Even female pilots have their moments

There are moments in the cockpit when I feel less like a pilot and more like an acrobat who just happens to be flying an aircraft. The reason for this?

A topic I am reliably asked about at every single talk I give: going to the toilet. And of course, I am always very happy to answer this question – and in great detail.

While men are allowed to resort to practical solutions that look like the little brother of a thermos flask, we women are often left with nothing but the fine art of improvisation. And believe me: nothing builds character quite like asking yourself whether a kitchen container really seals properly while cruising at several thousand feet, all the while wearing a tight survival suit that – yes, you guessed it – was designed for men.

I love flying far too much to get annoyed about it. Instead, I simply marvel at how certain things in aviation have… well… been overlooked. Women, for example. Or, more precisely: the fact that women in the cockpit also have to go at some point.

So there I am, sitting between checklists, clouds and my loyal companions – bags, kitchen jars and a yoga-like technique I have since christened “Downward Facing Pilot”. And I find myself thinking: how delightful it would be if, during the next design meeting for pee boxes and survival suits for men, someone were to briefly ask, “And how does a female pilot actually manage this?”

Aviation is full of innovation. It is bold, creative and boundless. Perhaps now would be a good moment to apply all of that to this very down-to-earth topic as well? Until then, I will keep flying – focused, and always with a certain anticipation that one day even the smallest cockpit will realise: women belong here. And so do their needs.

Many thanks to Jagriti Chandra from THE HINDU Magazine for the wonderful article on this topic!

Published with the kind permission of  THE HINDU Magazine.

Photos: © Fanni Pájer