With rapid advancements in BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology, the future of aviation holds the potential to deliver transformative experiences for everyone, particularly the disabled community. These opportunities should be available to both employees and service users alike. By focusing on accessibility from the outset, this new phase in aviation, “future flight”, can ensure that technological progress benefits all, creating a more inclusive and equitable industry.
According to The Equal Skies Charter, these technological advances bring a unique opportunity to prioritise inclusion from the outset. This will help ensure the industry avoids repeating the current trends of underrepresentation seen in aviation today. Embedding diversity and inclusion into the foundation of this emerging sector will create a more equitable and innovative future for flight.
“Diversity and inclusion are essential to the success of any business, but they are especially critical in industries as dynamic as aviation and aerospace,” said Mike Miller-Smith, CEO of Aerobility, a charity that gives disabled people the opportunity to fly a light aircraft. "The future flight sector represents a significant leap forward for the industry and, being in its early stages, offers a unique opportunity to shape a more inclusive landscape for both professionals and consumers who have a disability. This is a pivotal moment to engage groups that have historically been underrepresented - if we take action now."
The Equal Skies Charter believes the future flight community has a societal responsibility to ensure that all minority groups are included in this next era of aviation. However, operators cannot achieve this alone.
A collective approach is required, it says, with industry leaders, legislators, and regulators working together to maximise accessibility.
The Equal Skies Charter has produced a new whitepaper, sponsored by NATS, BVLOS drone developer Apian, and Aerobility. The paper makes 11 recommendations, among them promoting BVLOS roles for those with disabilities from the start, reviewing medical requirements for commercial BVLOS operators, and including visible role models from under-represented groups.
The paper also recommends exploring and actively promoting part-time and flexible working opportunities, exploring options for bursaries and grants to help make operator training more accessible for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and the introduction of standardised support plans for those with disabilities.
The Charter described future flight operations as presenting the greatest opportunity in decades to ensure that inclusivity is at the heart of aviation.
