In article ,
wrote:

On 25 Dec 2005 14:56:35 -0800, "Jay Honeck"
wrote:

So what's the solution? How do we make flying more feminine? How do
we attract females to the airport?

My wife, Mary, is living proof that flying is NOT an all-male
pass-time, but I know she likes to hang out at the hangar entertaining
friends nearly as much as she likes the flying. So how do we make the
airport more SOCIAL?

I'm not sure there is a solution Jay. Women aren't men. On the
whole, they don't enjoy the same things men do and don't think in the
same way. Where men might see flying as a terrific way to get a good
view, despite the cost, the women might see only the danger and/or the
cost.

I'm generalizing a great deal, but women really are different from
men. We can't change that, not sure we would want to.

Corky Scott

The following comments are derived from long association with various
glider clubs, some of which had little or no feminine/spousal/family
participation and one of which (Caesar Creek Soaring) had a very high
level of participation by female pilots/spouses/family. In order of
importance:

1. Toilets

Bathroom facilities are the number one issue. I am absolutely serious.
To get women to come to the airport and enjoy it, one must have
convenient, clean, comfortable and private toilet facilities. Stepping
around the side of the hangar is just not acceptable to females and
males should be sensitive to that. Porta-potties aren't much better.

2. Comfort

Assuming that appropriate toilet facilities are available, one needs to
look to providing relief from environmental extremes. Standing around
sweltering or freezing or being consumed by insects is fairly
off-putting to most females (and males as well). Ever been below the
"gnat line" in south Georgia in the summer? Guaranteed to repel the
fairer sex. A relatively tidy and comfortable heated and air-conditioned
lounge or clubhouse is desired. The wealthier glider guys buy motor
homes to keep the spouse comfortable and happy.

3. Sensitivity

Cookouts at the field on sweltering summer days or holidary "parties" in
a freezing hangar are not appropriate "spouse appreciation functions".
Especially if said spouses have to do all the work to put on the BBQ or
party.


Fly safe,

Wallace