Written by Erin Krochmalny, Photo courtesy of SCAD
“Fly Like a Girl” represents current women and youth pilots, who are determined to continue down roads paved by pioneer women aviators. The documentary sources from archival footage and photographs, which enhance the generational challenges female pilots face.
The film opened with Afton Kinkade, 11, who knew since she was four years old that she was going to be a pilot. With the support of her family, Kinkade went to a school with a flight simulator. From there, she started flight lessons. Many times girls’ dreams are dismissed as being part of a phase, but this film didn’t let that happen. Instead, it brought us the reality that while she’s young and figuring out what she plans to do, Kinkade’s determination is what’s pushing her to achieve her dream—just as it should be.
Similar to Kinkade, the other women in the documentary knew that aviation was their passion. They didn’t let what other people thought hold them back. The main thing to do is develop a plan and work and work until it’s mastered.
This documentary makes representation a priority. It highlights different divisions of aviation, whether it’s saving lives in warzones like American pilot Vernice Armour, or winning aerobatic championships like Patty Wagstaff. Wagstaff became the first woman to win the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships. Once she did that, her friend told her she needed to win it again to prove to everyone “it wasn’t a fluke.” So Patty won it three times in a row.
“Fly Like a Girl” focuses on aspirations, achievements and humanity. These women aren’t just women aviators. They are steadfast pilots who’ve done this country proud. Their abilities shined through to us without holding back an inch of the commitment the women made to be more. They are inspiring countless women to act on their passions.
Bernice “Bee” Haydu, 95, worked in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. She still inspires people to follow their dreams. “The word can’t shouldn’t be in your vocabulary,” Haydu said. Women faced gender bias. At one point, men at the airfield sabotaged two of the women’s aircrafts.
The documentary uses the women’s achievements and strengths work as the proof that these women are the best in their fields despite these problems. They explore every woman that going forward is the only option. It can be hard to do, but women are strong enough to do this. The documentary highlights these inspiring women and empowers the upcoming generation.
