My name is Helga Dís Magnúsdóttir. I’m a commercial pilot and practical nurse from Iceland, and a former BGS student.
This International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate by raising awareness about mental health among female pilots. The aviation industry is heavily masculine making it challenging for women to navigate – not just professionally but mentally as well. I want to focus on two key aspects: how we can strengthen our overall mental health through mindset and how women in aviation can support one another to create a more inclusive and uplifting environment.
When we think about mental health, we often focus on the basic ways to improve it: staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. While these habits are essential and contribute significantly to our well-being, our mentality also plays a crucial role. If you wake up thinking, “Today is going to be a good day”, chances are, it will be. I know it may sound cliché, but it’s true. The same applies to studying and flight training—when you put in the mental preparation beforehand, the outcome is noticeably better. Visualising your upcoming flight, focusing on specific skills like landings, 45-degree turns, or ILS approaches, and setting clear intentions can make a substantial difference. When you mentally prepare, your brain is already familiar with the task, increasing the likelihood of success.
Maintaining a positive mindset is a powerful and crucial tool for enhancing mental health. Rather than dwelling on failures or setbacks, try shifting your perspective to focus on the lessons they offer – “How can this failure benefit me?” Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and adopting this outlook can make a significant impact on both personal and professional development.
When I began my flight training, I wasn’t fully aware of how male-dominated the aviation industry was – and still is. Personally, I have never felt unwelcome in this field, but I know many female pilots who have. Changing others’ mindsets is difficult, but what can we do as female pilots to improve morale and foster a more supportive environment in the industry?
Not long ago, in some industries, women often worked against each other rather than alongside one another. Many aspects felt like a competition, with knowledge and opportunities sometimes being gate kept. Fortunately, I believe this atmosphere is shifting. When we support one another and collaborate, everything – whether in education, work, or personal life – becomes much easier. Instead of viewing our journeys as a competition, we should uplift and encourage each other to create a healthier, more inclusive environment. After all, we share the same goal, so working together to achieve it just makes sense, right?
As female pilots in a male-dominated field, we must work hard to be seen and heard. Many of us have faced moments where we felt underestimated or unfit for the job simply because of our gender. This is why it’s so important to stand together and support one another. By fostering a strong, united community, we can create a more fulfilling and empowering environment for all women in aviation.
In the upcoming weeks, I will be sharing a series of short videos Study Hacks and Mental Health with Helga – I want all student pilots to enjoy the theory as much as I did. So keep an eye out for them on the Bristol Groundschool social media channels!
