International Women’s Day: How Pioneering Women in Aviation Are Making History

Bell hosted an Embracing Equity panel with six aviation experts during HAI Heli-Expo 2023

According to the 2022 Women in Aviation Advisory Board Report, in most aviation occupations, women make up less than 20% of the workforce. Yet, more than 100 years after the first woman took flight, women continue to break barriers in the aviation industry. Bell proudly supports women throughout the world that are making their mark in aerospace. Women have played an integral role in aviation and its evolution. Today, women are still underrepresented in the industry. By sharing stories of pioneering women in aviation, we hope to inspire the next generation. Read more about what two trailblazing women have to say on what inspired them to take the leap into the aviation industry.

Meet Lynette Loosen, Bell Sales Manager and Aviation Industry Expert

Lynette Loosen is the regional sales manager for Africa and the Middle East at Bell. Loosen kickstarted her aviation background early-on in her professional career, serving in executive leadership positions across various aviation organizations. While in these positions, she always dreamt of owning her own aviation company – a position that has historically been uncommon for women aviators. Loosen kept her dream close, and in 2004, she took the jump to do just that. Not only did Loosen start an aviation company that allowed her to freely showcase her passion for the industry, but the company grew to become an Aircraft Maintenance Organization and the operational leg for one of South Africa’s largest EMS providers in the private sector.

Loosen credits her success in the industry to her mentors, her mother and daughter, who continue to remind her what being a resilient, compassionate, and bold woman looks like.

“Someone took a chance on me, and you could say I fell into the aviation industry, not knowing then that it would be the most challenging, yet remarkable journey that I would embark on”, said Loosen. “No two days in aviation are the same. You are gifted with meeting people from all walks of life, traveling to fascinating locations, and are constantly learning about the evolving industry.”

A piece of advice that Loosen offers to all the women interested in fulfilling their aviation dreams: “be passionate about everything you do, work hard, have fun, believe that you can make a difference in the world, all whilst encouraging, promoting, and inspiring the next generation of women in aviation.”

Meet Becca Forman, Helicopter and Fixed Wing Pilot and Aviation Guru

Becca Forman is an aviation sales executive at HelixAv, Bell’s Independent Representative (IR) for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Forman is a long-time aviation fanatic, developing her passion for helicopters when she first flew in an aircraft at the age of six. She adds, “the feeling you get from flying an aircraft is like no other, the freedom and the perspective that you get on that first flight ignites a passion that will stay with you for life.”

As a trailblazer in the industry, Forman has flown many different aircraft in her career. She’s a certified Bell 206 pilot and is actively working to convert her license to be able to fly the Bell 505 and Bell 407. Forman is one of four women in the United Kingdom with both a fixed wing and helicopter license. As an advocate for women in the aviation industry, she hopes to inspire more women to follow their dreams and pursue a fulfilling aviation career.

Forman thanks her parents, who have continued to support her passion for aviation by inspiring her to work hard and follow her dreams of being a pilot.

Forman offers advice to all women interested in joining the aviation industry: “follow your dreams, even if you are the only woman in the room. If you believe in yourself, you will always find a way to get where you want to be.”