Black Women’s Pilot Group Aims to Increase Diversity Through Mentorship (WATCH}

Sisters of the Skies

There are less than 150 Black women pilots in the United States. That equates to less than one percent representation in the entire career field.

Sisters of the Skies aims to change that. The professional group of Black women pilots formed with the goal of boosting their numbers through mentorship, professional development, STEM, outreach and scholarships. They’re hoping that through their programs, more Black women will get their licenses to become airline transport pilots, military pilots, commercial pilots, or certified flight instructors.

“Young ladies don’t know what they can accomplish because sometimes in order for us to be something, you have to see something,” an SOS member told Good Morning America. “I have been mistaken more times than I care to count for someone other than a pilot.”

“Most people they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re the actual pilot?… You do the takeoff and the landing?’… I’m like ‘Yeah, it was us,’” said another member.

Watch a GMA digital spotlight on the group’s mentorship efforts below: