Ever since the Wright Brothers made their first flight in Kittyhawk, North Carolina, and the commercial aviation industry was launched, the pilots flying the planes have been predominantly male. While women have made great strides in the industry, the vast majority of commercial pilots are still men.

Perhaps it was Amelia Earhart, the world’s most famous female pilot that opened the door for other female pilots to break through the male-dominated profession. While women have traditionally held positions as Flight Attendants and Ticket Agents, it has been only recently that women have been afforded the same opportunities to enter the field as a commercial pilot.

In order to understand why it has taken so long to break through the glass ceiling and rise to the point of commanding a commercial jet, it would be interesting to ask a few pointed questions to a female pilot. Following are some questions that I would ask if I had a chance to interview a female pilot.

1. What made you decide to be a pilot?

2. Have you always loved to fly?

3. How old were you when you flew your first plane?

4. Did you receive any training in the military?

5. What obstacles did you encounter while trying to get your pilot’s license?

6. What is your educational background?

7. When you walk on the plane today and head for the cockpit, do passengers know that you are the pilot?

8. Is it hard to command the respect of your male counterparts?

9. What would you like to see change in the industry that would allow more women to become pilots?

10. How does it feel to be one of the few female pilots flying a commercial jet?

11. Is jealousy a major problem between male and female pilots?

12. Is it any different being a female pilot than being a male pilot.

13. Are women really better at flying a plane?

14. What do Mom and Dad think of your chosen profession?