In a first, DGCA opens up skies for non-binary pilots

For the first time ever, India has issued guidelines for aeromedical evaluation of fitness of pilot aspirants who are transgender, those with gender dysphoria or those who do not conform to any gender.

Mumbai: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in a circular issued on Wednesday stated that medical assessment should be carried out on a case-to-case basis with Indian Air Force doctors to do the final assessment based on the detailed medical report submitted by the endocrinologist or the specialist handling the candidate concerned.

“It is a historic moment. Other countries such as the US and the UK came up with such circulars 5-7 years ago,” said Adam Harry, the transgender pilot aspirant whose efforts brought about this change.