Dr. Janeen Kochan

Dr. Janeen Kochan

Dr. Janeen Kochan holds a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and an M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Ohio State University. Her B.A. degree was also earned from the Ohio State University in pre-medicine and psychology. Dr. Kochan serves as a Courtesy Instructor of Medical Education at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide.

Dr. Janeen Kochan never distinctly set out to be a pilot, but she did develop a deep fascination with planes and drones as a young girl growing up on Eglin Air Force Base–even foregoing lunch to stay outside and watch the busy skies from her swing. Now, she’d still rather fly than eat!

We are thrilled to highlight Dr. Janeen Kochan for Women’s History Month. Her work has extended past the pilot’s seat and contributed to areas of systems engineering and training/education in the aviation field. With a background in medicine and psychology, it was a “discovery flight” at the age of 27 that hooked Kochan. Her first flight was with an old Air Force pilot in a Cessna 152 Aerobat, and she went on to pursue aviation with passion and purpose.

Janeen and Dennis Kochan in a Legend Cub Amphib

For women or young girls considering a career in the field of aviation, Kochan says, “There are many aspects and ancillary activities associated with aviation. Take your own path on the journey and follow your passion–it will take you where you are supposed to be.”

T-34

As to the challenges or hardships unique to women in aviation, Kochan emphasizes that aviation mirrors larger societal changes. It makes sense that, as women entered the workforce in larger numbers, the aviation field would gain a few women as well. Kochan says, “...generally in the “old days," us "Tomboys " who were interested in cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and other machines ventured (or in my case bumbled) into aviation.”

Gender bias and limiting stereotypes of women and their expected roles has long been a barrier to women choosing careers that can be seen as too dangerous/too risky, “too masculine,” or otherwise unsuited for females. However, women have persevered to pave the way for a world in aviation where those biases and stereotypes have less sway, and professionalism proves women worthy of an equitable chance to fly.

2023 Van’s RV-7

Not so long ago, women who wanted to fly would have been afforded a narrow window of opportunity to see the world and fly the skies as a flight attendant, often with strict rules and requirements pertaining to the appearance and age of women in these roles. As the industry evolved, women were more likely to push for the pilot’s seat and other traditionally male roles in aviation. We want to take a moment to recognize that in the old days mentioned by Kochan, where “tomboys” were the type of woman to become pilots, it was an exception to the rule for women to get through flight training and become a pilot. Now, organizations like I Hart Flying are helping to tip the gender scale by offering scholarships and support to women who seek a career in aviation.

Women pilots have peppered aviation history with excellence for over one-hundred years, and in 1929 The Ninety-Nines was founded by 99 women pilots (including Amelia Earhart). Today it still stands as a reputable organization that promotes education and the advancement of aviation and offers scholarships and support to women in the aviation field. In fact, if you are a new female pilot excited to keep soaring skyward with your aviation career,  the First Wings scholarship can help propel you in your goals.

The field of aviation is nearly limitless in possibilities, with plenty of jobs on the ground or in the sky. Kochan, remember, did not begin her flying journey until she was 27. Her long career in aviation combines her academic background and immense knowledge of flying, psychology, and the aviation industry to contribute to the industry as a human factors engineer and researcher.

The world has made a lot of progress in allowing women to have equal access and equitable opportunities across industries, including the aviation industry. Still, it’s important that we recognize history’s lessons in what women have overcome to claim their space in aviation. Kochan may or may not have realized the gender bias or stereotypes afoot as she passionately pursued her flying career–largely because she was having so much fun conquering the challenges of rigorous flight training and focusing on her personal goals.

Super Decathalon

When asked of the challenges she faces as a woman in aviation, she quips, “Really none. I was so naive that I thought pilots were just joking when they brought duct tape to ground school so I would not ask so many questions.”

To every girl who dreams of flying, remember this:

Be curious. Ask questions. Think critically. Stay focused. Never feel you are too much or not enough to be a pilot or pursue a career in aviation; if your passion for flying is calling you, make a plan and persevere. There are organizations, resources, and scholarships available for aspiring women pilots like those mentioned above, as well as organizations like Women in Aviation.

We celebrate women and encourage aspiring female pilot to Fly Like a Girl, because the skies are calling.

*SPECIAL THANKS TO MY DAUGHTER, ANGI BAKER-SAUNDERS FOR COORDINATING WITH MY FRIEND JANEEN KOCHAN IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS POST. WB