As some of you know, in addition to my career as an Air Force pilot I was also a commercial pilot for Delta Air Lines. Twenty years in the USAF and 16 at Delta. Throughout, I was impressed with my fellow pilots whether military or commercial. My peers were solid, the training was exemplary, and the maintenance on our aircraft was the best. I was blessed to safely operate aircraft into and out of 70 countries over 35 years and 10,000 hours of flying time.
However, as our society evolves, for better or worse, many industries have made efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace above and beyond operations that are founded solidly in safe and efficient operations. Among the several industries that have taken this on in the face of the risks is the U.S. airline industry at the direct expense of the commercial flying public. It has indeed introduced questions and concerns about the safety and competence of the flying industry.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in January 2024, when a United Airlines flight with a diversity “new hire” bent metal on a landing on their training flight. “Bent metal” like taking it out of service. That’s not cheap for United nor is it an endorsement for future paying United passengers. The incident led to an investigation into the company’s hiring practices and questions about the hiring practices and training standards for pilots who are less qualified than others. It was one of many instances that have occurred recently where the potential risks of prioritizing diversity over experience and competence have been highlighted.
Another issue that has recently been brought to light is the potential for discrimination in the hiring process. When I was leaving the Air Force and interviewing with the various airline companies, I was surrounded by experienced pilots from all walks of life. But they had decades of experience and they’d been through the shit. Mostly military but not all. Today, when you walk to your gate, you’re possibly getting a pilot, a flight attendant, or a mechanic who was hired based solely on diversity, equity, or inclusion. Airlines are setting diversity hires above qualifications at your expense.
When you board your aircraft with a ticket you’ve paid dearly for, what are you looking for in your aviation experience? I know when I board one now with my family, I know exactly what I’m looking for.
In response to the concerns that DEI initiatives are essential for promoting a diverse and inclusive workspace, I understand that. However, I firmly believe that safety should always be our primary concern and goal. Any and every attempt to ignore that should be eliminated and squashed forever. Otherwise, we’re going to start seeing planes fall out of the sky and innocent people die.
See also-->
SHOCKER: Alaska Airlines, Which Had a Door Fall Off in Mid-Flight, Is Laughably Woke
FAA System Failure Is Everything Wrong With Government and Who Leads It
46 Commercial Airline 'Close Calls' in July Alone; Meanwhile Biden Fails to Nominate FAA Chief
