WOMEN IN THE COCKPIT!
In celebrating the last week of International Women’s Month, we thought to feature a group of women marking their mark in a male dominated sector. These women are Pilots. Up till now, not many women have ventured into this profession but the few that have are really setting the pace for other women to follow. Gone are those days, when the highest job a woman could get working inside a plan was the role of Air hostess. Now, the narrative has changed and as such, we should celebrate the women doing a great job as pilots.
Caverton Helicopters have a robust number of women in their flight staff. STYLE spent a day with these women to discuss their jobs, what it entails, finding a balance between their home front and careers, including their take on women about women. FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI reports…
Kemi Solomonpaul
Captain
Can you please give us your job description as a pilot and what the role entails?
My role as a Captain and a Commander is to ensure the safe and successful operation of a flight. Since I make the final decision and I am the last form of defence in an emergency situation, I use all the resources available to achieve success. I first of all make sure the flight crew are safe and ready for the flight. I then ensure the aircraft is safe to fly by doing pre-flight checks. I use the help of the flight dispatcher to get routes, weather, passengers and luggage documents which I will cross check before receiving it. I make sure the flight is operated within the company’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and in compliance with standards and regulations which lies on my shoulders. I liaise directly with Engineers, Air Traffic Controller, Airport authority and ground crew. My duty as a Captain is making the right decision while multi-tasking, analyzing information and situation, then prioritising issues in a fast and constant changing environment.
What is your take on International Women’s Month and the significance of women excelling in their chosen fields?
International Women’s Day/Month, to me, is of great importance if gender parity is to be attained especially in key leadership positions. It is day/month of the year people globally celebrate women who have broken boundaries and made changes for gender equality, this motivates other women to follow suit. IWD/M is a call to action for promoting gender equality through rally, social media and fundraising. Women are sensitized to know that urgent work needs to be done by all of us to achieve gender parity.
How best will you advise women not to be intimidated in a male dominated field like yours and excel in performance and delivery of their jobs?
Strive for excellence and be consistent in your duties. To achieve this, you must develop yourself, hunt for more knowledge because knowledge is power. When you are well informed, you can’t be put down. Also, being strong-willed is important to succeed in a male dominated environment. Be consistent, when you are seen not to give up and you match with or even above your male colleagues in your duties, after a while you will be a force to reckon with.
What advice do you have for younger women to enable them better balance their home fronts with that of their careers?
To be a successful both on the home front and in your career, setting and prioritizing your goals is the major key. Figure out your responsibilities and organize them in order of importance, then find a line of action to achieve those goals. If necessary, ask for assistance from your co-workers, supervisor and managers by having an honest discussion with them. Also, in the home front, learn to delegate duties to people like relatives and domestic staff. You can ask for help from your partner too.
What watchword do you live by that has helped you so far with your career till date?
God factor for me is key followed by passion and drive. My watchword is diligence, punctuality and regularity and these has sustained me thus far.
Francisca Onuma
Senior First Officer
Can you please give us your job description as a pilot and what the role entails?
I am a Senior First Officer (SFO) flying the AgustaWestland 139 (AW 139) Helicopter and my role as a Pilot is to ensure that before and after any flight, aircraft inspections are thoroughly carried out and the necessary documentation for the flight is accurate and valid, most importantly that the safety and comfort of passengers is assured at all times.
2What is your take on International Women’s Month and the significance of women excelling in their chosen fields?
My take on International Women’s Month is a remarkable one as it helps keep the awareness of women’s achievements globally relevant.
This month serves as a month of inspiration to all women and also challenges gender stereotypes and gender imbalances that still exist today. The significance of women excelling in their chosen fields is exemplary and motivates other women to identify themselves in that field and be encouraged and inspired too.
How best will you advise women not to be intimidated in a male dominated field like yours and excel in performance and delivery of their jobs?
It is important to be happy and content with yourself as a woman and be reminded that we are all God’s children, whether male or female and so there is no reason to feel intimidated. In professions such as mine, working in a male dominated industry does not always require specific physical ability therefore, being knowledgeable on the field, having a good and positive attitude, also keeping a learner’s mindset are invaluable traits to have, in order to excel in your chosen career.
What advice do you have for younger women to enable them better balance their home fronts with that of their careers?
Having a career and the home front balanced is made achievable by constantly making a deliberate effort to keep both fronts going. Also, having a good understanding at home with your loved ones, expressing how you feel and what help you may require so you don’t feel too pressured on any fronts, all contribute to ensure you can achieve the right balance.
What watchword do you live by that has helped you so far with your career till date?
Maintaining a professional attitude and keeping my faith in God has helped me, like I will say “I am Powered by God’s Grace”.
Jesuleke Akinpelumi
First Officer
Can you please give us your job description as a pilot and what the role entails?
As a helicopter co-pilot I’m responsible for the safe transport of passengers from one location to another using the helicopter, I’m also responsible for inspecting the aircraft daily after release from the engineers before any flight. I also work with the Captain to plan and adopt the safest route while flying. I monitor the technical processes, instrument panel, fuel consumption and weather condition during the course of flying. I brief passengers on the safety rules and precautions to be taken during emergency.
I keep a continuous contact with the ground staff and air traffic controllers and update them on the current helicopter flying conditions like altitude, route and speed. I manage emergency situation with caution and safety are some of my duties to mention a few.
What is your take on International Women’s Month and the significance of women excelling in their chosen fields?
I believe International Women’s Month celebrates how far women have come, and how much work is left to be done, women wear a lot of hats and tend to be overlooked and regarded as weaker. But women are strong and equally as important as men. It is important to keep reminding the world at large of the great achievements of women who are doing well in their various fields and inspire the younger generation that there is much to be achieved. If you are determined and persevere, you can become and do ANYTHING.
How best will you advise women not to be intimidated in a male dominated field like yours and excel in performance and delivery of their jobs?
Do not be afraid to demand for what is rightfully yours. Do your job well, remain focused on your goals and persevere, it will pay off in the end. I would also advise to avoid being too easily offended.
What advice do you have for younger women to enable them better balance their home fronts with that of their careers?
You can’t do everything, get organized and set your daily/ weekly/ monthly/ yearly goals and follow through. Have a support system and make use of it. Draw boundaries around work and home. Learn from your mistakes.
What watchword do you live by that has helped you so far with your career till date?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person doing it.
Azuayi Ewuga
First Officer
Can you please give us your job description as a pilot and what the role entails?
I am a First Officer at Caverton. My duties include, but are not limited to, assisting the Captain in flight preparation and operations, notifying the Captain of any variation in standard flight operations as well as deviations from Caverton’s Standard Operating Procedures. As the Co-pilot, I perform take offs and landings, act as the Pilot in Command in the event of an emergency and communicate with Air Traffic Control in flight.
What is your take on International Women’s Month and the significance of women excelling in their chosen fields?
There are double standards, wage gaps and other forms of gender discrimination that continue to persist across every profession. International Women’s Day/Month is an opportunity to highlight those discrepancies and collectively work towards professional equality.
Given that full and equal representation on women in professional roles is still lacking, it is important for women to excel and to be celebrated when they do. This is important to encourage further entry into the field and make it easier for other women who desire similar professional roles.
How best will you advise women not to be intimidated in a male dominated field like yours and excel in performance and delivery of their jobs?
It is important for women in any male dominated field to be very realistic about how they may or may not be received and supported. Therefore, my advice is to keep your head up, grow very thick skin and make sure you dominate every chance you get. Remember that you have earned your seat at the table and you deserve it. So, continue to grow, continue to learn and don’t give up.
What advice do you have for younger women to enable them better balance their home fronts with that of their careers?
As pilots, our job takes us around the world and as such we tend to spend quite an amount of time away from family. My advice to younger women is to communicate very clearly work schedules and duty periods. Be deliberate in making time for your family as often as you can. Family is extremely important.
What watchword do you live by that has helped you so far with your career till date?
Persistence. I am constantly inspired by the competence and continued progress of my colleagues and I so I keep going no matter how challenging the job may be.
Seun Jenrola
First Officer
Can you please give us your job description as a pilot and what the role entails?
Ans: My duty as a First Officer is the role of a Co-Pilot to the Captain onboard an aircraft. I assist the Captain with flight preparation and the operation of the Helicopter.
Mainly we are trained on each flight to eventually become commanders (Captains). The Captain delegates task prior to each flight to either fly or assist with Avionics and documentation.
What is your take on International Women’s Month and the significance of women excelling in their chosen fields?
I truly appreciate the fact we take a month to celebrate women especially career women. It gives us that sense of belonging and also makes us know we are capable of participating in all professional spheres. Its a month to celebrate women of different colours, tribes, races, beliefs, strengths, diverse personalities, professions and most especially, their existence.
How best will you advise women not to be intimidated in a male dominated field like yours and excel in performance and delivery of their jobs?
Always remind yourself that no job is gender specific, if you have the knowledge and the skill to do it, then go for it. Do not put yourself in a place of pity. There is nothing bad in being the best at what you do because truth be told, we women work twice as hard in a male dominated field.
What advice do you have for younger women to enable them better balance their home fronts with that of their careers?
When you are at home, be who you need to be at home and when you are at work, be who you need to be at work. Don’t bring work pressure home and don’t take home pressure to work.
What watchword do you live by that has helped you so far with your career till date?
I CAN DO IT. No one makes it in a day, but day by day. Keep pushing yourself to attain greatness.
Agnes Jolumo
First Officer
Can you please give us your job description as a pilot and what the role entails?
As a helicopter co-pilot, I am responsible for ensuring that flight plans required are accurate, complete and safe. I also assist the Captain as required during the flight and use opportunities provided while flying with the Captain to improve my skills.
What is your take on International Women’s Month and the significance of women excelling in their chosen fields?
”International Women’s Month is important for women around the world. It showcases how women are excelling in their various chosen careers and that they can be everything they want to be with hard work and consistency in any chosen field.”
How best will you advise women not to be intimidated in a male dominated field like yours and excel in performance and delivery of their jobs?
To excel in a male dominated field like mine is hard, you just have to bring your ‘A’ game and don’t expect to be treated differently because of your gender. By following the standard operating procedures and remaining professional, this will continue to serve as a guide throughout.
What advice do you have for younger women to enable them better balance their home fronts with that of their careers?
To be able to balance their home fronts and their careers, they have to be resilient and maintain a healthy work life balance as both are equally very important.
What watchword do you live by that has helped you so far with your career till date?
I always tell myself to be safe and be better every day. Every day is an experience to learn from.
ATONYAPAGHA ORUH
SENIOR FIRST OFFICER
Can you give us your job description as a pilot and what the role entails?
As a helicopter co-pilot I’m required to support the captain on various flight missions to onshore and offshore locations. Some of the activities I’m involved with include determining the safest routes considering weather and other parameters, analysing flight plans and pertinent conditions. Working as a pilot entails a lot of responsibility, hard work,courage, discipline and teamwork.
What is your take on international women’s month and significance of women excelling in their chosen field.
International women’s month is a month recognizes women internationally, with a focus on equality and the realization of women’s’ rights. This month also allows for us all to recognize the tremendous efforts made by women of all ages around the world in shaping a more equal future. Basically celebrating women’s achievements all over the world. Women can bring unique experiences to the table: use these experiences to boost productivity and motivation levels.
When women become leaders, they bring skills, different perspectives, structural and cultural differences which ultimately drive effective solutions to the company that is mainly occupied by men. With a sense of awareness, women can investigate finer details to see what is really going on underneath.
How best will you advise women not to be intimated in a male dominated field like yours and excel in performance and delivery of their jobs.
Avoid being too easily offended and don’t be afraid to express your opinions especially when backed by facts. Being a pilot, there is tremendous pressure to work hard and keep an overflowing plate. It’s all too easy to say yes to every request as you strive to rise through the ranks, but if you never say no, you will ultimately just hurt both yourself and your company.
What advice do you have for young women to enable them better balance their home fronts with that of their careers.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH: Your health should always be your NO.1 priority. If you are not in shape physically, mentally and emotionally, both your work life and personal life will suffer.
SET SPECIFIC GOALS: Take your list of priorities and turn them into concrete measurable goals.
TRACK YOUR TIME. Analyzing your present situation is the first step to achieving a balanced life. Keep a time log of everything you do for one week at a time.
NURTURE YOUR FAMILY/RELATIONSHIPS: Relationships with family, friends and loved ones are by far, the greatest source of inner satisfaction. If your job or career is damaging your personal relationships, both areas will ultimately suffer.
What watchword do you live by that has helped so far with your career till date.
Stay Focused and be proactive.
Ruqayya Suleiman
Senior First Officer
Can you please give us your job description as a pilot and what the role entails?
A pilot on the Augusta Westland (AW139) Helicopter, a Senior First Officer (SFO) by rank.
What is your take on International Women’s Month and the significance of women excelling in their chosen fields?
It is that period of the year that brings women from all works of life together to reflect, acknowledge and celebrate the economic, political, social, and cultural achievements in spite of the unique challenges and struggle we face in the society.
How best will you advise women not to be intimidated in a male dominated field like yours and excel in performance and delivery of their jobs?
By having a good knowledge and understanding of the job and what your role entails. Always have an open room for improvement and stay focus and professional at all time.
Having a mentor in the field who has gone through the process before you, will add to areas one can draw experience and knowledge from. Also, to chunk things down and be methodical. As the Japanese say, the kaizen approach.
What advice do you have for younger women to enable them better balance their home fronts with that of their careers?
Always believe in yourself. Draw inspiration from others. Be realistic with what you can achieve. Open the line of communication with your spouse so they understand what you have to juggle. Also do not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends e.g. around childcare.
What watchword do you live by that has helped you so far with your career till date?
Confidence in self and reliance in God the Almighty for He is the one that has our watch at all time. By now I can say that I have developed a thick skin and choose a positive attitude to help me maintain a healthy environment and stay focused.
