The term "airperson" refers to someone who is employed in the aviation industry. Its spelling is based on the English language convention of using the suffix "-person" to designate a gender-neutral form of a traditional term. The pronunciation of "airperson" is /ˈɛərpɜrsən/, with the accent on the first syllable and the "r" sound pronounced slightly before "p". While the word "airman" was once common, the use of gender-neutral language in modern times has led to the adoption of the term "airperson".
"Airperson" refers to an individual who is a member of the aviation industry, specifically in roles such as pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, or other personnel involved in various aspects of flying. This term is used as a gender-neutral alternative to "airman" or "airwoman."
An airperson is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of an aircraft, maintaining the comfort and well-being of passengers, or overseeing the movement and safety of aircraft within an airspace system. While the primary role of an airperson may differ depending on the specific job function, all share the common goal of supporting and contributing to the aviation industry.
Pilots, for instance, are a crucial category of airpersons who operate and navigate aircraft, whether it be commercial airlines, private planes, or military aircraft. Flight attendants, on the other hand, assist passengers during flights, perform safety demonstrations, and attend to their needs. Air traffic controllers play a vital role in managing and directing the movement of aircraft, ensuring safe separation and efficient flow of air traffic.
The term "airperson" represents an inclusive and progressive approach to language by acknowledging the diverse gender identities within the aviation industry. It promotes equality and eliminates the gender-specific connotations of traditional terms, allowing individuals of any gender to be recognized and respected for their contributions to aviation.
The term "airperson" is a gender-neutral alternative to "airman" or "airwoman" which refers to a member of the air forces, such as the Air Force, Air National Guard, or Air Reserves. The word "airperson" is formed by combining the word "air" with the suffix "-person".
The etymology of "air" can be traced back to Middle English from the Old French word "air", meaning "atmosphere". It further originated from the Latin word "āēr", meaning "air" or "atmosphere". The Latin word itself is derived from the Ancient Greek word "āḗr", with the same meaning.
The suffix "-person" is derived from the Latin word "persōna", which meant "mask" or "character" but later evolved to signify a human being.