IDENTITY looking back, I now perceive that I was paternalistic. Everything I thought was being supportive was that little bit condescending. Informed by the head of flight operations that she was now British Airways most senior female pilot, Cat was determined to do her part to redress the balance. She joined the diversity team and worked hard to encourage more young women to consider flying as a career. Even just a few years ago she would still hear comments such as oh, can women be pilots now? from school mums, and our girls wouldnt be interested in that, from a (female) careers adviser at an all-girls school. It is Cats mission to educate and inspire the next generation of young women. Cat also set about helping to break down stereotypes and barriers around colleagues returning to work after a transition, chatting to groups in different departments about the experience of coming back in a different gender. She is on the board of Trans Media Watch, a charity founded in 2009 to improve media coverage of transgender and intersex issues, and the chair of the Gender Identity Research and Education Society. The transition Its literally the best thing I could have done. The last few years at BA were the most enjoyable of my entire career So, what happens as a commercial pilot when you transition? Physically transitioning involves hormone medication and surgery. For this reason, there is a need to involve your AME and the CAA. Pilots need to be assessed as stable on the hormones needed for transition before returning to work. As for the surgery (for those wishing to make a full physical transition), thats the same as any surgical procedure; you can come back as soon as the surgeon clears you, says Cat. Prepare for some time out to recover, though: It is taxing and tiring surgery, she warns. What about the paperwork? You cant change anything on your licence unless you have a valid medical, explains Cat. After the resolution of her heart issues, she had to have her medical re-issued as him, and then change the details. The passport was straightforward just a letter from the doctor to the passport office. Visas were just as quick and easy, with a visit to the relevant office with the paperwork. Inspiration Cat announced her return to work as a woman with a formal notice published to all pilots at British Airways. Others may not want to be so public, which makes it hard to know how many transgender pilots there are in the industry. Transgender Aerospace Professionals and Supporters Worldwide, a private Facebook group, has 900 members. Suffice to say, there are probably more than most people realise. Some have joined the industry unnoticed in their new gender, in what Cat refers to as the ultimate passing privilege the ability to pass unnoticed after transition. 50 THE LOG Sum 24 pp48-51 Transgender Pilots.indd 50 13/06/2024 12:32