An "aircraft woman" refers to a female member of the military or civilian personnel who is employed in a specific role related to aircraft operations. It is a gender-specific term that originated in the early 20th century and is primarily used in the context of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the United Kingdom.
In the RAF, an aircraft woman holds a rank equivalent to an ordinary airman or a private in other armed services. It is an entry-level position typically appointed to women who have enlisted to serve in a variety of support roles within the air force. These roles include administrative work, logistics, engineering support, maintenance, communications, and air traffic control, among others.
General duties of an aircraft woman include carrying out assigned tasks, adhering to established protocols and procedures, and contributing to the overall operational effectiveness of the RAF. They work closely with other service members, both male and female, within a structured military hierarchy.
The term "aircraft woman" is coined to distinguish female personnel within the RAF and is no longer in widespread use today, as gender-neutral terminology has become more prevalent in modern military institutions. In recent years, the RAF, like other armed forces, has made significant efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity, resulting in the emergence of new designations that do not differentiate based on gender.
