Positive Skies: Pilot Calls for HIV Reform
Championing the LGBTQIA+ aviation community, EPAN recently joined the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich. Our Aeromedical Project is at the forefront of advocating for
November 5, 2024
Advocacy Committee
Aeromedical
About the Committee
One of the various resources provided by EPAN to its members and the community is the Aeromedical Committee.
The Aeromedical Committee consists of EPAN members and volunteers and serves to be a go-to resource in the case of questions related to aeromedical topics, more specifically those relating to LGBTQIA+ topics.
The Aeromedical Committee encompasses the following committees, which work all closely together:
- Transgender & Non-Binary Committee
- EPAN Cares (mental health/well-being)
Continue reading for more information regarding these specific topics.
What is the focus?
LGBTQIA+ Aeromedical topics are widespread.
They include, but are not limited to:
- LGBTQIA+ friendly aeromedical examiners
- HIV guidance and advocacy
- Transgender support as well as topics related to
- Mental health/well-being.
The aeromedical committee is charged with monitoring and accompanying relevant changes within the legal framework on a European level, ultimately providing necessary change to support the LGBTQIA+ aviation community. Furthermore, the committee informs and provides support for members facing difficulties or requiring assistance.
What are the challenges?
LGBTQIA+ people in the aviation industry, whether professional or hobby, face different issues and hurdles. Many of these aeromedical topics (and in general) face a large stigmatization in society. Further challenges are present due to the fact that, despite the European Union, each country in Europe deals with these topics separately.
Committee Members
If you are interested in joining the committee, we invite you to sign up as a volunteer.
Nishant C.
Aviation Consultant
Sven D.
Airline Pilot
Matthias R.
GA Pilot
James B.
Airline Pilot
European Aeromedical Reform Project
EPAN's Aeromedical Committee is currently developing a campaign to reform the European aeromedical regulations concerning individuals living with HIV or transgender individuals.
This is a developing campaign. We invite anyone interested to reach out to learn more. Sign up for this mailing list today.
The Issue
European aeromedical regulations are outdated and not amended to reflect modern-day medical and science advancements.
Barriers individuals face exclude them from pilot training and therefore from pursuing a career in professional aviation.
Barriers individuals face exclude them from pilot training and therefore from pursuing a career in professional aviation.
Medicals
Currently, individuals living with HIV in Europe are not eligible to obtain their initial Class I medical under EASA. Transgender individuals equally face difficulties obtaining their medical.
The Goal
The goal of EPAN's European Aeromedical Reform Project is to remove aeromedical barriers for transgender individuals and individuals living with HIV.
We invite anyone interested to reach out to learn more about this campaign. Sign up today – confidentiality guaranteed. (Name is optional)
How can you
Support us
There are endless ways to support EPAN and our Aeromedical Committee, for example:
- Join EPAN as a member
- Join the campaign
- Join the committee
- Donate to the fund
- Tell your employer to join us
- Spread the word
- Sign up for our newsletter
Support the Aeromedical Committee
Your contribution will go directly to our Aeromedical fund, allowing us to continue advocating for change across the European aviation industry.
Thank you in advance for your support.
How does the committee support?
The EPAN Aeromedical Committee is available for confidential questions, guidance and counseling. Here are some ways we support members:
Transgender Guidance
Our Transgender/Non-Binary Committee is able to provide support for you if you are considering or have already begun your transition journey.
HIV Guidance
We are able to provide you guidance related to aeromedical/licensing topics in Europe (EASA and UK CAA).
Mental Health/Well-Being
Mental Health and Well-Being is a crucial aspect in aviation and aeromedical. We have launched EPAN Cares as a point of contact.
Examiner Database
We are collecting and creating a database of LGBTQIA+ friendly aeromedical examiners (AME) for consultation upon request.
Personal Story
Originally refused a pilot’s medical in 2014, James Bushe campaigned for reform, becoming the first individual living with HIV to receive an initial Class I medical certificate with no limitations.
James continues his HIV advocacy and supports EPAN as a committee member.
Watch a BBC interview with James and read his story in an article published by NGPA in 2021, written by Chris Buckley.
HIV in the news
Check out some of the recent news and updates on HIV in the European aviation industry.Â
Air Force eases restrictions on airmen taking HIV-prevention pills
05 September 2023
USA
UK CAA announces landmark changes for pilots and ATC living with HIV
20 June 2022
UK
EASA
Join EPAN today
Joining EPAN as a member shows your support and helps us achieve our goals as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQIA+ aviation community.
We thank you for your support!
Transgender/Non-binary
in the news
Check out some of the recent news and updates on Transgender/Non-Binary in the European aviation industry.Â
For further assistance with Transgender/Non-Binary related topics, you may also contact transgender@prideinaviation.org
ZA
India
The trailblazing British Airways pilot who came out as transgender
30 September 2020
UK
Aeromedical on the EPAN blog
(more coming soon)
Launch: Aeromedical Committee
Today, on Dec 1 – World AIDs Day, we are happy to announce the launch of our new AEROMEDICAL COMMITTEE and its website. This is
December 1, 2023
World AIDs Day 2022
December 1st is the annual World AIDS Day dedicated to remembering those who lost their fight to the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic. At the same time,
December 1, 2022
Repost: I am a first because of you
“BBC Three’s Sky High Club pilot James Bushe thanks HIV organisation supporters for championing historic changes.” Read article on Terrence Higgins Trust’s website here! https://www.tht.org.uk/news/james-bushe-i-am-first-because-you
September 1, 2022
Diversifly selling AIDS teddy bears again!
Source/Image Credit: Lufthansa Diversifly December 1, is World AIDS Day – The Diversifly team will be selling teddy bears in BER, CGN, FRA, HAM, MUC
November 24, 2021