Watch Fly Like a Girl

Fly Like a Girl is a 2019 documentary that focuses on women who have broken down barriers in the aviation industry. The film, directed by Katie McEntire Wiatt, was inspired by a conversation with her daughter about the lack of female representation in aviation. The documentary showcases the stories of female pilots, engineers, astronauts, and other professionals whose work has impacted the field of aviation.

The film starts with the story of Abby Harrison, also known as Astronaut Abby. She talks about her dream of becoming an astronaut and how her passion for space led her to become a STEM advocate for young girls. Abby's story is interwoven throughout the film, framing the journey of the other women featured in the documentary.

One of the main storylines in the film follows Patty Wagstaff, an aerobatic pilot who has won the US National Aerobatic Championship three times. We see footage of Patty in action, executing complex aerial maneuvers with precision and skill. Throughout the documentary, Patty talks about the challenges she faced as a female pilot in a male-dominated industry. She describes how she had to work twice as hard as her male colleagues to prove herself, but eventually earned their respect.

The film also features the story of Shaesta Waiz, the youngest woman to fly solo around the world. Shaesta, who was born in a refugee camp in Afghanistan, talks about how she was inspired to become a pilot after seeing a commercial airplane fly over her home. She describes the obstacles she faced, including skepticism from her family and community, but persevered to achieve her dream.

Nicole Stott, a retired NASA astronaut, is another woman whose story is featured in the film. Nicole shares her experiences of being the only woman in a crew of 6 during her missions to the International Space Station. She also talks about the importance of representation in the media, and how seeing someone who looks like you in a profession can inspire young girls to pursue their dreams.

One of the most inspiring stories in the film is that of Taylor Richardson, a 15-year-old aspiring astronaut who has already made a difference in her community. Taylor, who is known as Astronaut StarBright, raised over $20,000 to send underprivileged girls to see the movie Hidden Figures, which tells the story of three African-American women who were instrumental in the early days of the US space program.

Overall, Fly Like a Girl is an inspiring documentary about the power of determination and perseverance. The film celebrates the achievements of women in the aviation industry and encourages young girls to follow their dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face. The documentary is a reminder that every little girl's dream of flying is valid and that there is a place for women in the aviation industry.

Fly Like a Girl is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.