Vesna Meško hat einen emotionalen Bericht zum diesjährigen FEWP Treffen in Celje (Slowenien) verfasst. Alle, die dabei sein konnten, dürfen sich glücklich schätzen.
Girls with Wings of Steel
Aircraft in the sky, aircraft on the ground, and group after group of real flying ladies – nearly 100 pilots and women aviators of all kinds from fifteen European countries. Wonderful, isn’t it? That was the plan. But part of those expectations was swept away by the devil himself! Or, to be more precise, by that unavoidable nuisance called rain. Yet the gloomy weather failed to wipe the smiles from the women’s faces. After all, they are not made of sugar! They hugged, laughed, talked about aviation in a thousand and one ways, and looked genuinely happy simply to be together. The courageous spirit of women still hovered above Celje. Perhaps a little more under a roof than originally planned, but maybe that was precisely why we were able to discover what the hearts are like that beat most passionately among the clouds.
On the first weekend of June, the sports airfield of the Celje Aeroclub hosted the gathering of the Federation of European Women Pilots (FEWP). The three-day event was organized by Maja Pukl, President of the Slovenian Women Pilots Association, whose team had begun preparations as early as last autumn. We had already been invited back then while we were preparing a feature about the association, and a large mark immediately appeared on my calendar. An event like this simply could not be missed. One hundred women pilots in one place? Of course we were coming!
It was one of those grey Fridays when you keep your fingers crossed for sunshine, only for it to mock you from behind the clouds while the sky sulks in disappointment. The sports airfield in Levec, practically just around the corner from Celje for anyone who flies, stretched out across a vibrant green field where helicopters and small aircraft of every shape and size seemed to be grazing peacefully. Lavender bushes in front of the building hinted that summer was on its way, while wooded hills rose in the distance beneath the stubborn clouds.
„Oh dear,“ I muttered and hurried towards Milena Zupanič, one of the pioneers of Slovenian aviation, who was already waiting for me outside the flying club. By now we know each other quite well, so our first steps naturally led us to the gathering of women pilots who were beginning to arrive. A mixture of languages filled the room as coffee, biscuits, new friendships and old bonds were shared in equal measure.
Back Among the Clouds After a Crash
Among all the women aviators, my attention was immediately drawn to a grey-haired lady in a wheelchair. Smiling and cheerful, she looked around at the unfamiliar faces and soon found herself face to face with a curious journalist. She amazed me with the story of a near-tragedy that took away her ability to walk, but not her love of the skies.
Spanish pilot Elizabeth Maria Heilmeyer is a paraplegic, yet despite her legs no longer serving her, she still flies. „In 2003, I was involved in an aircraft accident. I was flying with another pilot when the engine suddenly failed while we were passing through a weather front. We lost speed and crashed. I was very lucky to survive,“ Elizabeth recalls with a gentle smile before confiding, almost conspiratorially, that the accident never discouraged her from flying. „Even as I was leaving intensive care, I told my colleagues that I would soon be back in the air.“
There is a special sparkle in her eyes – a love for flying machines and for the world above the clouds. „I admit the first period after the accident was very difficult. But then I did exactly what I had set out to do. Three months later, I was flying again. This is my world. I wanted to continue flying, even if it meant making adjustments. I wanted to laugh again and be happy. And look at me – twenty-three years later, I am still here!“ she says with a girlish laugh.
As a person with a disability, she also had to fight for some time to obtain her flying licence. Today, however, she helps other pilots with various limitations open new chapters in their own aviation journeys. „And don’t think I’ve stopped flying. I still fly! Next month I will turn seventy-three. Oh my, I can hardly believe I am already such an old lady,“ she laughs, her voice leaving as memorable an impression as the woman herself.
Safe skies, Mrs. Heilmeyer!
Freedom, Friendship and Passion
Forty-one-year-old Czech pilot Dana Bauca Sastre, founder of the Czech Women Pilots Association, arrived in Celje accompanied by nine fellow pilots. The elegant blonde flies several different types of aircraft, including the Piper Seneca and Cessna 152, 172, 180 and 303. Her love of aviation was inspired by the story of one of the most famous pilots of all time – Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator who inspired generations of women around the world. Asked what she enjoys most about flying, her answer is immediate and concise: „Everything. Absolutely everything!“
To Dana, aviation represents freedom, friendship and passion. She feels inspired when surrounded by women who share the same love of flying, and she was particularly impressed by the warm welcome she received at this year’s gathering in Celje.
Between Discipline and Aerobatics
I noticed the friendly police officer even before she entered the gathering room. Like many of the women attending the event, she successfully combines professional flying with a personal passion for aviation. Tanja Novak greets me with a firm handshake, and within moments we are talking about helicopters and powered aircraft.
„She’s an aerobatic pilot,“ Milena whispers. A police pilot and an aerobatic flyer? Now that certainly sounds interesting. „Yes,“ she smiles modestly, while at the same time trying to convince me that I should probably talk to someone else instead.
Why would I do that? I refuse to give up, and gradually she begins to open up. „My desire to fly has been with me since childhood, ever since primary school. It simply appeared on its own. I was fascinated by aircraft from a very young age and loved attending air shows. My brother was in the military, so the idea of flying in that world also appealed to me. Later, I decided to follow that dream. I told myself that I wanted to fly and that I would study mechanical engineering.“
The 45-year-old, who comes from the Celje area, has worked as a pilot with the Slovenian police force for the past twenty-two years. „In the beginning it was difficult for women because aviation was very much a man’s world. Nevertheless, after graduating, I kept sending applications and was given an opportunity with the police just a few months after completing my degree.“
Tanja readily admits that she is deeply passionate about flying. „Aviation is a way of life for me. It is not only my profession but also my hobby. My husband and I enjoy flying aerobatics together in our free time.“
The Call of the Sky
Another woman who immediately caught my attention was 43-year-old Lidija Grozdanić from Montenegro. Sitting comfortably on a sofa in the gathering room, the dark-haired pilot radiated positive energy from afar. She connects with people so effortlessly that she is a joy to watch. When I sit down beside her, I learn that she flies TMG aircraft and has only been flying for two years. Yet from the way she speaks, it is immediately clear that she has completely fallen in love with the joys of being in the air.
She says her passion for flying began with a moment she will never forget. „During a commercial flight, I was looking out of the window when the evening sky suddenly filled with magnificent colours. Before me stretched breathtaking views of the mountains and the Adriatic Sea. At that moment, I remembered that as a little girl I had dreamed of flying. I thought to myself: If not now, when? Now or never!“
Like many of the women gathered in Celje, what fascinates her most about flying is the feeling of freedom. „When I take off, I leave everything behind. Rising into the sky separates me from everyday worries and earthly problems. At the same time, I can enjoy the most fantastic views,“ she says enthusiastically.
Perhaps that is why she prefers slower aircraft.
„I have no need for speed. I enjoy slower flying and lower flights because they give me more time to admire the landscape and enjoy the scenery.“
We Need More Women in Aviation
After several enjoyable conversations, it was time to hear from a special guest from the Netherlands. Monique van Tilborg-Siméon, President of the Federation of European Women Pilots (FEWP), attended the gathering as a representative of the organisation that connects women aviators from fifteen European countries.
„This meeting gave us an opportunity to share our diverse experiences as women in aviation and to discuss the challenges that still exist today,“ she explained. She emphasised that FEWP brings together women from many different areas of aviation – from pilots, air traffic controllers and engineers to training specialists and even professionals working in the space sector.
According to Monique, this community also plays an important role in inspiring younger generations. „Young people throughout Europe see role models in our members who demonstrate that even the boldest dreams can be achieved.“
Although the position of women varies from country to country and is influenced by cultural differences, there is still a long way to go. Women represent less than ten percent of the workforce in many areas of the aviation industry. Nevertheless, Van Tilborg-Siméon remains optimistic. „We look to the future with confidence and believe that together we can create a better world.“
So, What Did They Achieve?
After three busy days, I notice a smile on the face of Maja Pukl, President of the Slovenian Women Pilots Association. She finally seems able to breathe again. „I am incredibly proud of the members of the Slovenian Women Pilots Association, as well as all the friends and family members who helped organise this event,“ says the 34-year-old professional pilot.
A total of 97 participants from fifteen countries attended the gathering. „There would have been even more if some participants had not been forced to cancel their flights because of the weather. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions and several last-minute changes of plan, everything went smoothly and remained positive throughout.“
Maja also highlights how delighted everyone was by the visit of the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar. „She surprised us all with her warmth and simplicity. Her visit was a wonderful surprise for the participants because never before had a President of a country attended one of our gatherings.“
Slovenia Impressed Europe
And what were the reactions of the participants? „I did not hear a single negative comment, which is quite rare at events like these. Messages of thanks are still arriving from all over Europe, and for those of us who organised the gathering, that is the greatest reward and satisfaction of all.“
