August 21, 2025

Aviation Needs More Women | Cynthia Glenn

12 minutes

In this inspiring episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with aviation advocate Cynthia Glenn live at VertiCon. Together, they tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: how to bring more women into aviation. Cynthia shares her personal journey into flying, the hurdles she faced, and the mentors who encouraged her to pursue her dream. She also highlights the power of community, mentorship, and personal invitation in breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of women pilots.

Listeners will discover how organizations like the 99s and Women in Aviation International are shaping opportunities for women, why relational outreach matters, and how individual action can make a massive difference in creating diversity and inclusion in the cockpit.

Episode Highlights

Cynthia’s first encounter with aviation and how COVID gave her the opportunity to pursue her passion.

The importance of mentorship and why women often excel as pilots.

How the 99s and Women in Aviation International empower women in aviation.

Cynthia’s new aviation cooperative and how it opens opportunities for aspiring pilots.

Practical steps listeners can take to inspire young people, especially women, to fly.

Key Points with Timestamps

[00:00:38] John introduces Hangar X Studios and frames the importance of innovation and diversity in aviation.

[00:01:49] The need for more women in aviation and John’s Young Eagles volunteer work.

[00:03:09] Cynthia shares her first aviation experience at age 17 and how societal limitations made her pause her dream.

[00:03:57] How COVID opened the door for Cynthia to study aviation seriously.

[00:05:09] The legacy of the 99s, founded by Amelia Earhart, and its continued mission of advocacy.

[00:05:53] Cynthia’s experience at the Women in Aviation International conference with 4,500 inspiring women.

[00:06:40] The reality of pilot demographics: less than 1% of the population and only ~20% women.

[00:07:36] Mentoring the next generation: Cynthia is personally guiding five women, including Paige from Hangar X Studios.

[00:09:38] Owning a Cessna 182 and the importance of relational outreach to invite others into aviation.

[00:10:28] The concept of an aviation cooperative to share resources and opportunities.

[00:11:06] How listeners can contact Cynthia for mentorship, guidance, and collaboration.

Guest Bio: Cynthia Glenn

Cynthia Glenn is a passionate aviator, mentor, and advocate for women in aviation. After reigniting her dream of flying during the COVID era, she pursued drone certification, ground instructor credentials, and eventually her pilot’s license. Today, she owns and flies a Cessna 182 and is building innovative pathways for others to access aviation through her cooperative model. Cynthia is actively involved in organizations like the 99s and Women in Aviation International, writes for In Flight USA, and mentors aspiring female pilots.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-glenn-202888118/

About Women in Aviation International (WAI):

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and advancing women in all areas of aviation and aerospace. Founded in 1990, WAI provides resources, scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help women pursue and grow careers as pilots, engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers, astronauts, and industry leaders. With thousands of members worldwide, WAI hosts an annual conference that brings together professionals, students, and enthusiasts to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of aviation pioneers.

Notable Quotes

“Women are natural pilots… we don’t chase needles the way many men or engineers do.” – Cynthia Glenn

“I do nothing in half measures. If I’m in, I’m all in.” – Cynthia Glenn

“It only takes one person to say, ‘Come with me’ to change someone’s life in aviation.” – Cynthia Glenn

“Aviation is a tight-knit, elite community—and the key to bringing more women in is relationships.” – Cynthia Glenn

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By John Ramstead