Women in Aviation

I was thinking recently about women in aviation. Have they broken the so-called glass ceiling? Should I say "so-called"? Because it does exist, doesn't it? There are women pilot's who fly for airlines. The military has female pilot's. NASA has Shuttle Commander's that are female. Should I be saying women? or should I be saying female? Which is preferable or better or correct? Is this a sensitive or sore subject? Please let me know your thought's or feeling's (male or female) on this subject (for or against - positive or negative).