Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has criticized the Donald Trump administrations decision to reinstate gendered language at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) instead of addressing critical air safety issues in the wake of the recent American Eagle Flight 5342 crash.In a post on Bluesky, Buttigieg shared a screenshot of a tweet by CNN reporter Pete Muntean, which included a memo from the FAA announcing that the term NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) would be restored, reverting from the gender-neutral term Notice to Air Missions that was introduced in 2021 under President Joe Bidens administration.Buttigieg expressed frustration over the decision, writing, So after promising to focus on safety, theyve gotten right down to work on gender terminology? His comments highlight concerns over the shift in priorities at the FAA as the nation grapples with air safety following recent tragic accidents.FAAs Gender Terminology DebateThe memo from the FAA marks the Trump administrations latest push to reverse changes made during the Biden administration, which aimed to make language more inclusive and gender-neutral. The change to the term Notice to Air Missions was part of a broader effort to promote inclusivity across federal agencies. However, the decision to return to the original Notice to Airmen term has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning why the FAA would focus on gendered language instead of prioritizing the safety of air travel.The timing of the decision is especially significant given that the U.S. had not experienced any commercial aviation fatalities in 16 years until the tragic crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 on January 29. In the collision, a military helicopter struck the plane near Reagan National Airport, killing over 67 people. Buttigiegs critique underscores the publics growing frustration with what some perceive as misplaced priorities in the wake of such a major tragedy.A Focus on Diversity Amid Safety ConcernsButtigiegs comments come after his successor, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, addressed the ongoing air safety concerns. Duffy, a former Fox News host and reality TV personality, made headlines when he argued that the FAAs focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion was a distraction from its mission to improve air safety.You cant focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion when you try to hire air traffic controllers; you focus on the best and brightest, Duffy said during a recent interview. I mean, again, some people like me like to have this conversation around equity. But if its your pilots or if its your air traffic controllers, you want the best. You want the brightest protecting yourself and your family. Thats what were going to do with the department.However, Duffys remarks have been met with criticism. The assertion that diversity initiatives are at odds with hiring the best talent is seen by some as a misunderstanding of the broader goals of inclusion, which aim to create a more equitable and diverse workforce without compromising safety. Furthermore, Duffys statement was made just days after multiple additional crashes, raising concerns about the FAAs ability to address mounting safety issues effectively.Since Duffys comments, at least three more planes have been involved in crashes. These include a deadly collision in Arizona between a small plane and another aircraft, a commuter flight crash in Alaska that resulted in 10 fatalities, and a plane accident at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger air safety protocols and an effective response from the FAA.Trumps Comments on Diversity and Air SafetyThe debate over diversity and air safety took a controversial turn when former President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue, blaming diversity for the recent crashes without any clear evidence linking it to the causes of the accidents.I have common sense, and unfortunately, a lot of people dont, Trump said, when asked about the role of diversity in the aviation sector. His comments were made despite the fact that investigations into the crashes were still ongoing, and there was no indication that diversity had any bearing on the incidents.Trumps remarks sparked backlash from those who believe the focus should be on improving safety measures rather than engaging in divisive discussions about diversity. Critics argue that such comments detract from the real issues at hand and undermine efforts to ensure that air travel remains safe for everyone.The Road Ahead for Aviation SafetyAs the debate over language and diversity continues to dominate the political conversation, the FAA faces mounting pressure to address the safety of the nations air travel system. With several crashes occurring in quick succession, many are calling for a renewed focus on improving aviation safety protocols, including better training for air traffic controllers and pilots, enhanced communication systems, and a more rigorous inspection process for aircraft.The recent tragedies highlight the importance of swift and effective action to prevent further loss of life in the skies. As Buttigieg and other critics point out, the focus should be on protecting passengers and addressing the underlying safety issues that continue to plague the aviation industry, rather than shifting attention to politically charged debates over terminology.As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen whether the FAA and the Biden administration will shift their focus back to air safety or if the Trump administration will continue to prioritize changes to language that critics argue are irrelevant to the pressing concerns of aviation safety.The post Pete Buttigieg Slams Trump Administrations Focus on Gendered Language at FAA Amid Aviation Safety Concerns appeared first on Gayety.