Discrimination in aviation

Abstract

This study questions the effects that discrimination has had on aviation and what changes, if any, can be expected in the near future. The central theme of the study is discrimination, specifically racial discrimination, sex discrimination and age discrimination. Of particular importance is the discriminatory role that various government agencies have played in labeling a person unfit to serve as a pilot simply because that person happens to be a woman, black or has reached a certain chronological age.This study questions the position taken by such institutions as the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Joint Aviation Authorities. Where possible, an attempt has been made to show good leadership on the part of these institutions as well as indicate where good leadership was partially or completely missing. The role the courts have played or failed to play over the years in determining the issues of discrimination in aviation has also been included in the study. Case law is used as extensively as possible to trace the positions taken by plaintiffs and defendants in attempting to change what they perceived as discriminatory or unfair law.The text also includes legislation that addresses issues of discrimination passed by various legislative bodies as well as the efforts of individual organizations, such as the Professional Pilots Federation, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations and others, to end discriminatory practices in aviation