Since 2000, women and minorities, who make up less than 10% of all pilots, were factors in 66% of crashes caused by pilot error. Despite the disparity, major airlines are continuing to hire on the basis of identity rather than merit.
In January 2025, Delta CLO Peter Carter said the airline is “steadfast” in its DEI commitments and called them “critical to our business,” while United’s training academy maintains a goal that 50% of its graduates be women or minorities. Southwest likewise continues to pledge that it will “recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce.”
I understand why people want so desperately to believe in equality. Every Omega wants to be a Delta. Every Gamma wants to be an Alpha, or, failing that, at least imagine that he’s a Sigma, a rogue lone wolf who doesn’t need anyone, much less the social acceptance for which Gamma would, in his weak moments, sell his soul.
But reality always intrudes and imposes itself, sooner or later… and sometimes fatally.
