Would being gay be an obsticle to becoming a Commerical Pilot ?
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Would being gay be an obstacle to becoming a Commerical Pilot ?
I know this is a sensitive question, but at the moment I am a PhD student in Ireland, I currently hold a JAR/EASA PPL with IMC and I currently fly a lovely Piper Arrow II at weekends etc. around Ireland.
I am still toying with the idea of going commercial in a few years (I am still only 22) once I get my PhD.
One thing that is worrying me is potential exposure to homophobia in commercial aviation; I am slightly effeminate looking.
I know alot of Pilots live in the 1950s and on one occasion I was doing a photoshoot for my local LGBT Soc with the plane (I had permission from the flying group head) and me in a gay pride shirt and some of the other (GA) pilots were somewhat offended (from other clubs not mine) and called me a "Puffter who doesn't belong in a Cockpit, unless he means his ***"
It hurt me, I love flying, I have a Class 1, My Examiner said I was the best he has examined in ages and that I have natural talent for it which was cool .
It shouldn't be a problem and I hope it won't be but its just running through the back of my mind, it completely knocked me off an interview a couple of years ago for a Cathay Cadetship
I am still toying with the idea of going commercial in a few years (I am still only 22) once I get my PhD.
One thing that is worrying me is potential exposure to homophobia in commercial aviation; I am slightly effeminate looking.
I know alot of Pilots live in the 1950s and on one occasion I was doing a photoshoot for my local LGBT Soc with the plane (I had permission from the flying group head) and me in a gay pride shirt and some of the other (GA) pilots were somewhat offended (from other clubs not mine) and called me a "Puffter who doesn't belong in a Cockpit, unless he means his ***"
It hurt me, I love flying, I have a Class 1, My Examiner said I was the best he has examined in ages and that I have natural talent for it which was cool .
It shouldn't be a problem and I hope it won't be but its just running through the back of my mind, it completely knocked me off an interview a couple of years ago for a Cathay Cadetship
Last edited by BOZR_DOUGIE; 19th May 2013 at 19:13.
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other (GA) pilots
I know a number of gay FOs / Captains and I can honestly say I haven't heard any stories, other than that they tend to gossip to the cabin crew too much...
Seriously, it won't be a problem and don't listen to a few idiots who haven't got a clue about modern life.
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You should have reported those other pilots as it is they who don't belong in a cockpit.
I need to ask why you are getting a PhD if you don't plan on using it after?
I need to ask why you are getting a PhD if you don't plan on using it after?
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Since when did doing a PhD require one to "use" it afterwards?
A lot of people do PhDs just because they find the subject area interesting and derive pleasure from contributing to the development of that subject. Does not have to confine them to a life of academia or research for ever and a day...
A lot of people do PhDs just because they find the subject area interesting and derive pleasure from contributing to the development of that subject. Does not have to confine them to a life of academia or research for ever and a day...
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Reported to who?
From barnardos.ie:
Breaking silence is the key to stopping it. Report the bullying.
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The club maybe the guards, anyone really. I believe technically its not a crime but it can be reported.
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Since when did doing a PhD require one to "use" it afterwards?
He is not someone who just used their degree as CV filler. I have a particular disdain for them as you know.
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He is not someone who just used their degree as CV filler. I have a particular disdain for them as you know.
4 years research sounds like a Hell of a Lot to do for a CV Filler.
Plan C is to try and get funding on Automation in GA aircraft since its happening but the PPL syllabus stubbornly refuses to take account of it
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Don't think it will affect you in your early stages of your career but depending on your future plans (maybe a good 10 years ahead of now) beeing openly gay might be a problem applying/working in any Middle East country unless society and laws changes rapidly which I doubt. I remember reading a discussion about gay CAs working in the UAE and most recommended to keep a low profile but depending on how you "live" it, it might lead to problems. Dubai might be ok always but no sure about the tollerance level in Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi or East African countries such as Sudan, etc...
Very theoretic but worth to consider IMO
Very theoretic but worth to consider IMO
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Being gay won't be an obstacle. Appalling spelling and grammar will be.
Nobody else has commented
And don't forget to write in your CV that you are homosexual
Don't think it will affect you in your early stages of your career but depending on your future plans (maybe a good 10 years ahead of now) beeing openly gay might be a problem applying/working in any Middle East country unless society and laws changes rapidly which I doubt. I remember reading a discussion about gay CAs working in the UAE and most recommended to keep a low profile but depending on how you "live" it, it might lead to problems. Dubai might be ok always but no sure about the tollerance level in Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi or East African countries such as Sudan, etc...
Very theoretic but worth to consider IMO
Very theoretic but worth to consider IMO
Mid East and Africa is out of the question, I won't even go there on a holiday
Last edited by BOZR_DOUGIE; 19th May 2013 at 19:23.
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As for putting it on your C.V. Where is that supposed to go, under "hobbies", between musical theatre and ballroom dancing?
Seriously mate, 99% of us really don't give a monkeys about your sexuality, just so long as you can do the job, and don't make it the subject of 6-8 hour conversations on long sectors. Like child/pet bores, it gets old quite fast.
If you rule out certain destinations because of it you might find yourself becoming unpopular with your employer.
Seriously mate, 99% of us really don't give a monkeys about your sexuality, just so long as you can do the job, and don't make it the subject of 6-8 hour conversations on long sectors. Like child/pet bores, it gets old quite fast.
If you rule out certain destinations because of it you might find yourself becoming unpopular with your employer.
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I see you're Irish, just FYI the last chief pilot at Aer Lingus was lesbian, so definitely not an issue there. Aer Lingus is very inclusive. As other said though, Etihad, Qatar etc. will have issues but nothing you can do about that...
Last edited by Aerlingus231; 19th May 2013 at 20:25.