Removing the Man from Unmanned Aviation
Panel Recommends FAA move to gender-neutral language
To be or not to be, that is the question. When Shakespeare posed this question over four centuries ago, he recognized that language shapes our reality. Simply put: Our words hold the ability to influence and transform — to include or to exclude. Despite the significant leaps and bounds the aerospace industry has made in diversity, equity and inclusion, a similar question is still being asked today: To “man,” or to “human?” To “unmanned,” or to “uncrewed” aviation? That is the question.
On the quest to create a more inclusive industry, in February, the Federal Aviation Administration tasked its Drone Advisory Committee to examine this precise question. The committee had a pretty simple message for the FAA today: Words matter, and the FAA and aviation industry should move forward with using gender-neutral language.
The committee suggested that the FAA start using gender-neutral language in the drone industry, and then expand to the larger aviation industry. It gave examples of changes that would be needed and how the FAA could achieve them.
Here are a few:
- Unmanned Aviation 🠆 Uncrewed Aviation
- Repairman 🠆 Technician
- Airman 🠆 Aviator
- Manmade 🠆 Manufactured
- Notice to Airman (NOTAM) 🠆 Notice to All
The next step in this process is for the FAA to review the committee’s recommendation and draft a response.
So why does all of this matter for aviation safety?
Let’s take a quick journey back in time to understand the context. In the 20th century, aviation was considered glamorous. It also reinforced traditional gender roles. In the 1960s, female flight attendants were often nurses which was considered a female role, and complied with weight requirements. Their work attire required makeup, a skirt and high heels. Male flight attendants were uncommon. It was assumed that flight attendants were generally women and pilots were generally men. Anything outside of those stereotypes was rare.
Fast forward to today, the number of women and other underrepresented groups involved in the aerospace industry has steadily increased to include aircraft pilots, technicians, and instructors as well as drone pilots. According to Women in Aviation International, women pilots still represent only six percent of the total pilot population and female drone pilots account for even less. Although, many of the terms historically used in aviation were previously tailored to a traditionally male-dominated industry, major strides are being made to increase diversity and inclusion.
Building a drone industry that promotes gender inclusivity isn’t about a war of words or even an appeal to politics. It’s a signal that drones are for everyone. And when the drone community reflects the diversity of America, it will be stronger for it.
Why is the committee’s recommendation significant for not just the drone community but the entire aviation industry? Diversity and inclusion is vital to innovation and safety. Studies show that companies with greater gender equity perform better than their peers; a diverse workplace is a strong one.
And as FAA Administrator Steve Dickson has said, “The last thing we want in a safety organization is group think.”
The FAA is fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for the entire agency through hiring and outreach, STEM initiatives, the agency’s Federal Women’s Program, and other strategies.
FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims indicated earlier this year that removing barriers is a key element to ensuring that top talent come to the FAA and aviation industry. “We should remove any barriers from recruiting the next generation of aerospace workers who will operate that infrastructure. We want the best, brightest, and most diverse group of people from all walks of life,” Deputy Administrator Mims said.
Change takes time, and modifying language is far from a complete solution. But it’s a step on the journey toward an equitable future, a journey that will require energy from all aspects of the field. But, it’s a journey that will allow the aerospace sector to soar to new heights and achieve the next level of safety.
