World’s Largest Pilot Union Calls to Eliminate Terms Like ‘Cockpit’ and ‘Manpower’ for Equity
The world's largest airline pilot union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), is advocating for more inclusive language in aviation. Representing over 70,000 pilots globally, ALPA has called for the elimination of terms like "cockpit" and "manpower" which are considered non-inclusive.
According to their diversity, equity, and inclusion language guide, terms like "cockpit" should be replaced with "flight deck" to avoid derogatory connotations. The guide highlights that such terms have historically excluded women and LGBTQ individuals from the piloting profession.
The ALPA guide also suggests replacing "manpower" with "people power" or "human power" and advises against using masculine terms like "guys" when addressing groups. Additionally, it recommends avoiding familial terms like "mother/father" and "husband/wife" to be inclusive of diverse family structures.
This move by ALPA aims to promote inclusion and equity within the aviation industry, strengthening solidarity and maintaining flight safety through inclusive communication.