Sikh Woman: First Turbaned Pilot In America
The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) reported today that Arpinder Kaur, 28, of San Antonio, Texas has become the first turbaned pilot hired by a commercial airline in the United
States. As a Sikhni, she has helped pave the way for both Sikh men and women who wear a dastaar/turban to fulfill their passion for flying. No longer does flying just have to be an extra-curricular activity for these Sikhs, but it can also be an every-day job!
In March 2008, after resolving the issue of wearing her dastaar on-the-job, with the help of the Sikh Coalition, Arpinder Kaur was officially hired by American Airlines Corporation (AMR) as a First Officer. She filed her grievance for accommodation of her religious article of faith based on American Airlines’ allowance of “regulation approved hats”. An agreement was reached that is consistent with state and federal anti-discrimination law. In June 2008 she finished her pilot training program and is now flying Embraer Jets for American Eagle, a regional airline that is part of AMR based out of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
When Arpinder Kaur was asked why she chose to do this, she said:
“Two of the reasons I did this were: first, my love of flying and, second, to set a precedent for the community so they know you can be in your Sikh appearance and do anything out there; so that my younger brothers and sisters [the rising generation] will pursue their passions while practicing their Sikh faith.”
Her passion for flying first started when at the age of 15 she got to sit in the cockpit of an airplane when moving from Panjab. Despite having a degree in Information Systems and her mother’s belief that it was too dangerous for a girl to be a pilot, Kaur has chosen to follow her passion; while using it as a means for supporting her family. Kaur said it was the love and support of her husband, Pritpal Singh that pushed her forward on the path toward becoming a pilot. Kulbir Singh Sandhu, captain with AMR mentored her throughout her aviation career. From 2003 to 2005 Kaur was trained by Jesse Sherwood in Kansas. With the help of these individuals and others along with her own perseverance and determination, Kaur and American Airlines have shown that accommodation and not assimilation is the way to harness the strength of diversity in America.
Harinder Singh, executive director of the Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) in San Antonio, Texas said, “This is a great day for the Sikhs in America. Religious accommodation, not assimilation, is what the founders of this great nation envisioned and we are thrilled American Airlines celebrates the rich religious and cultural diversity of all American populations.”
Here is a short film on Arpinder Kaur and “piloting”:
84 Responses to “Sikh Woman: First Turbaned Pilot In America”
This is awesome news! Good to hear. I remember watching the video about her that was submitted for the SikhNet Youth Film Festival back when she was still training.
This summer I had some good fun with another Sikh friend of mine who is also into flying and took me for a ride. You can see the video at:
http://www.mrsikhnet.com/index.php/2008/06/18/fly…
This is awesome news! Good to hear. I remember watching the video about her that was submitted for the SikhNet Youth Film Festival back when she was still training.
This summer I had some good fun with another Sikh friend of mine who is also into flying and took me for a ride. You can see the video at:
http://www.mrsikhnet.com/index.php/2008/06/18/flying-high-in-the-skies-of-espanola/
This is a great news for Sikh community , I cong the Arpinder Kaur and wish her all the best.
Surjit Singh Flora
Journalist and Photographer
http://www.Hamdardweekly.com
Toronto, Canada
flosurj@aol.com
This is a great news for Sikh community , I cong the Arpinder Kaur and wish her all the best.
Surjit Singh Flora
Journalist and Photographer
http://www.Hamdardweekly.com
Toronto, Canada
flosurj@aol.com
That's great. Congrats to Arpinder Kaur & her family.
Congratulations to the entire community.
H S Bawa
Journalist,
Daily Ajit, Jalanadhar.
hsbawaajit@hotmail.com
098722-41041
That’s great. Congrats to Arpinder Kaur & her family.
Congratulations to the entire community.
H S Bawa
Journalist,
Daily Ajit, Jalanadhar.
hsbawaajit@hotmail.com
098722-41041
FIrst and foremost Congratulations bhenji.
I was curious to know what a SIKHni is ? Seems pretty odd, I guess all this time I was wrong in thinking a woman is also a Sikh ? This article was def written from a male perspective; sikhni lmao
FIrst and foremost Congratulations bhenji.
I was curious to know what a SIKHni is ? Seems pretty odd, I guess all this time I was wrong in thinking a woman is also a Sikh ? This article was def written from a male perspective; sikhni lmao
Satish,
I have read many asinine comments on The Langar Hall. However yours may have just taken the cake.
Salwar Kameez is "Sikh" women's clothing? I assume you go to your job wearing a Kurta Pajama as that is "Sikh" male clothing. (I hope you can feel the oozing sarcasm)
Maybe you should "concentrate on efforts to prevent murder of innocent baby girls" instead of making moronic misogynistic comments.
Congrats to our sister!!
Awesome development for people of all faiths.
Just one concern with this article. The term "sikhni" is very unusual. The last time I heard it was in a Bollywood flick. The term "sikh" is genderless, and using words such as "sikhni" implies that "sikh" is a male member of the sikh faith. Gurbaani doesn't differentiate between a female and a male sikh, so why are we?
It is not a good trend to set, as it distorts the spirit of sikhi.
thank you.
fateh!
Rajan, Deepi, and Ghazal is very proud of you and the family. Congratulations!!!!
Congrats to our sister!!
Awesome development for people of all faiths.
Just one concern with this article. The term “sikhni” is very unusual. The last time I heard it was in a Bollywood flick. The term “sikh” is genderless, and using words such as “sikhni” implies that “sikh” is a male member of the sikh faith. Gurbaani doesn’t differentiate between a female and a male sikh, so why are we?
It is not a good trend to set, as it distorts the spirit of sikhi.
thank you.
fateh!
Rajan, Deepi, and Ghazal is very proud of you and the family. Congratulations!!!!
Wrong to give this type jobs to anti-Indian fanatics. Bad very bad.
Gurjant Singh and Parminder Singh,
I appreciate your desire to address gender equity in Sikhi and understand your sentiments around the term “Sikh” being genderless. The word “Sikhni” was used in this post to highlight the gender component because unfortunately in our community there is a major discrepancy between the ideology of gender equity and practice. Arpinder Kaur is not just a Sikh, but a Sikh woman or “Sikhni” who has overcome gender barriers and religious bias to set an example of following your passion through perseverance and determination for ALL Sikhs. For example, not only was her right to practice her religion being questioned, but also if it was “safe” enough for a woman to be a pilot. If Arpinder would have been a Singh, I have a feeling her mom would have been more supportive of her passion to be a pilot. Thus, I used “Sikhni” because the need to write Sikh woman over and over again got pretty old and “lame” so I added in a little of my own Panjabi background and was not trying to be “bollywoodish” about Sikhi.
Lastly, I would add that gender equity in Sikhi does not mean being “genderless”, but equally valuing femininity and masculinity. We must recognize and value their similarities and differences. Only then can we begin to stop creating false barriers and ill-founded conceptions of both genders that perpetuate inequity. Our Gurus recognized there are differences between femininity and masculinity, but they did not allow them to become barriers for serving Waheguru.
Gurumustuk Singh,
Here are two youtube videos (they’re a little long) of fellow Sikhs who share the enjoyment for flying (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxAtnKcllVo&feature=related & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk2SpphWn8g&fe…!
Phulkari,
After reading your above post, I understand the deliberate use of Sikhni to highlight Arpinder is a Sikh woman (and to avoid using "Sikh woman" repetitively).
However, for some reason I can't quite identify, I am uncomfortable with the word 'Sikhni' (although I have no problem with the word 'Singhni' – go figure).
'Sikhni', to my ears, sounds almost like an insult – or a derogatory reference to a Sikh woman. I recall a Hindu referring to a Sikh male as 'Sikhra' in a demeaning fashion, and the word 'Sikhni' sounds equally unpleasant to me.
Maybe I just need to get used to the word.
my two cents
Gurjant Singh and Parminder Singh,
I appreciate your desire to address gender equity in Sikhi and understand your sentiments around the term “Sikh” being genderless. The word “Sikhni” was used in this post to highlight the gender component because unfortunately in our community there is a major discrepancy between the ideology of gender equity and practice. Arpinder Kaur is not just a Sikh, but a Sikh woman or “Sikhni” who has overcome gender barriers and religious bias to set an example of following your passion through perseverance and determination for ALL Sikhs. For example, not only was her right to practice her religion being questioned, but also if it was “safe” enough for a woman to be a pilot. If Arpinder would have been a Singh, I have a feeling her mom would have been more supportive of her passion to be a pilot. Thus, I used “Sikhni” because the need to write Sikh woman over and over again got pretty old and “lame” so I added in a little of my own Panjabi background and was not trying to be “bollywoodish” about Sikhi.
Lastly, I would add that gender equity in Sikhi does not mean being “genderless”, but equally valuing femininity and masculinity. We must recognize and value their similarities and differences. Only then can we begin to stop creating false barriers and ill-founded conceptions of both genders that perpetuate inequity. Our Gurus recognized there are differences between femininity and masculinity, but they did not allow them to become barriers for serving Waheguru.
Gurumustuk Singh,
Here are two youtube videos (they’re a little long) of fellow Sikhs who share the enjoyment for flying (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxAtnKcllVo&feature=related & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk2SpphWn8g&feature=related)!
Phulkari,
After reading your above post, I understand the deliberate use of Sikhni to highlight Arpinder is a Sikh woman (and to avoid using “Sikh woman” repetitively).
However, for some reason I can’t quite identify, I am uncomfortable with the word ‘Sikhni’ (although I have no problem with the word ‘Singhni’ – go figure).
‘Sikhni’, to my ears, sounds almost like an insult – or a derogatory reference to a Sikh woman. I recall a Hindu referring to a Sikh male as ‘Sikhra’ in a demeaning fashion, and the word ‘Sikhni’ sounds equally unpleasant to me.
Maybe I just need to get used to the word.
my two cents
This phenomenon of Sikh women wearing turban originated from USA – SRM does not have any edict about turban to be worn by Sikh women. Neither were women included in Panj Payare when the first ever baptism ceremony took place in 1699.
Is this Sikh pilot also carrying a Kirpan. Is she a baptised Sikh? Sikh women denied equality in Sikhism are trying to emulate Sikh men by wearing Turban. Why are these Sikh women wearing western uniform? – Why not like true Sikh women insist on Salwar Kameez uniform to assert her true Sikhi.
It's a good publicity stunt for cheap publicity to get into the publics view by wearing a turban. She is very lucky to be born alive unlike large number of her Sikh sisters who are terminated in the womb – Perhaps having won her right to wear a turban – she could concentrate on efforts to prevent murder of innocent baby girls.
Satish
This phenomenon of Sikh women wearing turban originated from USA – SRM does not have any edict about turban to be worn by Sikh women. Neither were women included in Panj Payare when the first ever baptism ceremony took place in 1699.
Is this Sikh pilot also carrying a Kirpan. Is she a baptised Sikh? Sikh women denied equality in Sikhism are trying to emulate Sikh men by wearing Turban. Why are these Sikh women wearing western uniform? – Why not like true Sikh women insist on Salwar Kameez uniform to assert her true Sikhi.
It’s a good publicity stunt for cheap publicity to get into the publics view by wearing a turban. She is very lucky to be born alive unlike large number of her Sikh sisters who are terminated in the womb – Perhaps having won her right to wear a turban – she could concentrate on efforts to prevent murder of innocent baby girls.
Satish
Satish,
I have read many asinine comments on The Langar Hall. However yours may have just taken the cake.
Salwar Kameez is “Sikh” women’s clothing? I assume you go to your job wearing a Kurta Pajama as that is “Sikh” male clothing. (I hope you can feel the oozing sarcasm)
Maybe you should “concentrate on efforts to prevent murder of innocent baby girls” instead of making moronic misogynistic comments.
Mewa Singh, I have to agree with your assessment of Satish's post.
Ahmed, don't lose hope – given the stupidity encapsulated in your one, short sentence, you certainly have the innate ability to surpass Satish in the "most assinine comment" sweepstakes.
Satish, you've got your work cut out for you.
Wrong to give this type jobs to anti-Indian fanatics. Bad very bad.
Mewa Singh, I have to agree with your assessment of Satish’s post.
Ahmed, don’t lose hope – given the stupidity encapsulated in your one, short sentence, you certainly have the innate ability to surpass Satish in the “most assinine comment” sweepstakes.
Satish, you’ve got your work cut out for you.
Satish,
you are one of the thankless who never appreciated the sacrfices of Sikhs to protect your religion, otherwise your name would have been Satish Mohammed when muslim rulers were baptising Hindus to accept Muslim religion by force.
You must appreciate the courage of Arpinder Kaur to take the challange in male dominating profession and come out winner.How many of Hindu women Pilot you are aware who dare to be a pilot wearing a Saree?
Bill
[P.Singh, Ahmed has really thrown down the gauntlet and taken your challenge for "most asininic (?) comments on TLH. Too bad no one gets to read it…ahmed, don't bother…. Admin Singh]
'ahmed' and 'satish' ' are trolls. lets ignore them.
Congtratulations to Arpinder Kaur for becoming a pilot-achieving her lifelong dream. Regardless of her outward appearance and her religious affiliation-this is not easy.
Satish,
you are one of the thankless who never appreciated the sacrfices of Sikhs to protect your religion, otherwise your name would have been Satish Mohammed when muslim rulers were baptising Hindus to accept Muslim religion by force.
You must appreciate the courage of Arpinder Kaur to take the challange in male dominating profession and come out winner.How many of Hindu women Pilot you are aware who dare to be a pilot wearing a Saree?
Bill
[P.Singh, Ahmed has really thrown down the gauntlet and taken your challenge for “most asininic (?) comments on TLH. Too bad no one gets to read it…ahmed, don’t bother…. Admin Singh]
‘ahmed’ and ‘satish’ ‘ are trolls. lets ignore them.
Congtratulations to Arpinder Kaur for becoming a pilot-achieving her lifelong dream. Regardless of her outward appearance and her religious affiliation-this is not easy.
[bdb I think you are right…..ahmed, more stupidity = more deletion…. Admin Singh]
[bdb I think you are right…..ahmed, more stupidity = more deletion…. Admin Singh]
Satish,
Last time I checked … a salwar-kameez is worn often by Hindu, Muslim, Jain, and Christian women in Panjab and throughout South Asia… ummm when did it become associated with only Sikh women and "true" Sikhi? Check yourself and the misogynistic comments at the keyboard next time!
Ahmed,
We welcome commentators to share their views on the post topic (view our policy on commenting below) … if you can’t stick to this hate-free zone then please create your own blog to express your sentiments because we will continue to delete your's!
THL Commenting Policy: “We love hearing from our visitors, so please do leave your comments! No profanity, name calling, or discrimination, please – we try to keep The Langar Hall a clean, open, and hate-free zone. We reserve the right to edit or remove inappropriate comments.”
P. Singh,
Your lack of comfort with the word “Sikhni” is understandable, especially after that “Sikhra” comment by someone. Also, Sikhni is used less often than Singhni. So yes, it may just be a matter of getting used to the word!
Although “Singhni” can be used as a term of endearment by men, from your comment I feel you understand the oppressive issues surrounding it when Guru Gobind Singh Ji purposely gave Sikh women the name Kaur.
As for “Sikhra” I find it offensive too, especially when it was used in a demeaning way. I am no Hindi expert or know if the person was of Panjabi background, but I feel like it’s a direct attack on Sikh men’s masculinity. I personally associate the “ra” ending with a derogatory word used in Panjabi for homosexual men.
Your “two cents” are always welcome!
Satish,
Last time I checked … a salwar-kameez is worn often by Hindu, Muslim, Jain, and Christian women in Panjab and throughout South Asia… ummm when did it become associated with only Sikh women and “true” Sikhi? Check yourself and the misogynistic comments at the keyboard next time!
Ahmed,
We welcome commentators to share their views on the post topic (view our policy on commenting below) … if you can’t stick to this hate-free zone then please create your own blog to express your sentiments because we will continue to delete your’s!
THL Commenting Policy: “We love hearing from our visitors, so please do leave your comments! No profanity, name calling, or discrimination, please – we try to keep The Langar Hall a clean, open, and hate-free zone. We reserve the right to edit or remove inappropriate comments.”
P. Singh,
Your lack of comfort with the word “Sikhni” is understandable, especially after that “Sikhra” comment by someone. Also, Sikhni is used less often than Singhni. So yes, it may just be a matter of getting used to the word!
Although “Singhni” can be used as a term of endearment by men, from your comment I feel you understand the oppressive issues surrounding it when Guru Gobind Singh Ji purposely gave Sikh women the name Kaur.
As for “Sikhra” I find it offensive too, especially when it was used in a demeaning way. I am no Hindi expert or know if the person was of Panjabi background, but I feel like it’s a direct attack on Sikh men’s masculinity. I personally associate the “ra” ending with a derogatory word used in Panjabi for homosexual men.
Your “two cents” are always welcome!
I will like to thanks your parents who made you intellegent & gave you good teaching at home about your life & Sikh Dharam,
Azaad Monthly magazin Montreal canada
I will like to thanks your parents who made you intellegent & gave you good teaching at home about your life & Sikh Dharam,
Azaad Monthly magazin Montreal canada
I am very thankful to waheguru ji and us aviation authority who has given oppertunty this SIKH woman specially with turban. Woman who has faith and true fait about her career.Blessing of sangat with her always.In future i wish there would be the daywe will here fleet of sikh woman arround the globe.
wahegur ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh
I am very thankful to waheguru ji and us aviation authority who has given oppertunty this SIKH woman specially with turban. Woman who has faith and true fait about her career.Blessing of sangat with her always.In future i wish there would be the daywe will here fleet of sikh woman arround the globe.
wahegur ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh
I am very thankful to Waheguru ji and United States Aviation Authority who has given oppertunty this SIKH woman specially with turban. Woman who has faith and true faith about her career.Blessing of sangat with her always.In future I wish there would be the day will come ,We will hear fleet of sikh woman arround the globe.
waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh
I am very thankful to Waheguru ji and United States Aviation Authority who has given oppertunty this SIKH woman specially with turban. Woman who has faith and true faith about her career.Blessing of sangat with her always.In future I wish there would be the day will come ,We will hear fleet of sikh woman arround the globe.
waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh
I feel very proud of Arpinder Kaur
We happen to live in San Antonio and did not hear about this news earlier [we are new to town], and found out about her accomplishments via the blog today.
I feel very proud of Arpinder Kaur
We happen to live in San Antonio and did not hear about this news earlier [we are new to town], and found out about her accomplishments via the blog today.
Congratulations! Well Done Arpinder!
You might want to check out another video of a Sikh pilot in the US.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9V4cWE0fJM
Congratulations! Well Done Arpinder!
You might want to check out another video of a Sikh pilot in the US.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9V4cWE0fJM
Actually there is still a lot of work to be done in this arena. While it is great that an American based airline company has allowed Arpinder to wear a turban as a pilot, many Sikh men are not being allowed to fly professionally because of their mustache and beard. This is because the Federal Aviation Authority or FAA considers facial hair:
1. A fire hazard – in case there is a fire in the cockpit.
2. The oxygen mask may not fit correctly over the mouth and nose because of the facial hairs.
Note: Some airlines allow short, trimmed mustaches in the US but no beards. I believe the Sikh male pilots in India do not have this restriction.
If anyone has any experience or knowledge in this area, I would be keen to hear more.
I have a nephew and family friend who are interested in becoming airline pilots in the US but are facing potential obstacles in this area. I understand they could fly for a smaller commercial aircraft that do not generally fly at the higher altitudes and thus are not restricted under this FAA regulation.
Actually there is still a lot of work to be done in this arena. While it is great that an American based airline company has allowed Arpinder to wear a turban as a pilot, many Sikh men are not being allowed to fly professionally because of their mustache and beard. This is because the Federal Aviation Authority or FAA considers facial hair:
1. A fire hazard – in case there is a fire in the cockpit.
2. The oxygen mask may not fit correctly over the mouth and nose because of the facial hairs.
Note: Some airlines allow short, trimmed mustaches in the US but no beards. I believe the Sikh male pilots in India do not have this restriction.
If anyone has any experience or knowledge in this area, I would be keen to hear more.
I have a nephew and family friend who are interested in becoming airline pilots in the US but are facing potential obstacles in this area. I understand they could fly for a smaller commercial aircraft that do not generally fly at the higher altitudes and thus are not restricted under this FAA regulation.
"Note: Some airlines allow short, trimmed mustaches in the US but no beards. I believe the Sikh male pilots in India do not have this restriction.
If anyone has any experience or knowledge in this area, I would be keen to hear more"
I am sorry to hear that Turbaned ,bearded sikhs are not allowed to become pilots in USA
here is the News how a Turbanned bearded pilot S.S kohli averted the Mishap and saves the lives of 150 passengers
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Mishap_…
“Note: Some airlines allow short, trimmed mustaches in the US but no beards. I believe the Sikh male pilots in India do not have this restriction.
If anyone has any experience or knowledge in this area, I would be keen to hear more”
I am sorry to hear that Turbaned ,bearded sikhs are not allowed to become pilots in USA
here is the News how a Turbanned bearded pilot S.S kohli averted the Mishap and saves the lives of 150 passengers
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Mishap_averted_at_Mumbai_airport/articleshow/4097691.cms
hi
i just wanted to right here to tell you that i have chosen you for an important particular work at school and it also is a compation all over london and you were the first hing that came to my mind and i also wanted to become a pilot but i am still not sure.
hi
i just wanted to right here to tell you that i have chosen you for an important particular work at school and it also is a compation all over london and you were the first hing that came to my mind and i also wanted to become a pilot but i am still not sure.
Well done Arpinder.
Congratulations to you.
Sawraj
Well done Arpinder.
Congratulations to you.
Sawraj
KDS
you are right that in Indian pilots are allowed to keep there faith….in fact there is not a single job in India where a Sikh has to cut his beard or trim it…..(not that i know of)
in fact my uncle(retired)was a top IAS officer in india
in America there are too many restrictions for Sikhs & Muslims in public and so many private sector jobs
KDS
you are right that in Indian pilots are allowed to keep there faith….in fact there is not a single job in India where a Sikh has to cut his beard or trim it…..(not that i know of)
in fact my uncle(retired)was a top IAS officer in india
in America there are too many restrictions for Sikhs & Muslims in public and so many private sector jobs
WE PROUD
WE PROUD
Jeet and Ibadat,
Grow up and stick to the topic or be banned. This is a warning for the two of you.
Jeet and Ibadat,
Grow up and stick to the topic or be banned. This is a warning for the two of you.
Arpinder Kaur is a prime example of destroying stereotypes, and breaking down barriers of ignorance and misunderstanding. Thank you for being a true ambassador of the Sikh Panth! We are fortunate to live in an America where, for the most part, we are judged by our ability to get the job done as opposed to whether we wear yarmulkes, dreadlocks or turbans. It's important to note, there's still work to be done in order to bring certain corporate/governmental "dress-code" regulations in compliance with the First Amendment and Federal/State Anti-Discrimination Laws – however, organizations such as SALDEF and the Sikh Coalition are doing this on a daily basis, in addition to individuals such as Arpinder Kaur.
[deleted…Idabat stay on topic and you need not respond…Admin Singh]