19 November 2008
Powder Puff Pilots is a new on-line store catering which “offers pilot gear for feminine flyers via wholesale and retail channels”.
Sue Hughes, the founder of the shop (which is based in Aurora, Colorado), says that the aim is to “attract women and girls to the thrills of aviation, help women pilots identify themselves with pride, and honour courageous women pioneers who paved her way.”
She added, “Only 6% of pilots are women, so the vast majority of pilot gear is designed for men. Nevertheless, there are almost 40,000 of us, and our numbers are growing every day.” Hughes is a flight instructor herself, and says that the idea for the business came when she was asked by an 8-year-old girl whether logbooks came ‘in pink’.
They didn’t, but there was no good reason why they shouldn’t – and the idea was born.
In co-operation with LifeVest Publishing Hughes designed the pink logbook (which is for sale on the site), as well as a 2009 day-by-day calendar “This Day in Women’s Aviation” and a T-shirt that lists reasons “Why Women Prefer Airplanes” (to men).
There’s also an educational slant – Hughes also designed a teddy bear called Claire Bear, the Powder Puff Pilot, who stars in a series of children’s books that appeal to girls. The first book, <i>The Pilot’s Alphabet</i>, is available now, and an accompanying activity workbook and a second book will be out in the next few months.
By the way, if you like pink websites with a sprinkling of magic powder, you’ll love the <a href=’http://www.powderpuffpilots.com’ target=’_blank’>Powder Puff Pilots</a> site.
