The FAA has tasked its Drone Advisory Committee to examine the language used in the aviation industry to describe remotely piloted aircraft. As a result, the committee suggested moving towards more gender-inclusive terms such as “uncrewed” and “Notices to Air Missions.” Why is this important, you might ask? For women and nonbinary persons, this is a huge win. The aviation industry is filled with terms that indicate it’s an industry for men. By changing the language we use in the industry to be gender-inclusive, it creates a positive environment for everybody.
Some of the specific changes include “Repairman” to “Technician”, “Airman/men” to “Aviator”, and “Wife/Husband” to “Spouse”. The result is the “FAA Gender-free Style Guide Recommendations” published by the Drone Advisory Committee in June 2010.
As a woman in this industry, this change is extremely important. I have had first hand experience being a pilot in the aviation industry. As women, you are surrounded by men and language that is geared towards them. It can be very isolating being in this industry when you are not a man.
While I was attending college, I had many aviation courses I had to take as part of my program and in one course in particular, I was the only female student. I was fortunate to be a part of a program and aviation community that did not treat you differently based on gender. As I continued in the program, more women joined. Some strove to become pilots while others enrolled in the aviation management track. Regardless, it was wonderful to see so many people realize that this is not a man’s industry, it is for everyone.
To some, this change may seem insignificant since these terms have been used since the very beginning, but the language surrounding aviation is centered on men. This can be seen as exclusionary and has made women feel as though they aren’t welcome in this industry. However, the aviation industry has been making great strides and an active effort to be more inclusive.
It is refreshing to see the FAA make improvements to inclusivity efforts. These efforts will create a positive impact in the industry. Many women and nonbinary persons will be encouraged rather than deterred from pursuing a career in aviation. Changing the language is a great first step in cultivating a positive and inclusive industry.
With the adoption of this gender-neutral language, it shows that the FAA is moving towards a more progressive future where it acknowledges that everyone is vital to the aviation industry. The FAA is proving that anyone can be a Pilot, an Air Traffic Controller, a Drone Operator, an Aviator, and more. By changing the everyday language used within this industry, young women and children will be encouraged to become aviators or integral people of the aviation industry.
