FORTY FORT, Pa. — Only about 6% of airline pilots are women and an organization is aiming to increase those numbers.
The NEPA chapter of Women in Aviation is hosting an event this Saturday to help get girls interested in careers and hobbies in aviation.
Molly Van Scoy grew up surrounded by airplanes. Her mom and grandparents were all pilots and she followed in their footsteps.
"Now I'm an airline pilot at a major airline based out of Philadelphia, but I still love flying for fun as well," Van Scoy said.
Van Scoy founded the Northeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the Women in Aviation International.
"Enthusiasts, pilots, air traffic controllers and just all different types of women who are excited about aviation," Van Scoy said.
The group has around 60 members and is gearing up for an event this weekend. Girls in Aviation takes place this Saturday at the Wyoming Valley Airport. Only about 6% of airline pilots are women and this event is being held to help get girls interested in future careers and hobbies in aviation.
"Some of these girls don't know that aviation is a possibility for their future, and whether they go on and choose aviation as a career, a passion or a hobby, I hope that they go out there and they look at somebody else doing something and think maybe they can do that too," Van Scoy said.
"It's so important to show young people that this is a career for women, in all aspects. Not just flying, but maintenance and ramp agents as well. It's so important because we are the next generation," Catherin Wallace said.
Catherine Wallace is a student pilot. Her goal is to be an airline pilot.
"For a few years I was like I don't know if I can really do this, mostly because I didn't know if there were a lot of women. But then I was like one day I'm going to do it," Wallace said.
Girls in Aviation Day is this Saturday from 10-2 here at the Wyoming Valley Airport.