Pioneers of flight: An analysis of gender issues in United States civilian (sport) and commercial aviation 1920--1940

The 1920s and .30s have been identified as the 'golden age' for women who aspired to a career in the United States aviation industry. Despite their limited role in World War I, women pilots became significantly involved and highly visible in United States civilian (sport) and commercial aviation between 1920 and 1940. In contrast, by 1940 women pilots were excluded from the next stage of aviation development -- that of passenger transportation. This study sheds light on the ways in which American women pilots during this period negotiated gender issues. Drawing on feminist standpoint theory, the researcher employs a critical feminist discourse analysis while utilising an historical narrative voice. Conclusions suggest that women pilots -- in their attempt to gain a foothold in the male dominated field of aviation - used restrictive societal views on their flying abilities to their advantage.