Key Takeaways
• Northwest Flight Service partners with Spokane Public Schools to provide flight training opportunities for high school girls.
• Events like Girls in Aviation Day and Soaring Skies introduce girls ages 10-18 to aviation careers and role models.
• Only 5% of airline pilots are women, but programs in Spokane are raising participation and mentorship among young women.
Young women are breaking new ground in aviation, thanks in large part to the work of Northwest Flight Service and its partner programs. With the field of aviation historically dominated by men, opportunities for girls and young women have often been hard to find. But today, that picture is changing, especially in places like Spokane, where dedicated training, supportive educational partnerships, and special events are helping a new generation of female pilots take flight.
Supporting Young Women Through Education
Northwest Flight Service is based at Felts Field in Spokane. One of the most important things it does is work closely with Spokane Public Schools to bring flight training to high school students. This partnership gives girls a chance to learn about aviation at an early age, opening doors that were often closed to them in the past.
Take, for example, the stories of Katie Dewitt and Evie Nesselrode. Both students are part of Spokane Public Schools, attending Shadle Park High School and Gonzaga Prep, respectively. Through their involvement in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program at Rogers High School, they have gained hands-on flying experience and a support network that encourages them to pursue aviation.
Katie Dewitt, whose call sign is “Lugnut,” started flying when she was just 14 years old. Remarkably, she began piloting planes even before she learned to drive a car. With over 12 hours of flight time under her belt and a passing score on the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration) written exam, Katie is well on her way to earning her private pilot’s license.
Evie Nesselrode, known as “Newton,” has also achieved big milestones. She, too, has passed her written exam, and she serves as a mentor in the ground school program. Evie’s future plans include attending the New Mexico Military Institute with the aim of becoming an Air Force pilot, following in the footsteps of family members who have served before her.
These real-life stories show how opportunities provided by Northwest Flight Service and Spokane Public Schools can help change the landscape for young women interested in aviation. As reported by VisaVerge.com, access to quality training from a young age, coupled with mentorship and role models, can make all the difference.
Training Programs That Open Doors
One of the main ways Northwest Flight Service helps students enter the world of aviation is through its broad range of training programs. These offerings are carefully designed to welcome beginners and to support those who wish to keep advancing as their skills grow.
The company provides Private Pilot Ground School sessions throughout the year. Some upcoming sessions are scheduled from April 29 to July 10, 2025, and then from July 22 to October 2, 2025. Ground school is the starting point for anyone who wants to fly, teaching students the basics of aviation, flight rules, safety, and more—all in a classroom environment before they take to the skies.
When students are ready to fly, they have access to a fleet that includes Cirrus SR20s and Cessna 172s, two popular and reliable training aircraft. But it’s not just about learning to fly the planes. Northwest Flight Service offers a full slate of courses, including:
- Private Pilot License: The first step for most new pilots
- Instrument Rating: Teaches pilots to fly safely when visibility is poor
- Commercial License: For those who want a career as a paid pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): For those who want to teach others to fly
- Certified Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII): Expands on the basics and allows instructors to teach instrument flying
Dedicated and skilled instructors guide students through each stage, providing not just technical knowledge but also encouragement and practical advice.
The Influence of Early Opportunities
Why is starting young so important? Aviation, like many technical fields, can seem out of reach if you don’t see people like yourself in the industry or get early support. For girls, especially in the past, there were few role models and even fewer training opportunities tailored for them.
Northwest Flight Service helps fill this gap by giving female students a head start in aviation. Along with technical skills, girls gain confidence by being part of a community of peers, mentors, and instructors who support their goals. This support helps them picture themselves in the pilot’s seat and shows them that their dreams are possible.
Special Events Focused on Girls in Aviation
Beyond regular training programs, Northwest Flight Service takes extra steps to reach girls who might be curious about aviation but unsure where to begin. One of the most visible efforts is the “Soaring Skies: Girls Aviation Adventure” event. Designed for girls ages 10 to 18, this special event welcomes participants to explore the world of aviation, from learning how airplanes work to trying out flight simulators.
These events play a key role, because they often reach girls before they ever step foot in a high school flight program. Girls who attend get to meet female pilots, see real airplanes up close, and hear firsthand about the joys and challenges of flying. Sometimes, a single event can spark an interest that leads to a lifelong passion or even a career.
This outreach matches bigger industry movements too. For example, Girls in Aviation Day—a global event created by Women in Aviation International—marks its 10th year in 2024. More than 33,000 young people joined Girls in Aviation Day events in 33 countries, showing just how strong the demand is. These events provide both inspiration and real-world contacts for young women interested in flight.
Addressing the Gender Gap in Aviation
Despite these promising efforts, the aviation field has a long way to go. Right now, only about 5% of airline pilots are women. That’s a very small number, especially when considering how many skilled and talented young women are out there. Programs by Northwest Flight Service and other groups are trying to move this number higher by making training more accessible and inclusive.
At Saint Louis University’s well-known aviation program, female enrollment is on the rise. Recent numbers show that women make up around 25% of the freshman class, compared to just 14% of seniors. This means more young women are starting out in aviation, even if the path ahead is still challenging.
The effect of these changes will be felt for years to come. As more girls enter aviation as students and later as professionals, they will serve as role models for the next generation. Their presence helps break down old stereotypes and shows younger girls that aviation is for everyone.
The Value of Mentorship and Networking
A key theme in these stories is the power of mentorship. Having a mentor—someone you can look up to, ask questions, and learn from—can make all the difference. For example, Evie Nesselrode not only pushes ahead with her own dreams but also gives back by mentoring others in her school’s ground program.
Mentoring builds confidence, helps girls tackle problems, and opens up practical advice about aviation careers. It also creates a sense of belonging and community, which is vital in a field where girls may feel alone.
Northwest Flight Service encourages both formal and informal mentoring, building a “chain of support” that lifts everyone up. With more women supporting each other, it becomes easier for newcomers to picture themselves succeeding in aviation.
The Spokane Connection: A Community Effort
The relationship between Northwest Flight Service and Spokane Public Schools shows how important local action can be in growing opportunities for young women. Schools are more than just places to learn. They are where young people first discover their interests, dreams, and talents.
By partnering with local high schools and the JROTC program, Northwest Flight Service ensures that flight training is not just for a select few. It’s available to all students, including those who may never have considered aviation as an option. This makes a huge difference in a community like Spokane, where students can see real airplanes, meet pilots, and get hands-on experience close to home.
A Pathway to Careers and Leadership
For young women who fall in love with aviation, the path ahead is now much clearer. With the right support, they can move from basic training to college programs, and then to the Air Force, commercial airlines, or jobs in teaching and mentoring others. The steps taken at places like Felts Field can become the first of many achievements.
Importantly, these programs also teach skills that go beyond flying. Students learn about leadership, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving—skills they can use in any field. For some, aviation opens the door to whole new worlds, both in the sky and on the ground.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
Every journey in aviation comes with its own set of challenges. There is a lot to learn, and the training can be expensive and demanding. However, by making the process open and friendly, Northwest Flight Service reduces some of these barriers. Supportive instructors, flexible programs, and community events make it easier for girls to stick with their goals, even when the path is tough.
In addition, events like Girls in Aviation Day and Soaring Skies can introduce young women to scholarships and other resources that help with costs. By keeping information clear and showing what options are available, these events lower obstacles and boost confidence.
A Brighter Future for Women in Aviation
It’s inspiring to see how real students in Spokane, with support from Northwest Flight Service and Spokane Public Schools, are flying higher each year. With every new student who passes an exam, takes a flight lesson, or mentors a peer, the group of women in aviation grows stronger.
These programs show what’s possible when local companies, schools, and organizations work together. They offer not only flight training but also encouragement, role models, and hope for a more balanced and open aviation field. For girls who dream of flying, these stories show that there is a place for them in the sky—and that their journey is only just beginning.
If you want to learn more about joining these kinds of aviation programs, you can check the FAA official page about pilot certification. For those interested in Spokane Public Schools or for more information on how the partnership works, the Spokane Public Schools website is a good place to start. Northwest Flight Service also gives details on course dates, requirements, and how to sign up for ground school or flight training.
Opportunities in aviation for girls and young women are growing—but there is still work to do. With the continued support of committed organizations, instructors, schools, and communities, the future of flight looks wide open. By opening the cockpit doors a little wider each year, Northwest Flight Service and Spokane Public Schools are turning big dreams into real careers, helping young women take their place among the clouds.
Learn Today
Private Pilot License → An official certification allowing individuals to fly an aircraft independently, after completing required training and exams.
Ground School → Classroom instruction covering aviation theory, regulations, navigation, and safety, typically required before hands-on flight training.
Instrument Rating → A qualification permitting pilots to fly under instrument flight rules, useful when visibility is poor or in clouds.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → The U.S. government agency regulating all aspects of civil aviation, including pilot licensing, safety, and standards.
Mentorship → A support relationship in which experienced individuals guide, advise, and encourage less-experienced students through education or careers.
This Article in a Nutshell
With Northwest Flight Service leading the way, young women in Spokane now access flight training and mentorship once out of reach. Programs, dedicated instructors, and inspiring role models are breaking barriers, providing skills and encouragement, and proving that the cockpit—and aviation careers—are accessible to all determined young women.
— By VisaVerge.com
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