To celebrate International Women’s Day, we caught up with our female students about their journey to becoming a pilot in a male-dominated industry.
Alicia Lisle has been fascinated by flying from a young age.
Here she shares her story about why she chose to become a pilot, her experience training with Bristol Groundschool and what advice she would give to other women looking to become pilots.
How did you get into aviation?
Flying fascinated me from early on, though initially I couldn’t see a way into it as a career and life took me in different directions. I was frequently in aeroplanes and helicopters in the military and loved that aspect even though I couldn’t fly then. The history of aviation is amazing, particularly organisations like the Air Transport Auxiliary – I could have enjoyed myself there!
Why did you choose a career as a pilot?
Piloting aircraft myself was unfinished business, and one day it popped into my head that I should train for a Private Pilot Licence. I quickly decided it was something I wanted more of; my instructor warned me it wasn’t easy to get a commercial licence, but thought I had the aptitude, and that was all the encouragement I needed. A timely redundancy opportunity at work gave me the final nudge to make a career change and fly full-time.
What’s your favourite part about being a pilot?
The unique perspective on the world from the sky is a delight, particularly when I can introduce others to it. The serenity of night flying or seeing dawn from the air feel quite special, or that moment breaking through the clouds into sunshine from the drizzle below.
What’s been the best part of your pilot training so far?
Steep climbs intimidated me a bit, so before the ‘Upset Recovery’ training I went up with an aerobatic instructor to help get over that and it was a revelation; I ended up adding an aerobatic rating to my licence and learnt to fly tailwheel aircraft at the same time.
How did you find studying for your ATPL theory exams with BGS?
ATPL theory was tough as I was working full time in a busy role with a lot of responsibilities while saving for the flight training. Studying in every spare moment whilst trying to still get some exercise in and see friends left me spread a little thin for 18 months. All my leave went on revision weeks and sitting exams (I did them all twice to get both a European and a UK licence). BGS’s professionalism and depth of knowledge got me through, and I recommend them highly.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve just passed my Commercial Pilot skills test, which felt like such a milestone! In a few weeks, I should finish the Instrument rating and will start learning how to operate jets as one of two pilots working together; it’s the culmination of a long but rewarding effort, and I’ll be looking for that crucial first job to build experience. I hope to still fly a variety of aircraft and would like to train as a flight instructor on the side.
What advice would you give other women looking to become a pilot?
There are significant barriers to entry, and you still hear ‘female pilot’ to remind you how few there are; don’t be put off. We all encourage and support each other as it’s worth the effort and perseverance – you can do it, like so many inspirational women who have piloted aircraft before us. And take time to go do some fun flying too!
