How Not to Fly an Airplane: A Female Pilot's Journey

Having just turned the final page of "How Not to Fly an Aeroplane: A Female Pilot’s Journey" by Shirley M. Phillips, I’m left inspired and reflective. This memoir, chronicling the author’s path as a female pilot in a male-dominated field, is a vibrant tapestry of courage, humour, and raw honesty. Phillips writes with such warmth and candour that it feels like she’s sharing her life’s highs and lows over a quiet chat, pulling you into her world of turbulent skies and personal triumphs.

The book charts Phillips’ journey from her childhood as an identical twin to her role as a commercial pilot and flight instructor. Her stories, like the nerve-wracking moment when a student’s reckless move sent their glider into a spin, are told with vivid detail that keeps you on edge. These anecdotes don’t just highlight the technical demands of aviation but also reveal the emotional weight of the responsibility she bore. Her encounters with gender bias, such as being mistaken for a waitress at a pilot examiner training, are recounted with wit, not bitterness, making her resilience all the more inspiring. These moments underscore her quiet strength in a world that often questioned her place.
Phillips’s ability to intertwine her personal and professional life is what makes this memoir stand out. Her struggle to balance motherhood with flying, especially when her airline collapsed during her pregnancy, feels achingly human. These glimpses into her vulnerability ground the book, showing that her journey was as much about navigating societal expectations as it was about mastering the cockpit. Her reflections on teaching her father to fly or confronting a cruel teacher after her first solo flight are poignant, illustrating how aviation gave her a profound sense of agency.

The technical aspects of flying might feel a bit heavy for readers unfamiliar with aviation, but Phillips’ relatable voice keeps the narrative accessible. At times, the focus on gender discrimination can feel slightly repetitive, though it’s hard to fault her for emphasising a reality so central to her experience. This memoir is a testament to breaking barriers with determination and grace, making it a must-read for anyone drawn to stories of perseverance. It’s not just for aviation enthusiasts but for anyone who’s ever fought to prove themselves.