"Cockpit" is offensive! Come see how the largest pilot union

We support our Publishers and Content Creators. You can view this story on their website by CLICKING HERE.

The airline industry has been ravaged by scandals in the last few years, including reports of Boeings falling apart, worker shortages, and the idea that charging more for business class seats is racist.

The latter seems to be the most important area of concern, because who cares about safety when fake racism is afoot!

The latest chapter in this ridiculous trend has been provided by the world’s largest airline pilot union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). In their “Inclusive Language Reference Guide,” they argue that “inclusive language” is “an important factor in maintaining flight safety.”

As well as guidance against the use of phrases like “ladies and gentlemen,” “manpower,” or the dreaded husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend labels, the guide also focuses on plane-specific language … like cockpit.

While the word ‘cockpit’ dates back to the 1900s, it has been and may be used in a derogatory way to exclude women in the piloting profession. Many women have heard a variation of ‘It is called a cockpit for a reason’ by a male pilot, suggesting that women do not belong in the piloting profession. The intent behind the use of the word is important. Note: While airplane manufacturers, company specific publications, and manuals may contain the word ‘cockpit,’ the trend in the aviation industry is to replace it with ‘flight deck.’ Acronyms, such as CVR and CASS, appropriately reference the word ‘cockpit.’ When addressing groups of people, whether through oral or written communications, please consider using ‘flight deck’ to create a more inclusive environment.

According to Wall Street Journal’s Ben Zimmer, however, the term “cockpit” has nothing to do with penises, and originated from 16th century cockfighting.

“The circular pit was surrounded by a barrier to keep the gamecocks from escaping,” Zimmer wrote in 2019. Over time, the phrase evolved to describe a boisterous and tense atmosphere, and by the 18th century, referred to the area on British warships designated for treating the wounded.

“The confined space, the noise, the blood and the fetid air evidently reminded people of the original cockpits,” Zimmer explained.

The original cockpits: