today from a few years ago. When some of the veteran men pilots learned to fly there were very few kinds of planes available. Further, they were all slow and with motors of limited horsepower. As the planes were improved and speeded up, the pilots progressed gradually from one type to another, learning each.
Now the picture is quite altered. Anyone who has the money can buy a tricky racing plane if desired, and fly (or try to fly) it. The long enforced process of gaining experience is gone, and only common sense, when it exists, remains as a safeguard. Without the background of knowing the full value of experience, I sometimes think women are more apt to attempt a bigger bite than they can successfully chew than are men. (This may apply in more quarters than in aviation.)
In other words, what has happened with automobiles will inevitably happen with airplanes. More cars on the road have meant more accidents—but not necessarily in proportion. More women drivers has brought about more accidents with women drivers—but not necessarily in proportion.
One more thought. A fatal accident to a woman pilot is not a greater disaster than one to a man of equal worth. Feminine flyers have never subscribed to the super-sentimental valuation placed upon their necks. I am sure they feel they can endure their share of misfortune, whatever it be, as quietly as men.
There are still some more things I want to say