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Soaring high and breaking barriers
MANILA, Philippines — Nursing’s loss is aviation’s gain with Capt. Rona Guevarra, one of 66 female pilots from Philippine Airlines’ roster of 839. The Iloilo City native had set her sights on the nursing profession and was already doing her board review when she saw a pilot recruitment poster in her university campus.
For the first time, the Philippine Air Force opened its recruitment doors to women and Guevarra’s friends wanted to try, and encouraged her to do the same. As fate would have it, after rigorous screening and exams, only Guevarra made it. That day, her career was destined for take-off, and over three decades later, she continues to fly high. As we celebrate Women’s Month, Guevarra’s uplifting story is proof that being open to new opportunities, debunking stereotypes, championing inclusion and embracing hard work and discipline can lead you down new roads as well as up exciting skies.
As a child, did you want to become a pilot? Any other pilots in your family?
I never had any plans of becoming a pilot. In fact, flying never even crossed my mind as I did not have any relatives or friends in the aviation industry. But life has a funny way of steering you down unexpected paths. It landed me among the first batch of female recruits of the Philippine Air Force, and now as a commercial pilot with our national carrier, Philippine Airlines.
In the early 90s when you joined the Philippine Air Force, that was a different time when it came to gender inclusion and diversity. Were your parents concerned about your career change – from nursing to becoming a pilot, which is a male-dominated field?
My parents, who passed years ago, were incredibly supportive of my journey to become a pilot. They offered guidance, encouragement and understanding every step of the way. Their support came in many forms, from emotional encouragement, to helping with practical aspects of my training, or simply being there when I needed them. My father who was in the rice business, offered advice on discipline, perseverance, and how to manage challenges. While my mother, a housewife, with her nurturing care, provided comfort and motivation during difficult times.
You started your aviation career with the Philippine Air Force and was one of the female pioneers. Can you share your top three positive experiences with PAF?
During my time in the Philippine Air Force, three key qualities – perseverance, discipline and being goal oriented – stood out as fundamental to my experiences and success. Perseverance was essential in overcoming the numerous challenges I faced, whether it was during intense training or when I encountered setbacks in my aviation career. The journey was not always easy, and there were moments when it felt like progress was slow. However, my ability to keep pushing forward, even when the road ahead seemed tough, taught me the value of persistence. I learned that success does not come overnight, but through steady, relentless effort.
From adhering to strict schedules and protocols to maintaining a high standard of performance, discipline became the backbone of my daily routine. It was not just about following orders, it was about holding myself accountable and staying focused on what needed to be done, even when distractions happen. This helped me stay focused and prepared for every mission.
Lastly, being goal-oriented was a key mindset that propelled me forward. Every mission, every training session, and every task was an opportunity to achieve something greater. Setting clear, measurable goals gave me a sense of purpose and direction, and it helped me stay motivated even when faced with tough circumstances. By maintaining a focus on long-term objectives, I was able to break them down to manageable steps, which made even the most challenging tasks feel achievable.
Together, these were the cornerstones of my experiences in the PAF, shaping me into the person I am today and ensuring I was prepared to face any challenge that came my way.
Twelve years later, you changed tracks and became a commercial pilot.
Beyond the obvious thrill of flying, there are several advantages that made me decide to move to commercial. One is professional development and advancement. As a commercial pilot, there are always opportunities for growth. Another one is travel opportunities. Whether flying internationally or domestically, pilots have the opportunity to explore new cities, cultures and landscapes. This aspect allows for experiences that few other careers can offer, and it is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job.
Finally, being a commercial pilot carries a deep sense of pride and responsibility. Pilots ensure the safety and comfort of hundreds of passengers, and this responsibility can be incredibly fulfilling. The idea that your work directly impacts people’s lives is both humbling and rewarding.
You are in a profession which many consider to still be male-dominated. Did you encounter any challenges? And how did you overcome them?
As a female pilot I have encountered several challenges throughout my career, some of which are unique to the aviation industry, while others reflect broader societal issues. However, these challenges have only fueled my determination to succeed and pave the way for others who aspire to follow my footsteps.
One of the most significant challenges has been overcoming stereotypes and biases. The aviation industry, particularly in certain areas, has traditionally been male-dominated. Early on, I encountered assumptions that I might not be as capable or experienced simply because of my gender. This sometimes meant having to prove myself more than my counterparts, whether it was in the cockpit or in training environments. But over time, these experiences shaped me into a more resilient and determined pilot.
The physical demands of the job also presented their own set of challenges. While the job itself does not discriminate based on gender, the size and design of some aircraft are often built with male proportions in mind. This meant that some equipment or controls were not always designed considering female pilots, requiring adaptations or adjustments. It’s an issue that is slowly being addressed as the industry evolves.
Finally, the work-life balance has been another challenge, especially in a career where long hours and irregular schedules are common. As a female pilot, I sometimes faced questions about how I managed my family obligations. It’s a challenge that many women in demanding careers face, but I have learned to navigate it by setting clear boundaries, finding supportive colleagues, and prioritizing time for myself and my family when necessary.
Despite these challenges, being a female pilot has been one of most rewarding experiences of my life. Every obstacle has made me stronger, and overcoming them helped me gain confidence in my abilities. Today, I not only feel proud of my accomplishments but also of the opportunity to inspire other women who are considering a career in aviation. It is an ever-evolving industry, and I am excited to be part of the change, proving that gender is not a barrier to success in the skies.
They say it takes a village to succeed. How is Philippine Airlines promoting gender inclusivity and supporting female pilots?
My employer for nearly 20 years now is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees, with a strong focus on empowering and supporting its female pilots. PAL recognizes the unique challenges women may face in a traditionally male-dominated industry and is actively working to break down barriers by providing equal opportunities and a platform for women to thrive in aviation. The company is dedicated to ensuring that its workplace is a space where women feel valued, empowered, and respected.??
PAL has several programs specifically aimed at supporting and empowering female pilots. We have a Mentorship and Career Development Program that provides female pilots access to experienced professionals who can guide their growth and career development. These mentorship opportunities offer valuable insights into overcoming challenges specific to women in aviation while also helping to build a supportive network of peers. This program ensures that every female pilot has the resources she needs to succeed, whether she is just starting her career or advancing into leadership roles.
PAL also offers monthly schedules that promote work-life balance, flexible time, and support for family responsibilities, making it easier for female pilots to thrive both professionally and personally.??
Recently, PAL announced a significant commitment of P10 million in support of female pilots, aiming to empower and inspire the next generation of women in aviation. A portion of this fund will be allocated to help finance the training of five aspiring female student pilots, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities for their aviation training.
For those aspiring to be pilots, female or male, what would be your advice?
Never stop learning. Aviation is an ever-evolving field, and as a pilot, you will need to constantly update your knowledge. Staying informed is crucial. Be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, whether it’s through formal education, additional ratings and certifications, or simply staying engaged with the aviation community. The more you learn and stay curious, the better prepared you will be for the challenges in the sky.
Build strong habit and discipline. Becoming a skilled pilot requires more than just a technical knowledge – it demands consistency, discipline, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Developing strong habits early on in your training is key to becoming a successful pilot. This includes focusing on safety procedures, maintaining a high standard of professionalism and always being prepared for each flight. Good habits will help you handle complex situations and ensure that you are always at your best.
Don’t be discouraged by challenges. The road to becoming a pilot can be long and difficult, and there will be moments when you feel discouraged. Whether it is a tough training session, a tricky exam, or external challenges, the key is perseverance. There may be setbacks along the way, but every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Stay committed to your goals, keep pushing forward and remember that success in aviation, as with any profession, comes with time, patience and persistence.
