Pilots are being told to avoid non-inclusive language, including the word “cockpit”, under guidance from the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).
The ALPA, which is the world’s largest pilot union and represents more than 70,000 members, issued a DEI language guide 2021 urging airmen and women to avoid certain phrases in a bid to remove “masculine generalizations”.
“Cockpit” has been deemed non-inclusive as, according to the guidance, “many women have heard a variation of ‘It is called a cockpit for a reason’ by a male pilot”. This is despite the word originating from a 16th century blood sport called cockfighting (fighting between male roosters) before it was later adapted into use by World War One fighter pilots.
Other terms ALPA deems must be avoided include “manpower” (with “people power” preferred) while pilots are also encouraged to avoid using “mother/father”, “husband/wife” and “boyfriend/girlfriend”.
ALPA said in a statement to Fox News that “opening the doors of opportunity to ensure we have a robust supply of qualified aviators” is not a “real threat” to aviation safety.
It’s safe to say that digital passengers questioned the union’s priorities.
Others could only express their disbelief at the news.
Away from aviation, some feared their beloved mojitos and margaritas would soon be subject to a different name.
2024 has not been the best year for aviation. Thankfully, we can all be assured that our air travel is just that little bit safer now that those evil, centuries-old terms have been replaced in the name of DEI…
