Flying Above the Glass Ceiling
Inspirational stories of success from the first women pilots to fly airline and corporate aircraft
Are women still a novelty in the cockpits of airline and corporate aircraft? Of the more than 600,000 pilots in the U.S., just 6 percent are women and, of that number, women comprise only 4 percent of the pilots that have Airline Transport ratings qualifying them to Captain commercial aircraft.
Women definitely are in the minority when it comes to their presence in the cockpit. Most passengers have seen or heard a woman flight deck member while flying on an airliner, but few even know that they play an integral role in corporate flight departments.
Retired corporate pilot Nina Anderson not only tells her story, as well as that of other women pilots who forged new territory in the 1970s and 1980s by being the first hired by their airline or their corporate flight department. In a time when women were mostly excluded from executive positions, including the cockpit, these woman persevered. Their stories give inspiration to anyone who has the qualifications to achieve their career goal but finds the door closed for any number of reasons.
Flying Above the Glass Ceiling takes you through the accomplishments of women flyers from the 1800s right through present day, noting how they struggled in a man's world and giving insight into what kept them moving toward their dream. Offering a glimpse of their personal stories, triumphs, and disappointments, their stories teach lessons that can apply to anyone pursuing their chosen career.
Not just for women aviators, this book encompasses many aviation occupations—mechanics, dispatchers, flight attendants, aircraft brokers, and engineers. Tips from successful aviation-business owners show you how to deal with discrimination, relationships, competition, and sexist attitudes. This book is an entertaining read, revealing the determination and passion of women who succeeded in the face of many obstacles. Included is a resource chapter with lists for flight training, employment services, pilot supplies, related organizations, and support groups.
Softcover, 136 pages, signed by the author
Published by Safe Goods Publishing (2009)
 Nina tells the fascinating “behind the cockpit door” stories of many significant female aviators. I, for one, am delighted to share my secrets and hope that you'll use this resource to help you advance your own pilot career. 
- Captain Karen Kahn
The history of Women in Aviation is a hard earned story of the persistence of many brave and tenacious women who have overcome the dominance of a male oriented profession. Nina Anderson and her literary companions provide abundant information to assist and encourage young women to follow their interest in an aviation career. It takes persistence, passion and determination.
- Janice Barden, founder and chairman of Aviation Personnel International
This book is far more than a tribute to the amazing women who persevered to carve out a permanent place for women in aviation. Flying Above the Glass Ceiling is a celebration of human triumph over obstacles. A must read for anyone interested in pursuing and achieving the dream of a career in aviation.
- Captain Caroline Bryan, President, Women in Corporate Aviation
The stories these women share, stories of perseverance and tenacity aligned with the highest degree of competence, best reflect the characteristics of all women who have challenged themselves to become aviators. Flying Above the Glass Ceiling creates role models for all aspiring commercial pilots to admire and follow. Those of us in the Ninety-Nines Organization of Women Pilots recognize the enormity of the steps they took and congratulate Nina for presenting real-life examples of the problems they faced and how they solved them.
- Susan Larson, president of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots
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