traffic controllers.
- Online groups – Places to ask questions and share wins with other young women in aviation.
- Aviation conferences – Meet industry pros and get inspired.
Even small things—like a teacher pushing you to try a flight lesson—can make a huge difference.
The Bottom Line
The future of aviation isn’t just a male-dominated field anymore—it’s yours if you want it. Whether you’re into flying, engineering, or air traffic control, there’s never been a better time to start.
So, if you’ve ever looked up at a plane and thought, I could do that… you’re right. The runway’s waiting—all you have to do is take the first step.
