Throughout aerospace history, women in aviation have revolutionized a vast array of disciplines such as Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earheart and Katherine Cheung in flight; Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan in computer science; Colleen Barrett and Joanna Geraghty in aviation management; and Eileen Collins, Ellen Ochoa and Mae Jemison in space exploration.  

Honoring the legacy of these trailblazers, this initiative aims to propel women in the aviation industry and the FAA into the future by drawing on the strength and expertise within this community of champions. In this spirit, the FAA has established the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (BCWAAC) to seek recommendations from external stakeholders on creative ways to attract more women into aviation careers. The advisory committee’s work products will help inform the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Initiative on appropriate actions that the FAA may consider.

Background

Section 403 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act directs the FAA to establish the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The committee: 

• Will advise the Secretary of Transportation and the FAA Administrator on matters and policies related to the recruitment, employment, education, career advancement and well-being of women in the aviation industry and aviation-focused Federal civil service positions. 
• Is comprised of 25 or more leaders from a wide spectrum of aerospace stakeholders, both internal and external to the FAA. 
• Will convene at least twice a year and develop an annual task report summarizing findings and associated recommendations for the Department of Transportation’s Secretary and related committees. 

Each member will bring a fresh perspective that captures the unique array of needs and opportunities of the aviation industry.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FACA and where can I find out more?

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C §10, was enacted in 1972 to ensure that advice by advisory committees formed over the years is objective and accessible to the public. The General Services Administration oversees the compliance with FACA and the Department of Transportation Order 1120.3D provides further direction on the management of FACA committees. For more information, visit the FACA policy page and the DOT committee management policy and procedures page.

What about the Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB) recommendations?

The WIAAB submitted its report, “Breaking Barriers for Women in Aviation: A Flight Plan for the Future” in March 2022. The work of the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Initiative will build upon the work of the WIAAB and its comprehensive recommendations.

What are the duties of the committee?

The committee will provide independent advice and recommendations to the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration in response to matters related to women in the aviation industry, aligned with the committee’s goals. The BCWAAC acts solely in an advisory capacity. Members will serve without compensation and will not exercise program management responsibilities.

I applied, what comes next?

Once all complete submissions have been received, nominees will be selected after a review period. The selected nominees will be promptly notified when all members of the committee have been chosen. 

The charter will terminate 2 years after its effective date unless renewed in accordance with FACA and other applicable regulations.

Contact Us

For questions regarding the FAA Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Initiative and the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee, please email BCWAAC@faa.gov.