Report on Female Pilot Participation in the 2025 Air Race Classic

Introduction

Lisa Smith, a pilot based in Sheridan, emphasizes the unique perspective gained through flying, which allows for a greater appreciation of natural landscapes such as mountains. This experience aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land, by fostering a deeper connection and awareness of terrestrial ecosystems.

Event Overview

From June 17 to 20, 2025, Lisa Smith and her teammate Kathy Main participated in the Air Race Classic, a cross-country air racing competition exclusively for female pilots. This event highlights the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women, directly supporting SDG 5: Gender Equality.

Significance of Female Participation in Aviation

• Lisa Smith noted the rarity of encountering female pilots, making the week-long event with 100 female participants a significant opportunity for networking and empowerment.
• The event encourages increased female participation in aviation, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by promoting inclusive employment opportunities.

Environmental and Social Impact

1. Environmental Awareness: Flying offers a vantage point that enhances understanding of natural environments, supporting SDG 13: Climate Action through increased environmental consciousness.
2. Community Building: The competition fosters a supportive community among female pilots, advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by promoting inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated field.
3. Education and Inspiration: The visibility of women in aviation serves to inspire future generations, aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

Conclusion

The participation of Lisa Smith and Kathy Main in the 2025 Air Race Classic exemplifies progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting gender equality, environmental awareness, and inclusive economic growth within the aviation sector. Their involvement underscores the importance of diverse representation and sustainable practices in advancing global development objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article highlights the participation of female pilots in an aviation competition, emphasizing the representation and empowerment of women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – The article implies the importance of education and training in aviation, as the pilots have undergone training and skill development to participate in the race.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The article touches on aviation technology and infrastructure through the mention of aircraft and air racing competitions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including encouraging innovation and increasing the number of research and development workers.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• Indicator for SDG 5.5: Proportion of women in managerial positions or in traditionally male-dominated professions (e.g., female pilots in aviation competitions).
• Indicator for SDG 4.4: Number of youth and adults who have completed technical and vocational education and training relevant to aviation.
• Indicator for SDG 9.5: Number of innovations or technological advancements in aviation; participation rates in aviation competitions indicating active engagement in industry innovation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: thesheridanpress.com