DGCA asks transgender trainee pilot to reapply for medical test
New Delhi(PTI): Aviation regulator DGCA on Thursday asked transgender trainee pilot Adam Harry to reapply for a medical test to get a commercial pilot license.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said media reports that Adam Harry -- a transman from Kerala -- has been denied permission by the regulator to get a commercial pilot license were not true.
"In fact, there are no restrictions on transgender people to obtain pilot license and ratings; subject to the individual ensuring compliance of relevant provisions of age, educational qualifications, medical fitness, knowledge experience etc. among other things as specified in Aircraft Rules, 1937," it said in a statement.
Transgender personnel can be issued a fit medical assessment, provided there are no associated medical, psychiatric, or psychological conditions, the DGCA noted.
"Use of hormonal replacement therapy (to change gender from female to male) is not disqualifying if the applicant has no adverse symptoms or reactions," it said.
However, flying duties are not permitted while the dose of hormonal treatment is being stabilised or until an adequate physiological response has been achieved and the dose no longer needs changing, it added.
The DGCA said it follows the same procedure as that of US aviation regulator FAA when a transgender person -- who is under hormone therapy -- undergoes a medical test for a commercial pilot license.
When Harry applied for a medical test in January 2020, his medical reports observed that he is undergoing hormone therapy for a change of gender from female to male and therapy had to continue, it said.
Moreover, the mental health report submitted by him was not complete, it added. Therefore, he was undeclared temporarily medical unfit for a period of six months to complete the hormone therapy, the DGCA said.
Harry got his medical test done in August 2020 while he was off hormone therapy and was physiologically female, it said.
Therefore, he was issued a medical certificate -- which was valid till August 23, 2022 -- on his then sexuality and name Aisha TS, it mentioned.
The regulator said Harry has not completed the required hours of flying -- using his student pilot license -- so as to be eligible for a commercial pilot license.
"Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology has indicated that Mr Adam Harry was not issued student pilot license owning to inadequate attendance for ground classes," it said.
Notwithstanding the above, since Harry is due for a fresh medical test, he has been informed to apply for a name change from Aisha TS to Adam Harry, register on eGCA website under the category 'transgender', and apply for fresh medical test using eGCA website, it stated.
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Will remain active in Karnataka politics, says Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru (PTI): Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday asserted that he will continue to remain active in Karnataka politics and will not distance himself from the State's political affairs.
"I will not move away from state politics. I will continue to remain active in state politics," the JD(S) second-in-command said, dismissing speculation about his role being limited to the Centre.
While speaking to reporters, he said, "I am in politics. It is the people of the state who will decide where I should be. Based on the wishes of the people, I will decide when to return to state politics".
Though he had been entrusted with responsibilities at the Centre, there is no escaping from state politics, he added.
Referring to political alignments, Kumaraswamy said the JD(S) is a part of the NDA and it will not allow any confusion within the bloc.
He said the objective was to ensure good governance in Karnataka.
He added that he was closely observing the functioning of the State administration.
Referring to the Shidlaghatta incident where a Congress leader Rajeev Gowda abused the City Municipal Corporation Commissioner Amrutha Gowda for removing his banner, Kumaraswamy expressed concern over the growing pressure on officials.
"In the Shidlaghatta case, I have already informed the chief secretary. So far, there has been no response," he said.
Calling the incident unfortunate, he said political party workers and leaders should not behave inappropriately with officials. If strict action is taken in one or two cases, it will serve as a lesson.
The Union Minister alleged that pressure was being exerted on officials to carry out illegal activities. Such incidents happen when the government is not functioning properly.
Kumaraswamy also cautioned officials against compromising their integrity.
"If officials indulge in illegal activities for promotions or postings, they will have to face the consequences," Kumaraswamy said, advising them to work with a clear conscience and adhere to government rules.
