The P.C . elephant which everyone is overlooking (avoiding?) is that Melanie is a female.
Apparently, there's an acute shortage of all Commercial (ATPL) Pilots. There's a massive gender imbalance which all the employers are trying to address. I can't remember when I last saw a Commercial Licence training-school advert which didn't show at least one happy female in front-seat attire. (There is usually at least one non-caucasian among the assemblage, as well.)
This would suggest a massive opportunity available to any female wishing to become Commercial Flight - crew.
In this instance, I think "using " gender to her advantage ,is justified.- seems like all the doors are open, provided the aptitude and application are present.
As for Rotary, AIUI, the oil-exploration industry went T.U. a while since, Bristow, apparently the biggest Helo operator in that field, has gone the same way, Police are /have reduced the number of machines in service (the rise of cheap Drones has had a dramatic effect on surveillance/pursuit)
I don't see a recovery to anything like former levels and i'd expect Ex- Mil . pilots to be clamouring for the few positions available.
I know Muffin's been on the Dark Side for a long time, he will know the crack!