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Womens Air Service Pilots (WASP)

Women began flying in 1942 as a means to free up the male pilots for combat duties.  Of the 25,000 who applied to be a WASP, only 1,800 were selected to attend pilot training and only 1,074 made it through to earn their wings.  These women were assigned to 120 bases throughout the US and they flew every type of aircraft in the inventory.  The WASP delivered aircraft across the ocean to Britain and even flew the banner tow missions so the male trainees could practice shooting a moving target. 

This program was initially resisted because women were not considered to be suitable for the rigors of flight.  The frustrated male instructors weren't very enthusiastic about their new students either.  Jackie Cochran and Nancy Love worked tirelessly to ensure the program succeeded.

The WASP worked very hard to prove their abilities and were subjected to different rules then their male counterparts.  They found a valuable way to contribute to national defense and because of them, they have helped to pave the way for women like us.

 Women USAF Pilots

The first women graduated from the US Air Force pilot training in 1977 and they were limited to non-combat missions.  The airplanes available to them were KC-135s, C-141s (not on low-level missions), E-3 AWACs, C-9s, and training aircraft.  Since women were ineligible for most flying missions, the percentage of women allowed in training was also limited.

Women USN/USMC Pilots

If you are in the Navy or Marine Corps and you'd like to contribute to this history page, please send an email to CFPA@fighterchicks.com

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 Initial Cadre of Female Fighter Pilots:  Martha McSally,  Sharon Preszler, & Jeannie Flynn

Female COMBAT Pilots

The combat exclusion was lifted in April 1993 and women were finally allowed to compete for pilot training and aircraft assignment on the same footing as men.  The initial cadre consisted of a group of women who had already earned their wings. They were given the option to transition to fighters based on three things 1) they had graduated high enough in their class where a fighter would have been available to them 2) they were not currently already flying in a major weapons system 3) their current squadron commander recommended them. 

Today and Tomorrow

In 2003, there were 462 female pilots of 12,693 which made up 3.7%.  Of those 462, only 47 were fighter pilots and 15 flew bombers.  Lt Col Martha McSally became the first female commander of a fighter squadron at Davis Monthan AFB.  Currently, there are 49 active duty female fighter pilots and 16 WSOs in fighters. There are 17 female fighter pilots in the Air National Guard.

The women flying fighters in the military are serving their country, not an agenda.  Although the numbers are growing, we will probably never be equally represented.  Change takes time and forced acceleration won't help. Thus far, we've had successful integration into combat because women have focused on the mission and on performance.  We are aware of our role in continuing the great history of women's service to our nation.