‘Final barriers’ lifted for HIV positive pilots to work freely

THE final barriers to people with HIV having full careers as commercial pilots have been lifted.

New guidance has been produced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) setting out how Hiv-positive pilots in the UK can work without restrictions.

The regulator said it has also launched a six-month amnesty for pilots with the virus who did not declare their status when applying for a medical certificate enabling them to work.

The measures are believed to be a world-first for aviation workers. Pilots who disclosed they had HIV previously were automatically required to undergo cognitive testing to assess their mental abilities, which is an expensive and complex process.

The CAA’S new guidance, developed with the support of HIV charities, says that there is a much lower risk of an infected pilot suffering conditions that could impair their ability to safely fly an aircraft if they have a timely diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy.

The new directions and amnesty also applies to air traffic controllers. Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show an estimated 107,000 people were living with HIV in the UK in 2020.

During the amnesty period, aviation workers with undisclosed HIV will be able to correct their medical record without facing enforcement action. A medical team will work with those who come forward to review their health status. Employers will not be notified.

Richard Moriarty, CAA’S chief executive, said the UK will “continue to lead the way in supporting pilots living with HIV to fly safely and pursue their careers”.