Aikins began flying lessons in 1962 to become familiar with her husband’s aircraft. Finding that she enjoyed flying, she earned a multi-engine-certified flight instructor certificate. She was twice awarded First Place honors in the Antique Airplane Association and Experimental Airplane Association’s aerobatics competition. In 1971, she was appointed by the Federal Aviation Administration as a designated Pilot Examiner, and administered flight check rides to more than 2,300 applicants. Aikins flew more than 7,000 hours, gave 2,500 hours of flight instruction, ferried aircraft to foreign countries, managed a fixed-base operation at a small airport, served as a director of flight operations and chief pilot for an air charter company, held the positon of chief flight instructor for a training school, and reared three children. Aikins is also a member of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of licensed women pilots.