Studies by Data USA has found 93% of pilots and flight engineers are male; of which 92.3% are Caucasian. It is fair to say after sustainable travel, diversity is amongst the hot topic in aviation. Particularly when diversity offers differences in creativity, perspectives and better collaboration for forward, innovative thinking. Airlines are now seeing the benefits of diversity and what this could mean for effective working and their business.

If the pandemic has taught us one thing it is unity creates a force-for-good and a sense of oneness. I also believe this to be true when it comes to the aviation industry. It’s fantastic to see airlines and organisations taking not one but two steps forward to break barriers and introduce diversity in the cockpit.

Why is there a lack of diversity in the cockpit?

It is important to understand the cost of training to becoming a pilot. Training commercial pilots are often faced with two choices: either undertake a full-time, 18 months integrated pathway to the cockpit costing upwards of £100,000. Or undertake the modular pathway, which enables the student to split their training into blocks and train as well as working full time. This training route is between £60,000 – £80,000. There may be other ways, such as sponsorships or fully-funded scholarships – however, these are few and far between.

It is fair to say either route is not cheap. Both pathways require significant financial investment before reaching the cockpit with no guarantee of a job at the end. This provides the first, major stumbling block for those students who are unable to ‘hand over’ five or six sum figures up-front or in instalments. This restricts first- and second-generation immigrants whose parents simply do not have the means to provide any sort of financial aid.

Martin Chalk, general secretary at British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) states it’s fair to say “middle-class, white boys are the main group” whose parents are willing to help and financially contribute to their child’s pilot dream. Often you hear of parents re-mortgaging their house or parents paying up-front for the integrated pathway – which may seem extraordinary, but it is more common than you think!

For the second-generation immigrant, like myself there are difficult conversations and long thoughts to be had. After endless paper plans and late-night thoughts many individuals painfully realise the financial commitment is one that is too much to bear.

Questions that I once asked myself are questions many ask themselves. For example, what if I gain my license and lose my medical – will I still be able to financially support my parents and myself whilst being in debt? What if I’m unable to get my first job in an airline? Is it worth taking out a loan when interest rates have hiked, and flight schools are going bust?

In addition to this, the gender misrepresentation has contributed in discouraging females to consider this as a career option from a young age altogether. Aside from the male to female ratio – partly to blame is culture and social expectations. “Have you seen an Indian/Pakistani female pilot before?” is the first thing many South Asian girls will hear when discussing the idea with parents. Or “You should be raising your child, not flying half-way across the world”. At some point in a women’s pilot career they will have faced difficult conversations like this. We need to change these types of conversation. We need to do it now.

Today, we live in a world of endless opportunities – a world where airlines and training organisations are now openly encouraging females and BAME communities to train as pilots. I will be starting a four-part blog series detailing the opportunities and programmes in place by airlines and organisations to introduce diversity in the cockpit. I hope this can be of benefit even if it is that one person who really needs it.

What are my plans to help others realise their potential?

Join and contribute: I really want to join an organisation – like The Air League or The Honourable Company of Air Pilots and work with them on initiatives to introduce more and more students from ALL backgrounds into the cockpit. For example, visiting schools and hosting talks with students.

Exhibitor at PCL: I want to become an exhibitor at Pilot Careers Live – the starting point for me was PCL. I remember attending a PCL at 14 years of age and a pilot encouraging me to train when my mind was in doubt, I want to pay it forward to not one but many others who need to hear encouraging words like I did. I want to be able to motivate others and give them that push they need to kick-start their dream.

The Proficient Airman: I aim to use this website as a force-for-good. If a simple, second gen immigrant like myself can do it – so can you! I really hope I can show and support as many people of all backgrounds and upbringings I can to realise their potential in becoming commercial pilots in despite of their struggles.

Keep that light alive.