Author: Carlos García
In an era where aviation technology advances at breakneck speed, one retired Air Force Colonel is ensuring that the human stories behind flight don't get lost in the jet wash. Eileen Bjorkman's remarkable journey from flight test engineer to celebrated aviation historian demonstrates how preserving the past can illuminate the future of flight, especially for the women who have always been part of aviation's story. Today we look back at our episode with Eileen on The James Spearman Show and highlight a wonderful female pilot advocate, historian and engineer.
Eileen Bjorkman's Unique Role in Aviation History
Eileen Bjorkman occupies a unique position in the aviation world, serving as both participant and chronicler of flight history. Her dual identity as an accomplished aviator and dedicated historian gives her insights that few others possess. With nearly 30 years of Air Force service and multiple published books on aviation history, Eileen has become a guardian of stories that might otherwise fade into obscurity.
From Air Force Pilot to Aviation Storyteller
Eileen’s path to aviation wasn't traditional, especially for women in the 1970s and 80s. "I don't know if it was because, you know, growing up in the 60s and 70s, you know, there weren't really a lot of career options for women in aviation at that time," she reflects. Despite having aviation in her family, her father was an F-100 pilot, she initially pursued computer science before discovering her calling in the Air Force.
Her breakthrough moment came during Officer Training School when she realized that "if you're going to be in the Air Force, you probably should be flying." This led her to become a flight test engineer, where she discovered she could "fly in the back of F4s" and experience aviation from a unique perspective. At a time when women couldn't fly in combat aircraft, this path opened doors to extraordinary flying experiences across multiple airframes.
The transition from active flying to storytelling happened gradually. "I had always wanted to get into writing," Eileen Bjorkman explains. "I did a lot of technical writing, but I never done any kind of storytelling, which was more what I was interested in doing." This passion eventually led to several acclaimed books documenting aviation history, with particular attention to the overlooked contributions of female pilots throughout aviation's development.
Why Female Pilots Have Always Been Part of the Story
When examining aviation history, it's crucial to recognize that women in aviation have been present since the earliest days of flight. Female pilots in WW2 like the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) flew military aircraft across the United States, freeing male pilots for combat duty. Yet many of their stories remained untold for decades.
Eileen Bjorkman's research reveals that female pilots have consistently pushed boundaries and contributed to aviation's advancement. While Amelia Earhart might be who is the most famous female pilot in popular culture, countless other women have made significant contributions that deserve recognition. From test pilots to commercial aviators, women have been integral to aviation's evolution, even when official recognition lagged behind their achievements.
Today, while what percentage of female pilots remains relatively small, approximately 5% of commercial pilots and 20% of student pilots are women, their influence extends far beyond these numbers. Each generation of female pilots builds upon the legacy of those who came before, creating pathways for future aviators.
Why Preserving Aviation History Matters Today
Eileen makes a compelling case that understanding aviation's past is essential for its future. "Things were changing when I came in," she notes about her military career, highlighting how aviation culture continuously evolves. This evolution makes documenting personal narratives and experiences all the more critical.
What We Miss When We Forget the Past
When aviation history focuses solely on technical achievements and famous firsts, it loses the human element that makes flying meaningful. Eileen’s work emphasizes that aviation storytelling preserves not just facts and dates, but the emotions, challenges, and triumphs that define the flying experience.
"I just remember being in awe that I was sitting in the back of this airplane, not in a specific aircraft that had flown in Vietnam, but airplanes like it had flown in Vietnam," Eileen Bjorkman recalls of her first F-4 flight. These personal connections to aircraft and their histories create emotional bonds that technical specifications alone cannot capture.
The loss of these stories affects why aviation is so important to our culture. Aviation represents human ambition, innovation, and the desire to push beyond limitations. When we fail to document the personal experiences behind these achievements, we lose the inspirational power that draws new generations to flight.
Storytelling as a Tool for Aviation Education
Aviation education benefits immensely from storytelling approaches that make complex topics accessible and engaging. Eileen’s books demonstrate how historical narratives can teach valuable lessons about aviation safety, innovation, and perseverance. Why is safety important in aviation becomes clearer when readers understand the human costs of early aviation's trial-and-error approach.
Stories also preserve crucial safety lessons that might otherwise be forgotten. Early aviation pioneers learned through experience what modern pilots now take for granted about safety features of airplanes and general aviation safety protocols. The aviation history & technology center and similar institutions rely on documented personal accounts to create comprehensive educational resources.
Modern aviation safety depends not just on technology but on the accumulated wisdom of generations of aviators. What is aviation safety encompasses not only current regulations and procedures but also the hard-learned lessons from aviation's past. Who is responsible for aviation safety includes everyone from aircraft maintenance technicians conducting aircraft annual inspection due date requirements to pilots applying airplane safety tips learned from historical precedents.
The Power of Representation in the Cockpit and on the Page
Representation matters both in aviation careers and in how aviation history is recorded and shared. Eileen’s work demonstrates how diverse perspectives enrich our understanding of flight and its cultural significance.
Female Pilots Sharing Female Stories
There's something uniquely powerful about female pilots documenting the experiences of other women in aviation. Eileen brings authenticity to her historical research because she understands the challenges and triumphs of women breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Her research into homebuilt aircraft history revealed that "home building actually started very early on in the United States," with women participating from the beginning. These discoveries help correct historical narratives that may have overlooked female contributions to aviation development.
The importance of this representation extends beyond historical accuracy. When young women see themselves reflected in aviation stories, it normalizes their presence in the field and encourages greater participation. Is aviation safe for women becomes less of a question when female pilots share their experiences and expertise.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Visibility
Eileen Bjorkman's work with organizations like Women in Aviation International and Women Military Aviators demonstrates her commitment to mentorship and visibility. "Women military aviators... were very crucial in the push to get combat open to women. The law was changed 1991," she notes, highlighting how organized advocacy creates lasting change.
This aviation legacy continues through storytelling that makes female achievement visible and accessible. When young people learn about the full scope of aviation history, including the contributions of female pilots throughout different eras, they develop a more complete understanding of who belongs in aviation careers.
The ripple effects of this representation extend throughout the aviation community. From encouraging more women to pursue careers as aircraft maintenance technicians to inspiring female entrepreneurs in aviation businesses, visibility creates opportunities across the entire industry.
Final Thoughts on Eileen's Aviation Legacy
Eileen Bjorkman's dual career as aviator and historian exemplifies the importance of preserving aviation's human stories alongside its technological achievements. Her work ensures that future generations will understand not just how aircraft evolved, but why aviation is important to human culture and progress.
Eileen's Advice for Anyone Who Loves Aviation
Her message to the aviation community is clear: document your experiences and share your stories. "For me, it was like I said, it was just the wanting to be able to contribute. And if I had ever felt at any point that I wasn't really contributing anymore, that would have been a signal to me to... go do something else," she explains about her career philosophy.
This advice applies whether you're a weekend pilot, a career aviator, or someone who simply loves aviation history. Every flight has the potential to become part of aviation's larger narrative, and every aviator's experience contributes to our collective understanding of what makes flying meaningful.
Why the Stories We Tell Will Outlast the Planes We Fly
Aircraft eventually become obsolete, but the stories they generate can inspire indefinitely. Eileen Bjorkman's work reminds us that aviation history is still being written every day, with each flight adding new chapters to humanity's ongoing relationship with flight.
As we advance into an era of electric aircraft, autonomous flight systems, and space tourism, the fundamental human desire to fly remains unchanged. The stories we preserve today will help future aviators understand not just the technical evolution of flight, but its emotional and cultural significance.
Whether you're documenting your first solo flight, recording the wisdom of veteran pilots, or researching historical aviation figures, you're contributing to a legacy that transcends individual aircraft or careers. In her work, we see how one person's dedication to preserving aviation stories can illuminate the past while inspiring the future, ensuring that the human side of flight continues to soar alongside advancing technology.
Thank you Eileen for having been a guest on the show and thank you for all you for aviation and women in the industry.
If you’re curious about aviation and been thinking more and more about how to get started don’t hesitate to contact James.