Tue, Feb 02, 2016
No Longer Considered To Suffer From A 'Gender Identity Disorder' Requiring Additional Scrutiny
The FAA has updated its medical guide to change the term "gender identity disorder" to "gender dysphoria" on its form evaluating the fitness of transgender pilots for medical certification.
ABC News reports that the FAA said that the change is designed to streamline the medical certification process for transgender pilots. The FAA stressed that this is not a new policy, and that transgender pilots generally are awarded medical certificates as long as there is not a disqualifying medical condition.
In a statement emailed to to ABC news, the FAA said "Previously, each case was managed at FAA Headquarters. If there was no prior history of associated mental health issues, after several years following gender reassignment surgery, airmen were advised they were eligible for an unrestricted (regular) medical certificate. No mental health status report was required."
The updated guide indicates that transgender pilots who have been on hormone therapy for five years or more, or who underwent gender reassignment surgery five or more years ago, do not have to submit a mental health status report.
But if the surgery or start of hormone therapy was within five years of the application, the mental health report is required.
Supporters of the change say that it is a first step, but does not go far enough. Jessica Taylor, a transgender pilot who began her flying career seven years ago, said the FAA should simply remove "gender dysphoria" from the AME guide.
Still, she says that the change simplifies the process for transgender pilots, and removes a lot of ambiguity for everyone about the criteria medical approval for transgender pilots.
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]