unicate writes:

It probably interests me because I grew up with two older brothers who
were gearheads from birth. Neither are into airplanes, but it was
clearly a draw for me and for my young-adult daughter.

It might run in the family, too, like musical ability.

Not everyone who works on engines is covered in filth -- some tasks are
messy, but there's a lot to be said about the cleanliness of a shop. I
won't have my plane repaired at a place that's "covered in filth".

The engine itself usually seems to be covered in grime, unless it's
brand new. I find that to be a major turn-off.

I wasn't addressing *working* in aviation ... I was specifically
commenting on the statement that *flying* (in general, as a small
airplane pilot) is more appealing to men than to women and that a 50/50
ratio of men to women is unlikely.

The same principles apply. Many people like to work at something they
like, and like their work.

Thankfully the majority seem accepting and welcoming to women; there
are, however, some who are not. The thing that bothers me more than that
is the idea that both genders express their interest and learn in
exactly the same way and that if you aren't as aggressive, confident or
quick to jump at opportunities right out of the gate, you are
timid/afraid or something is wrong with you. It's more often just that
we approach things differently and/or want more info before we begin,
even when our interest is just as compelling.

Testosterone clouds judgement. It's an affliction of males in
particular that requires constant active compensation in order to
maintain a cool head. And it seems to engender an attitude that says
anyone who is not equally hotheaded is somehow defective.

For the most part, I think women *do* have the same opportunity as men
to become pilots.

I've heard that it's much better now than it used to be.

Not only do I agree that it isn't important that the numbers come out to
50/50, I don't think it ever would.

I'm sure it would not. It hasn't in many other domains.

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