Expert: D. Norkus - 6/17/2004

Question
I have heard that there are regulations stating that if a pilot is a Christian, the co-pilot (or vice-versa) must be a non-Christian.  If this is correct, how can I find a copy of this regulation, either from the FAA or any airline that may have this requirement?

Thank you for your help,
Howard Marcus

Answer
Howard

I am afraid you have been  misinformed. The FAA has no mandates or regulations on such personal beliefs of crew members. No airline has any such policy either. Ones religion is something that is considered a personal matter. If any company or government body to were to even attempt enforce such a rule (if it were to exist), it would create some serious constutional and/or discrimination issues. This is an issue that is usually kept out of the workplace as it is in the government (seperation of church & state).

You can read all the Federal Aviation Regulations online at this link-

http://www.risingup.com/fars/info/

FAR Part 121 are the rules that govern airlines. As you will see, only items relating to things like safety, training and maintenance are regulated. There is nothing about religion in any way, shape or form mentioned therein.

Dottie