The pilot union proposes replacing masculine terms, such as "cockpit" and "father," to align with DEI culture.

The world's largest airline pilot union has urged airmen and women to stop using terms that may be perceived as offensive to women and members of the LGBTQ community, including the term "cockpit."

The Air Line Pilots Association, International, represents over 70,000 pilots worldwide and collaborates with a United Nations agency on its policies. In a 2021 diversity, equity, and inclusion language guide, the ALPA lists numerous terms and phrases to avoid, especially "masculine generalizations," that it deemed to be non-inclusive.

"The guide emphasizes the importance of inclusive language in communications for the union's unity and strength, and provides examples of terms and phrases that promote inclusion and equity."

The term "cockpit" has been and may be used in a derogatory way to exclude women in the piloting profession, according to ALPA.

The guide stated that many women have encountered the phrase "It is called a cockpit for a reason" from male pilots, implying that women are not suited for the profession of piloting.

Ben Zimmer, a Wall Street Journal columnist and linguist, stated that the term "cockpit" came from cockfighting in 16th century England.

In 2019, he wrote that the gamecocks were kept in a circular pit surrounded by a barrier to prevent them from escaping, while spectators viewed the "bloody sport" as entertainment.

According to Zimmer, the term originally referred to a boisterous and tense atmosphere, but by the 18th century, it had evolved to describe the area on British warships where surgeons treated the wounded.

The cramped quarters, the din, the blood, and the foul odor unmistakably evoked memories of the initial cockpits, according to the reporter.

ALPA's guide advised against using the words "man" and "men" and suggested replacing "manpower" with "people/human power."

"What human resources will be required to support this event?" the guide inquired as an illustration.

The guide advises against using the term "guys" when addressing groups, as it is not inclusive of individuals with different gender identities, including women and transgender people.

ALPA advised against using "mother/father" and "husband/wife" as they could alienate different family structures and same-sex couples. Instead, it is recommended to use more inclusive language such as "parent/caregiver" and "partner/spouse."

ALPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"According to Kyle Bailey, a former Federal Aviation Administration safety team representative, the trend of DEI in the airline industry has nothing to do with safe travel. Instead, it is based on factors such as flight time, credentials, background, flight experience, and training."

Despite any proposed hiring practices, the reality is that piloting is predominantly a male occupation. Children at the age of 10 are unlikely to express a desire to become airline pilots or engage in activities related to flying model airplanes. Piloting can be seen as a male-dominated activity, whether it is accepted or not, according to Bailey.

Major airlines have taken heat for their descent into DEI agendas.

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, faced criticism after a video resurfaced in which he bragged about the airline's diversity initiatives. He announced that the company aims to increase the percentage of women and minority workers in its pilot classes to 50% by 2023, up from the current 19%.

In response, Elon Musk stated, "This is a mess."

J. Michael Waller, Center for Security Policy Senior Analyst, stated that he can always set a good example by resigning immediately and leaving his high-paid position, salary, bonuses, and stock options to someone more diverse.

Planet Chronicle' Brian Flood and Nikolas Lanum contributed to this report.