1. FALL 2015
L G B T L I F E A N D
A V I A T I O N I N C U B A
A W E L C O M I N G D O O R S L O W L Y O P E N S

3. Fall brings beautiful changing tree colors and
temperatures. It is one of my favorite times
of the year when I can put on a sweatshirt
and snuggle up next to my partner, Brandon,
and our cat, Squeak, with a glass of merlot (in
Minnesota, of course). This also means our
final 2015 event in Provincetown is quickly
approaching. As I reflect on what the NGPA,
and more importantly, our members, have
accomplished in this past year, I am amazed
with the level of commitment shown by
members to volunteer for the organization
we all love. The success for our professional
pilots gaining employment in the airlines and
corporate world is a true testament of the
positive changes and work of the NGPA. While
we don’t take credit for the success of our
members, we are proud to see what our family
can do together to provide opportunities for
our members to succeed in their careers.
Last month as we celebrated the Fourth of
July and the victory for marriage equality in
the United States, I
reflected upon the
accomplishments
of the NGPA. A few
years ago, while
many of us could
only dream about
the progression
of our nation and
the world for LGBT
equality, we can
now celebrate
great times for
our organization
and our country.
The NGPA is
growing in the U.S.
and internationally,
yet there is still
much work to be
done! A bigger
NGPA doesn’t
necessarily mean
a better one. I’ve
talked with many
pilots in countries
where they are socially where the U.S. was
just a decade ago. They need our support,
our networking, and our family. They need the
NGPA. In past years, the membership cost for
an international member has been higher than
a U.S./Canada member, and after review, I’m
happy to announce the cost for a U.S./Canada
individual or international member will now be
the same. We are all equal here at the NGPA,
and we want to provide every opportunity
for someone to join our organization.
As our world continues to embrace the
LGBT community and recognize equality
for all, I encourage you to stay alert, be
respectful, and show love, even to those
who don’t support our organization or who
we are. Many individuals and groups are
still not supportive, and we need to stick
together and continue to fight the battles and
stand up for what is right for one another
and the NGPA. While marriage equality is
a huge step, acceptance will take time.
Ever since I can remember, I have always
heard our community referred to as LGBT.
Since then, many other demographics
have been added to that to identify one
another. One of those original letters “T”
was foreign to me until late last year when
I met NGPA member Kelly Lepley (NGPA
News, Summer 2013). A mother of two and
an MD-11 UPS pilot, her remarkable story of
transition and the obstacles she faced and
overcame was truly life-changing to hear.
Shortly after meeting Kelly, I was blessed
to meet our guest speaker for Cape Cod
Classic 2015, Jessica Taylor. A transgender
airline pilot, civil engineer, and advocate for
equality, she is an inspiration and a story
you won’t want to miss in Provincetown. The
recognition of the transgender community,
especially within the aviation community,
will be a continued focus of the NGPA
to ensure equality and recognition.
Grab that sweatshirt and make your
P-town reservations to join us as we wrap
up our final event of the year. While this
event may bring our 25th anniversary
year to a close, it will mark the beginning
to another great 25 years ahead!
David Pettet
NGPA Executive Director
D A V I D P E T T E T | L E T T E R S
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 0 3
THE COST FOR AN
INTERNATIONAL MEMBER
WILL NOW BE THE SAME.
WE ARE ALL EQUAL HERE AT
THE NGPA, AND WE WANT TO
PROVIDE EVERY OPPORTUNITY
FOR SOMEONE TO JOIN
OUR ORGANIZATION.

4. We have had much to celebrate and I hope this summer has treated you well.
Rounding out the season, this magazine has it all! Naturally, we continue our
lust for travel with some stunning stops portrayed from unique angles:
contemporary Havana; Quebec Pride; and Paris, the air show. Paralleling
our travels are satiable (good for you) fat foods. Fit for the foodies and
wanderlust, these segments will satisfy your hunger for both!
I was fortunate enough to catch up with transgender activist and
First Officer, Jessica Taylor. We chatted about her life aloft and her
transition from good to great before she was to feature on the
Dr. Drew Show in Los Angeles where she continued to speak
on behalf of the transgender community. From our captivating
interview, you will understand how Jessica has embraced living
an authentic life. There is so much to gain from her story.
Additionally, our in-house CFI backs-up go-arounds with some
shocking stats. I guarantee you will change your approach
phase habits from this one read. Furthermore, and with
respect to the beloved Kelly Murphy, our advocacy team
presents the steps towards an aviator’s depression-free life.
Well choreographed with an intriguing LGBT TedTalk, the
marriage of knowledge is sure to enhance, if not save, lives.
Using, #NGPA25 and the like, Seen on the Scene recaps pride
celebrations from our members across the U.S. through various
social media. It was a thrilling summer and this publication, by
way of the NGPA, has an impressive line-up to closeout our 25th
anniversary. I am excited to connect and create new possibilities with you
in Provincetown, MA at our final event of the year: The Cape Cod Classic.
See what we can achieve together.
Enjoy.
A H M E T I S M A I L O G L U , E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F , N P G A N E W S
A H M E T . I S M A I L O G L U @ N G P A . O R G
K E E P I N T O U C H > S U R V E Y M O N K E Y . C O M / S / N G P A N E W S
A H M E T I S M A I L O G L U | L E T T E R S
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 0 4

5. FROM THE
FLIGHT DECK
As someone who has sometimes struggled with change, I’ve
spent a lot of time focusing on how to better adapt to it. Our
organization is not immune to this vulnerability that we ardently
embrace for the better. Within the NGPA, we have changed our
events to keep them interesting and exciting based on what
members tell us. Our board members change because those who
are so willing to serve cannot do so forever and at some point
must move on. We make sweeping changes that can be seen
by mere observers on the outside, as well as seemingly minute
changes to our internal structure that keep the wheels of the
organization turning smoothly.
This year we are to conclude our 25th anniversary. We
undertook the very big and complex task of updating the entire
image of the organization. This meant changing our branding,
which of course includes our NGPA logo.
Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “You
must be the change you wish to see in the
world.” Our renewed image is a reflection of
the Association’s persistent strides to be the
change we want the world to see.
Internally, we changed our by-laws,
which govern how we conduct business as
a nonprofit organization. We do this often
to best match the changing needs of our
community. Now, term limits are in place
for board members. This ensures the board
will remain fresh with new ideas and that no
one person could attempt to take control for
longer than what would be healthy.
Furthermore, with a membership that has
doubled in the past three years, it became
necessary to outsource our finances to a
third party firm. This has not only reduced our
workload but also provides for oversight and acts as an ongoing
auditing process to prevent potential financial complications.
The list goes on, but these are some of the highlights of what we
have done in order to ensure the NGPA is both stable today and
here for tomorrow. Embracing change is not a foreign concept
for those of the LGBT community yet it is important to recalculate
direction all the while not completely void of singe.
Nothing we do is without careful thought about how such
changes will impact the NGPA membership. No one person can
make a change unless it is the overall voice of the board members,
and we always have the best interest of the organization and its
members in mind.
As your current board chair, I thank you for your support
and ask you to recognize the board members for their service
to this organization. We are here to serve you, and to provide a
change for the better. We are today’s leaders
and responsible for the change which will
become tomorrow’s NGPA. We have been
entrusted to guide, direct, and protect the
NGPA of tomorrow. I am humbled to serve in
this role within the NGPA, and not just to serve
an organization called the NGPA but to serve
you, our multitalented and diverse members,
who make up the NGPA. Thank you for your
support and for being a part of this great
community. We have so much to be grateful
for and so much is possible.
Scott Shatzer
NGPA Chairman
At some point, we have all been told that change is good. The benefits of change,
however, are often subjective. What may be great change for one person may not be
at all good for someone else, and sometimes it takes a look at the bigger picture to
understand if the true, overarching value outweighs the potential downsides.
S C O T T S H A T Z E R
S C O T T S H A T Z E R | L E T T E R S
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 0 5

6. CONTENTS
13
24
10
24
FROM GOOD TO GREAT
Jessica Taylor shines with
beauty, inside and out
8
ASK CFI
Essential maneuvers
10
THE SKINNY ON FATS
The good, the bad
and the delicious
13
AVIATION IN CUBA
Steven and Dan Reynolds go
exploring on the beautiful island
16
AVIATION + DEPRESSION
20
THREE DAYS OF
PRIDE IN YQB
22
FROM PARIS WITH LOVE
Letters from the Paris Air Show
The NGPA News is published quarterly for the members and
associates of the National Gay Pilots Association. Opinions expressed
herein are not necessarily the views of the editors nor those of the
NGPA members. Membership or advertisement in the NGPA News
should not be considered an indication of sexual orientation.
Mail: NGPA, P.O. Box 11313, Norfolk, VA 23517
Telephone: 347-762-NGPA
Email questions and editorial inquires to ahmet.ismailoglu@ngpa.org
Email advertising inquires to david.pettet@ngpa.org
FACEBOOK.COM/NGPA.FB TWITTER + INSTAGRAM @ NGPA2
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
AHMET F ISMAILOGLU
EDITORIAL DIRECTORS
HEALTH
DR. ANGEL OCHOA-RAE
ADVOCACY
MARK CHESLOW
TRAINING
NICHOLAS MICHAELS
EDITORS
ALEXANDER BISHOP
ERIN RECKE
GINA MARTYN
JOHN BURDICK
THOMAS BREWSTER
ROBBIE BARNHART
EDITORS AT LARGE
L. JAMES OCHOA-RAE
JESSALYN HERNANDEZ
JOHN ROSA
GUEST CONTRIBUTORS
STEVEN & DAN REYNOLDS
PHILIPPE ALLAIRE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAVID PETTET
G. SCOTT SHATZER
KYLE S. MORGAN
GREGG SMITH
DAVID GOSNELL
CHRIS HOSS
DAN REYNOLDS
KEVIN SPERLING
KYLE SZARY
MARK SCHMID
MICHELLE YATES
TOM MORIN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ROSEMARY MILLER
IN MEMORIAM
STEVEN MOORE
EDUCATION FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAVID PETTET
GREGG SMITH
GREG SUMNER
KIT WARFIELD
RON DAVIS
DAVID LASKY
GREG ZUNKIEWICZ
JOHN SWANEY
JULIE TIZARD
MITCH HAMILTON
CHICAGO, IL
SAN LEANDRO, CA
CLEVELAND, OH
WASHINGTON, DC
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
SEATTLE, WA
DENVER, CO
CHICAGO, IL
CLEVELAND, OH
ST LOUIS, MO
SAN LEANDRO, CA
PRESCOTT, AZ
ALAMEDA, CA
LOS ANGELES, CA
OTTAWA, ON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HONOLULU, HI
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, CHICAGO, IL
VICE CHAIRMAN, BOSTON, MA
TREASURER, NORFOLK, VA
SECRETARY, DALLAS, TEXAS
FT. WORTH, TEXAS
LONG BEACH, CA
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
BOSTON, MA
PHILADELPHIA, PA
LAKE WORTH, FL
HOPKINTON, NH
CLEARWATER, FL
1979 - 2014
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HONOLULU, HI
CHAIRMAN, NORFOLK, VA
VICE CHAIRMAN, PHOENIX, AZ
SECRETARY, SEATTLE, WA
TREASURER, LENEXA, KS
MARINA DEL RAY, CA
COLUMBUS, OH
SAN JOSE, CA
PHOENIX, AZ
JACKSONVILLE, FL
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 0 6
ADVENTURES IN
CUBA
FAT
FOODS
JESSICA
TAYLOR
22
PARIS
AIR
29
ASK BETTY
30
SEEN ON THE SCENE

7. THE NATIONAL GAY PILOTS ASSOCIATION
more fabulous than ever.JANUARY 21-24, 2016 | PALM SPRINGS, CA
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 | 9AM-6PM
THE RENAISSANCE PALM SPRINGS HOTEL
PALM SPRINGS, CA
www.ngpa.org
The National Gay Pilots Association is pleased to announce
the 2016 NGPA Industry Expo, which will be held at the
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. In 2015, we had a record-
breaking number of qualified aviation applicants and
ATP-qualified industry professionals, and we expect 2016
to be bigger and better than ever.
Guest speakers and educational seminars for both
commercial and general aviation pilots are in the lineup
of events. Leading airlines will be interviewing and hiring
on-site. General aviation products and services will be on
showcase and display. This is the premier January industry
event––mark your calendars!
S A V E T H E D A T E !
For additional information:
BRIAN GAMBINO Director, NGPA Industry Expo | brian.gambino@ngpa.org
DAVID PETTET NGPA Executive Director | david.pettet@ngpa.org
2015 fall ngpa news half page.indd 1 7/16/15 9:54 AM

8. The go-around and the missed approach are
essentially a transition from the landing phase
of flight to a climb-out phase. Missed Approach
generally implies that the go-around occurred
because an instrument approach could not be
completed to a landing. Whatever the reason,
a go-around can prevent an accident and save
lives. The cost of an accident will always be
much greater than the cost of a go-around.
How do we know who is performing go-
arounds and who is not performing go-
arounds? Line Oriented Safety Audits (LOSA)
have developed as a proactive means of
preventing accidents. In 1999, the concept was
endorsed by the International Civil Aviation
Organization as the primary countermeasure
to inhibit human error in aviation. Aircraft
operators self-report data on crew performance
which includes the good, the
bad, and the ugly. That data
is analyzed to spot hazardous
trends and cultivate a solution
before they result in an
accident. Over the years,
more and more organizations
have begun to contribute
LOSA data and the data pool
has matured to yield some
very interesting statistics.
Stabilized
approaches are a
major focus of LOSA
studies. A stabilized
approach is the only approach that
should be flown to a landing and
every operator publishes criteria
defining a stabilized approach. The
FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)
defines a stabilized approach as
“one in which the pilot establishes
and maintains a constant angle
glide path towards a predetermined
point on the landing runway.” Every
Pilots do not want to have to perform a
go-around. It is a high-workload maneuver,
passengers take it as a frightening sign that
something is wrong, and there might be
questions as to why it was needed in the
first place. The reality is that a go-around is a
startlingly under-utilized tool for preventing
accidents and should not be thought of as
a bad thing. This article will examine one
of aviation’s essential maneuvers and the
statistics underlying that importance.
operator publishes criteria defining a stabilized
approach and they all echo the AFH which
states “Whenever landing conditions are not
satisfactory, a go-around is warranted.”
Despite the risks, pilots are not always going
around when they should. With the help of
Airbus Studies, the LOSA collaborative reveals
that 96-97% of approaches conducted by
contributing world-wide operators qualified
as stable. Only 1.5-3% of the remaining 3-4%
of approaches resulted in a go-around. For
perspective, consider the numbers on the
scale of a major aircraft operator. On the
preferable end of the statistics (3% go-arounds
for 3% of their flights), an operator conducting
30,000 flights per month would encounter 900
unstable approaches in that time and only 27
might go-around… less than one per day. What
do you suppose that average suggests about
go-around compliance in general aviation?
The fact that many accident-free landings
follow unstable approaches does not mean
that they were safely executed. The Flight
Safety Foundation compiled research from a
16-year span and two very pertinent statistics
stuck-out: 65% of accidents occurred during
the approach-and-landing phase and 50% of
accidents could have been prevented with
a go-around. The total accident rate would
literally be half of what it is currently if more
pilots executed a go-around when they
should have. This exposes a big question for
everyone in aviation to: why do pilots try to
land when the situation calls for a go-around?
The AFH provides two very good answers.
The first is neatly summed up as “landing
expectancy.” When a pilot safely performs
E X A M I N I N G O N E
O F A V I A T I O N ’ S
E S S E N T I A L
M A N E U V E R S
A N D T H E
S T A T I S T I C S T O
S U P P O R T I T .
M I S S E D
A P P R O A C H E S
N I C H O L A S M I C H A E L S | A S K C F I
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 0 8

9. landing after landing, the idea that any
other outcome is possible becomes
increasingly remote. The industry term for
this is “normalization of deviance.” Coined by
sociologist Diane Vaughn, it is defined as “the
gradual process through which unacceptable
practices or standards become acceptable.” If
the choice was made to risk it and there were
no negative consequence, it is important to
keep in mind that the next time might not be
as lucky. This introduces Procedural Intentional
Non-Compliance (PINC). LOSA data suggests
pilots make an average of 2.1 unintentional
mistakes per flight. PINC refers to the other
kind of variation from procedures, where a
decision is made to neglect something (such as
failing to read-and-do a long-ago memorized
checklist). Both normalization of deviance
and PINC support why a pilot may choose
to continue an approach after inadvertently
getting a little high on the glideslope for
just a second. “I’ve got it, not a big deal.”
Solution: do it the right way every time.
The second answer the AFH gives as to
why pilots continue with unstable approaches
is pride. Making the decision to go-around
requires admitting that the landing will not work
out. On top of saving face, the reason a pilot is
reluctant to go-around could range from job
concerns to a lack of confidence in the alternate
airport. For passengers, this could mean a
delay impacting connections. Operational
pressure or anything similar would obviously
be an excuse - one that does not stand up to
logical scrutiny. Still, in that moment, a pilot
may fall victim to such a tempting psychological
trap. Solution: be prepared for the possibility
of a go-around – conduct a thorough briefing
and plan a usable alternate. Good preparation
will make the decision between a second
attempt and a diversion a no-brainer.
A third possible reason for choosing not
to go-around is the perception of danger.
Something unexpected has occurred and now a
pilot has to make the conscious decision to add
a go-around to the stack. The perception that
going around would be more dangerous than
continuing to land is generally false and can
usually be attributed to a combination of landing
expectancy and pride. The single biggest factor
in the success of a go-around is quick detection
and execution. When properly executed in
a timely manner, the go-around is a safer
alternative to continuing an unstable approach.
The go-around is composed of basic airman’s
skills introduced to pilots in their first few
lessons. Remaining proficient and prepared
–the marks of a truly professional pilot- will
ensure the availability of one of the best means
of avoiding an accident known to aviation. For
pilots, this should mean less reluctance to go-
around when it is warranted; for passengers,
this article hopefully gives reason to be relieved
when on a flight and the pilot decides to
go-around. It is a clear sign that the pilot is
making the right call for everyone’s safety.

10. The word, “fat,” encompasses several different
types – some healthy, some unhealthy and for
the overall majority, essential. In the body, fats
provide structural support (helping firm-up
cell walls) and promote metabolic processes
(serving to fuel heart tissue, among many other
organs). While fats are fats, there are three
major types: saturated, unsaturated, and trans.
The difference is in their chemical structure.
Synthetic trans fats are extremely unhealthy,
yet natural trans fats are beneficial in many
ways even though the chemical structure varies
only slightly. An example of a natural trans fat is
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which has been
found to help one lose fat, especially around the
abdomen, and can be taken as a supplement.
There are two major types of unsaturated
varieties, some unhealthy (inflammatory) and
others, which exert powerful anti-inflammatory
benefits to the body. The two main poly-
unsaturated fatty acids are the inflammatory
omega-6’s and the anti-inflammatory omega-3’s.
Both are considered essential, meaning the
body cannot produce them. The important thing
to know about them is the ratio in which you
consume them. The current recommendation
is a 2:1 to 3:1 ratio of omega 6’s to omega 3’s.
The scary thing is that since omega-6’s are
ubiquitous in processed foods, the majority of
Americans consume a ratio of as high as 15:1!
The bottom line is saturated fat is NOT
unhealthy as long as it’s coming from healthy
sources, like pasture-raised beef, chicken,
eggs, coconut oil, and butter. Saturated fat is
so necessary for the human body that most of
the body’s cholesterol is manufactured by the
body. All the sex hormones, testosterone, and
estrogen are manufactured from cholesterol.
Eating grass-fed animals will provide an
omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 2:1 to 3:1
– exactly what we want. Corn-fed cattle have
a ratio of 15:1 to 20:1; not what we want!
Wild fatty fish and pastured eggs are top
sources of omega-3 fats. Pastured eggs
contain twice as much long-chain omega-3
fats, and over 2.5 times more total omega-
3’s that their caged counterparts. While
flaxseed and chia seeds do offer omega-3
fats as alpha-linoleic acid, the body does a
poor job of converting it to DHA and EPA.
Another source of fats is vegetable oils.
However be VERY careful which you choose.
Many of them, including sunflower, corn,
soybean and cottonseed have dreadfully
high concentrations of omega-6 fats and
should be avoided entirely. Most vegetable
oils, because of their chemical structure
are not very stable, and therefore when
they are heated, they break down (oxidize)
and are even less healthy. Avoid margarine,
hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils,
man-made trans-fats often found in “buttery
spreads” including oil blends like Earth Balance,
Benecol and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.
Healthy sources of monounsaturated
fats include olives, olive oil, avocados and
avocado oil, and macadamia nuts and oil.
A healthy plant-derived saturated fat is
coconut, which can be used in many ways.
For cooking, use saturated fats that are
very stable when heated; coconut, butter,
duck and bacon fat are great choices. For
cold uses, stick to olive oil, avocado oil, and
walnut, pecan, flaxseed or macadamia oil.
With so many great choices for
fats such as bacon and butter, why
would you eat man-made crap?
I hope this article has helped you feel
better about incorporating healthy fats
into your diet, and has helped dispel many
of the myths regarding fats that have
permeated our culture in the last 50 years.
Now bring on that bacon! Bon appétit!
THE SKINNY
ON FATS
J O H N B U R D I C K | H E A L T H + F I T N E S S
SUPER SMART If you’re interested in
learning more about the fat/heart disease
myth, read The Great Cholesterol Myth by Jonny
Bowden, Ph.D., and Stephen Sinatra, M.D.
Thanks to poor science, notorious
propaganda and the mere stigma of
the word itself, fat has been vilified
for decades. That stops now.
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 1 0

11. MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS
1 lb grass-fed ground beef
1 lb bacon, minced
14-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes
1 red onion, minced
1 bell pepper, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
1 cup almond flour
2 tbsp oregano
1/2 tbsp sea salt and pepper to taste
BBQ SAUCE INGREDIENTS
3 tomatoes, diced
1 white onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, diced
1 6-ounce can of tomato paste
1 cup beef stock
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cayenne
1 can of diced pineapple
INGREDIENTS
1 medium sweet potato
1 large onion
3 eggs
Drop of white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons coconut oil
INSTRUCTIONS
> Preheat oven to 400°F. If you have a
meat grinder, use it to grind the bacon and
ground beef together. Otherwise, mince
the bacon as fine as possible and combine
in a mixing bowl with the ground beef.
Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl,
and mix well with your hands to ensure
an even distribution of ingredients.
> Form meat into a loaf and put it in a Pyrex
dish, loaf pan, or form into meatballs and put
in a pan. Bake for an hour or until the meat
is cooked through. Because of the bacon, the
internal temperature needs to be at least 165°F.
> Remove from the oven and let sit for 10-
15 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve
drizzled with BBQ sauce. Serves 6. Enjoy!
INSTRUCTIONS
> Combine all ingredients in a saucepan
and place on stove over medium heat,
stirring frequently. Once your sauce
starts to boil, reduce heat to low,
cover, and simmer for 60 minutes.
> Once your sauce has simmered, turn off the
heat and pour your sauce into a blender or food
processor and run until the sauce is a smooth
consistency.
> Return to the pan to keep warm or place
on the food of your choice. Store in the
refrigerator. Enjoy.
INSTRUCTIONS
> Peel and grate the sweet potato and
onion. Squeeze out any excess moisture. Use
a fork to beat one egg, add it to the potato mix
and season with salt and pepper.
> Spoon the mixture into a pancake ring or
cookie cutter. Use your fingers to compress.
> Heat 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a heavy
base frying pan and carefully lift the rösti into
the hot oil.
> Fry until golden brown. Carefully turn and
repeat on the opposite side.
> Place röstis into a preheated 400F oven for
20-30 minutes until baked through.
> Boil a pan of water with a drop of white wine
vinegar and poach two eggs
> Serve with an extra twist of salt and pepper.
Layer with a slice of tomato. Place on a bed of
arugula. Serves 2. Enjoy!
Rösti is a Swiss dish made with
grated potatoes. This delight
is a nutritious substitute to
brunch-fave eggs Benedict.
FIRE-ROASTED BACON BBQ MEATLOAF
SWEET POTATO RÖSTI
WITH POACHED EGG

13. L G B T L I F E A N D
A V I A T I O N I N C U B A
A W E L C O M I N G D O O R S L O W L Y O P E N S
To see and hear, one can look upon a screen in the safety
and comfort of home, but to smell and taste and touch,
one must go! The deeply engrained desire to know the
world’s vastness a little more intimately compels us aloft,
never quite content to remain in any one place for too
long. We look to the sky, gaze at the horizon, and head for
the airport in an unending quest to live a little bit more,
learn a little bit more, experience a little bit more.

14. This shared passion for travel is part of
the camaraderie that makes NGPA such
a remarkable part of the fabric of our
journeys. A community of fellow travelers
who understand the blessed joy of “where to
now?” This ‘wanderlust’ has certainly been a
very special part of our journey together over
the past decade. When deciding where to
go next we often look for somewhere just a
little bit off the well-worn path. A destination
that is “not yet” but “almost,” yet somewhere
we can be ourselves, holding hands and
demonstrative of love without fear of
persecution. To mark our 10-year anniversary
we chose an adventure lying just offshore.
So close and yet so far: destination Havana.
We both had long wished to visit Cuba
while it is remains untainted by the excess
commercialism and branding that will
undoubtedly eclipse the land when a full
normalization of relations with the United
States is realized. While restrictions on
traveling to Cuba have certainly relaxed in
recent months, visiting strictly for tourism
is still not permitted by our government.
Having made all the requisite arrangements
(more tedious than complicated) to comply
with the new regulations concerning visits,
we landed at Jose Marti International
Airport brimming with excitement to
learn what we could about LGBT life as
well, as the aviation industry, in Cuba.
Waiting in line to exchange currency
(preferably Pounds or Euros as a 10%
penalty is assessed on conversion of US
Dollars) into the Cuban “Convertible” Peso, a
currency reserved primarily for foreigners, as
opposed to the regular Cuban peso, a greatly
devalued parallel for the locals. We strike
up a conversation
with a local gay
man, Emilio, also in
line. He welcomes
us, enthusiastic to
talk with Americans,
and tells us we will
be safe and have
nothing to fear here. “When you return to
the United States tell your friends we are
waiting to welcome them to Cuba.” From the
first person we talked to, everyone was so
friendly and welcoming us with open arms.
We check into our comfortable “5-star”
seaside hotel, the Melia Cohiba. It being an
“international business hotel” is free from
any noticeable media censorship. CNN and
the BBC are available on the television and
Wi-Fi, though performing at glacial near-dial-
up speeds, is available. Though it is already
well into evening we are unable to resist the
urge to go out and explore. We stroll through
the neighborhood vibrantly alive with the
smells of cooking, the sounds of socializing,
and the energy of a soccer match being
played. Stopping at the market across the
street we amusingly find it temporarily closed
as it has exceeded its arbitrary maximum
capacity, apparently 4 people. A short wait
finds the door open and us invited in to
buy some bottled water for our stroll.
After a comfortable night’s rest, we head
to the city center (a fifteen-minute cab ride
away), to meet our guide, a lovely young
woman named Junasi who is eager to tell us all
about life in Cuba. We waste no time inquiring
about the LGBT community here in Havana.
Junasi tells us that LGBT’s are a protected
group here in Cuba and
no overt discrimination
exists. As vintage 1950’s
American cars, some
pristine, others rusty
relics, motor down the
Paseo Marti, she tells us
with immense pride that
Mariela Castro, daughter
of President Raul Castro, niece of Fidel, while
straight herself, has chosen to champion the
LGBT cause here in Cuba. With the passion
and protection of someone so close to the
regime, the LGBT community exists here fully
integrated, out in the open, with no fear.
Government support of the LGBT
community here is such that gender-
reassignment surgery to the transgendered,
is provided free of charge. As we walk through
the Parque Central, Junasi shows us where
LGBT’s meet to chat, an open-air chat-room
of sorts, in a land where the Internet is still
a luxury not affordable to the masses, and
the expensive cellular services available
offer no data for any social networking Apps.
There is something refreshing about the
squares and parks brimming with people
animatedly chatting with one another rather
than having everyone in sight eyes locked
firmly onto smart-phones. There is only one
full-time gay bar in Havana, but gay themed
nights are frequent at other venues.
Prior to our arrival we wondered if we would
have any “minders” or have any restrictions on
what we were allowed to talk with the locals
about. Pleasantly, we find that as we stroll the
streets of Havana, we are not only free to talk
with anyone we choose about life in Cuba but
actively encouraged to do so. We are equally
free to express our union, to hold hands or
exchange a kiss. Other than a welcoming smile
or nod, no one pays any notice. We feel safe,
welcomed, and wholly free of judgment.
We are shown vestiges of difficult times
for Cuba. A visit to a local store whose
barren shelves offer a few sundries, dusty
soaps and toothpaste tubes, to anyone
S T E V E N + D A N R E Y N O L D S | E X P L O R I N G
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 1 4

15. with the appropriate ration coupons,
reminds one that this is still a deeply
impoverished nation. The Museum
of the Revolution features interesting
aircraft and other relics from the Bay
of Pigs Invasion. A vast tunnel system
beneath the lush peacock-filled gardens
of the former Mafia-run gambling-
haven of The Hotel Nacional serve as
reminders of defenses from possible
invasion during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Fruit, available for a few coins from
doorsteps-turned-storefronts is absolutely
delectable. Plantains offer a delicious boost
of much needed energy, ours having been
sapped away
by the heat. A
stop for a drink
and to enjoy
the wonderful
live music
at Earnest
Hemmingway’s
imbibing
spot, La
Bodeguita del
Medio, offers
refreshment
from the stifling
humidity.
The Cubans
seem as interested in us as we are in them.
We field questions about the speed of data
on our iPhones, LGBT life in America and
the long awaited thawing of relations while
lunching on a multi-course meal. Plantain
chips and various fried roots and fishcakes,
barbequed beef with white rice and black
beans; all delicious, and naturally washed down
with mojito’s, seemingly preferred to water.
The sun bears down, unrelenting, as we ride
the seaside corniche in a convertible 1957
Ford, radio blaring American country music
and rap, ever present as you pass other relics
of the yesteryear of the American highway.
A stop in Revolution Square, lorded over by
the edifice of Che Guevara, find us immersed
in a requisite brief about the history of
the Revolution and the wonders of Fidel.
Cracks quickly surface in the propaganda
and rapidly hopes are freely expressed of a
better, freer, tomorrow under the moderated
leadership of Raul. “Fidel has done wonderful
things for the people, but we want more.
We want prosperity not just subsistence.”
The next day we meet Yaniet to discuss the
aviation industry in Cuba. Two of her extended
family members are pilots for Cubana. We
chat about their unique fleet composition, a
hodgepodge of Illyushin’s, ATR’s, Antonov’s
and whatever else they can get their hands
on. There are difficulties in providing adequate
training with such a diverse fleet type and
so few of each hull type. The culture here
still views pilots and cabin crew as highly
respected professionals. We are asked the
same questions we have borne endless
times before: “what do you fly?” “What is your
usual route?” “What is your favorite place?”
The enthusiasm of the askers such that our
replies are absent any jadedness, rather full
of realization at how fortunate we are to be
here, in places like this, sharing our lives and
passions with people as interested to learn
of us, as we are of them. A communion of
learning made possible
by the liberty, and
absolute joy, of travel.
In a visit of only a
few short days, we
have developed a
deep appreciation
for the Cuban people
and their lives, culture
and struggles. This is a place still somewhat
mysterious but oh so inviting, enchanting, sad,
dilapidated; yet lovely, hopeful, energetic and
passionate all at the same time. We spend our
last evening with other couples, straight and
gay alike, holding hands against the vibrant
backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. Enjoying
a cigar on the sea-wall of the Malecon offers
the opportunity for a great talk with another
gay couple, watching the waves lap gently
in hopes of a better tomorrow. For us, in
hopes of a favorable Supreme Court ruling on
marriage equality (which would happily come
just days after our return to the US,) and for
them in hopes of escaping not from a land
they love, but from the poverty they live under.
The sun sets on another day in Havana, a
city stranded in decades long past, anxiously
awaiting the prosperity that should come
with a full and open communion with their
neighbors to the North. Cuba is full of a
wonderfully gracious and kind people excited
about what the future may bring, yet anxious
to retain their beautiful culture, hopefully free
of an endless sea of chain establishments.
Thank you Cuba for being such gracious hosts.

16. AVIATION AND
CONTROLLED DEPRESSION
ARE CLEAR FOR TAKE-OFF
FOR KELLY MURPHY
You are sitting in your family doctor’s office.
The doctors come in and there is a grave look
on their face and they state that you have a 1
in 10 chance of getting a debilitating disease. It
could cause you to be unable to leave the house
or even make you bedridden. This disease is
depression. In light of the Germanwings tragedy,
which evidence is now showing depression may
not be the correct cause, and our own NGPA
Art Director, Kelly Murphy, who we loss a year
ago by his own hand, it is important to pull back
the veil and explore the facts of depression
and how it affects our careers as aviators.
Depression, also called Major Depressive
Disorder (MDD), is a serious medical illness.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it
is all in your head and that all you have to do
is snap out of it. This is a physical condition.
We all get “down” from time-to-time, but the
symptoms of depression are quite definitive. It
is any combination of any of these symptoms
that persist for two weeks or more.
• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism,
guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness, fatigue
• Social activities seem difficult or impossible
• Feeling exhausted with no energy often
• Feeling that life has/is ‘passing you by’
• Focus on what has gone wrong or will
go wrong or what is wrong about yourself
• Loss of interest in previously
enjoyable activities, including sex
• Problems with sleep such as insomnia
or excessive sleeping, waking too early
• Significant changes in weight gain or loss
• Physical aches and pains, cramps, or
digestive issues that don’t resolve with treatment
While conducting research on depression
and the LGBT community for this article,
the only consistent observation is that
more research is required. There are only a
handful of true scientific studies, and mostly
only of gay men. The majority of studies
have too small of a sample, do not span
enough time, and their findings tend to
benefit some political cause. Statistics range
wildly depending on the target audience.
Understanding this, there are some findings
we can examine and make some general
statements. In 2001 the American Journal of
Epidemiology published a study stating that
gay men had a 12 month prevalence for MDD
of 10.2% as compared to 7.3% of heterosexual
men. A 21 year study published in the Archives
of General Psychiatry in 1999 found that LGB
people suffered MDD at levels twice that of
heterosexuals over the course of their lives.
In general, “Minority Stress” was identified as
a major contributor of the difference which
includes, social stigma, prejudice, the stress of
hiding in the closet, internalized homophobia
introduced by family, religion, or society, and
the fear of rejection. More recent studies have
identified HIV status, the trauma of bullying,
physical or verbal harassment, and drug
and sexual abuse as contributing factors.
One other disturbing generality was
that, we as a community tend not to seek
professional help. Whether it is the past
psychiatric community supporting homosexual
behavior as a mental illness, the feeling that
straight doctors will not understand gay
issues, or even reaching out to members
of our own community about relationships,
sex, drugs, or HIV status, we do not like to
share our problems for fear of rejection.
It used to be that depression and its
treatment would mean immediate revoking of
your FAA medical. That is no longer the case.
Since 2010 the FAA has permitted pilots with a
Special Issuance Medical Certificate to take one
of four approved antidepressant medications,
which are Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro.
These are known as Selective Seratonin
Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). They are well
tolerated with fewer side affects. Some people
may experience, nausea, headaches, jitters,
or insomnia, which tends to fade over time.
The procedure for attaining your medical is
very straightforward. First, you will need to find
a Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS)
AME. You can find one in your area online.
Once you find the AME, you will follow the SSRI
Decision Path Flowchart, which basically asks if
you are taking an SSRI. If you are and elect to
stop taking it, then you will be reevaluated in
60 days to make sure your mood has stabilized
and you are capable to fly. If you elect to
continue taking the medication and it is one
of the four approved SSRIs then you will need
a six month evaluation period from the time
medication was started. If you have been on
the medication for six months prior to applying
for your medical, you will need to provide an
evaluation from your treating physician and
the HIMS AME, to the FAA who will render a
decision, normally within four to six weeks. If
you are currently flying as your career, then
you will have to stop flying for six months
while you are being evaluated. Sick leave,
vacation, and long-term disability insurance
T H O M A S B R E W S T E R | A D V O C A C Y
SSRI DECISION PATH
Airman is on SSRI
ElectstodiscontinueuseofSSRI ElectstocontinueuseofSSRI
Contacts HMS AME. On SSRI more than 6+ months?
AME notes in Block 60
and defers issuance
Is SSRI
Fluoxetine (Prozac), Escitalopram
(Lexapro), Sertraline (Zoloft), or
Citalopram (Celexa)?
Advise
NOT Acceptable
Acceptable diagnosis
and treatment
YES
YESNO
YES
NO
NO
After 60 days off SSRI with
favorable report from treating
physician of stable mood, airman
may apply for regular issuance.
Nature of underlying diagnosis, then treatment.
Is airman currently on multiple psychiatric medications or do
they have a history of unacceptable diagnosis or symptoms?
Airman must provide
statement, evaluation
reports, records, tests,
and letters as outlined
per specification sheet.
Must have stable
dosage of SSRI at least
6 months before SI
consideration. If elects
to discontinue use, start
SSRI Decision Path again.
Advise not acceptable,
defer, and forward all
material and exam to
AMCD for FAA decision.
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 1 6

17. can help make your way through financially.
Another excellent option is the use of
Psychotherapy or “talk therapy.” Broken
down into two groups, therapy is a way
to find the root of your depression and
find behaviors to counteract it.
Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) works to
restructure negative thought processes and
to cultivate positive ones to replace them.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) helps those who are
having issues with a troubled relationship that
may be causing their depression. Therapists,
psychologists, and psychiatrists have made
a concerted effort to learn more about LGBT
issues over the last decade and with strides
made with regard to our civil rights, there
are more-and-more mental health care
providers not afraid to state being LGBT.
Our physical health is what keeps us flying.
Depression is a physical illness. Initially, many
of us might feel that six months to be evaluated
is a long time to put your career on hold, but
over the course of a 40 year career, it will be
looked back as a small moment in time. We also
must get past our reluctance to ask for help.
One of the reasons for this organization is
to be there for each other. Don’t be afraid to
reach out. A 39-and-half-year career of healthy
and happy flying will be much more fulfilling
than a 40-year career of stress and anguish.
SEPTEMBER 18th-20th, 2015 | PROVINCETOWN, MA
The 2015 NGPA
Cape Cod Classic
is sponsored in
part by a special
grant from the
Provincetown
Tourism Fund.
Morgana Bailey has been hiding her true self for 16 years.
In a brave talk, she utters four words that might not seem
like a big deal to some, but to her have been paralyzing.
Why speak up? Because she’s realized that her silence has
personal, professional and societal consequences. In front
of an audience of her co-workers, she reflects on what it
means to fear the judgment of others, and how it makes
us judge ourselves.. TED.COM
RECOMMENDED TED TALK
MORGANA BAILEY: THE DANGER
OF HIDING WHO YOU ARE

20. From September 3- 2015, Quebec holds
its annual Fête Arc-en-ciel, under the theme
“Show your Colors,” a celebration not to miss
and a rendezvous for all foodies, wineaux,
fashion and French culture enthusiasts!
DAY 1
To get the most out of your experience, the
Hilton Quebec is the perfect place to stay. Very
close to most touristic attractions and pride
events, this establishment also offers access
to an impressive pool terrace where one can
enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.
Described by National Geographic as “an
architectural treasure and a monument to
European colonial history in the New World, the
Historical District of Old Quebec should be the
first place to visit upon arrival. This exceptionally
well-preserved UNESCO-protected area hosts
museums, historical monuments and world-
class art galleries, all visited in
a few prideful days on foot.
You cannot miss the iconic
Château Frontenac and the
enchanting Quartier Petit
Champlain, located right below.
While walking through its
cobblestone streets, you may
want to shop at Oclan, a high-
end clothing store famous for
it’s “Fuck La Mode” t-shirts.
For an exceptionally
romantic dinner in 17th
century’s Nouvelle-France,
Le Lapin Sauté and Panache are both
excellent choices. But book early!
Afterward, you may want to go at Le
Drague, Quebec city’s main gay night club,
where men and women of all ages gather to
celebrate in a very free-spirited, crazy and
vibrant atmosphere. You’ll be charmed by the
cabaret’s large terrace and by the creativity of
its drag performers, who will put on several
theme shows during the pride weekend.
P H I L I P P E A L L A I R E | P R I D E
3 GAY DAYS YQB

21. A less extravagant venue, Bar St-Matthews,
also awaits bears, cubs and all of their friends.
DAY 2
On Saturday and Sunday, St-Jean street will
be opened to pedestrians only, so it will be
the perfect time to discover Faubourg St-Jean-
Baptiste, the gayest neighborhood in town.
On the street, trendy stores like Schu’z and
Séraphin will hold sidewalk sales. You will also
find community-organized stands
and temporary terraces where you
can eat and drink all day. If you
want to discover local products, La
Ninkasi du Faubourg holds a Bières
& Saveurs tasting on Saturday. Fine
gourmets may also want to shop at
J.A. Moisan, a charming specialty store
open since 1871. Or they can visit
Érico, a chocolate museum, or dine
at Le Hobbit, a cozy restaurant also
renowned for its exquisite brunches.
A short walk down the hill will bring
you to Nouvo St-Roch, a formerly-
decaying neighborhood that was
successfully revitalized around a
decade ago. This edgy area now holds the hip
boutiques, cafés and pubs. It is also where
you’ll find TRYP Quebec Hotel Pur, for a more
urban vibe and a great price-quality ratio. A
lot of good addresses for shopping and dining
are also located in Quartier St-Roch. Don’t
miss Baizenville and Uni(T), for fashion, and Le
Clocher penché, Table, Versa and the very
gay-friendly Le Cercle, for food and drinks.
At night, head back uptown and hang
out at Place D’Youville, where a signing
contest will take place, then go dancing at
Le Drague’s for the very crowded DJ night.
DAY 3
On Sunday, a lot of events will take place at
Place D’Youville, starting with a family pique-
nique, citizen speeches and a walk for equality.
This will be the time to show your colors! If
you still have some energy to burn, a Zumba
session will also be held during the afternoon
in front of the TD scene. At night, you may want
to come back there to watch a performance by
the very theatrical Réglisse, know as the “Queen
Mother” of local drag queens and famous for
her dark humor and outstanding costumes.
In between, you may continue hanging out in
the city and enjoy a beer on one of its terraces,
but don’t forget there are amazing green
spaces to discover, like the Plains of Abraham,
where Quebec’s National Museum of Fine
Arts is located, or the Montmorency Falls Park,
that you can reach by bus in only an hour.
Before saying, “au revoir,” remember to come
back during fall or winter to admire the bucolic
landscapes of Charlevoix and Island of Orleans,
and to experience one of it world-class ski
resorts, like Le Massif and Mont-Sainte-Anne.
QUEBEC CITY PRIDE’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
http://arcencielquebec.ca/activites/
fete-arc-en-ciel/english/

22. F R O M
P A R I S W I T H
L O V E
THE PARIS AIR SHOW IS THE WORLD’S OLDEST AIR
SHOW, AND ARGUABLY, THE MOST EXCITING.
T H E L A R G E S T A I R S H O W I N T H E W O R L D
Held every odd year at Le Bourget
Airport in north Paris, the June
show was the 51st in its history.
What makes the show so exciting –
aside from its undeniably amazing
location in Paris – is not only its
history, but also its magnetism.
Because of its longstanding tradition
as the oldest and one of the largest
of its kind, the Paris Air Show draws
huge crowds and therefore prompts
many organizations to reserve their big
announcements for the start of the show.
As a lifelong aviation devotee,
attending the show renders me a
kid in a candy shop, and I just can’t
get enough of the excitement.
I attended my fourth show this year,
armed with a press pass alongside
my longtime friend and USA Today
reporter Ben Mutzabaugh–whom
some of you may remember from a
recent Palm Springs Winter Warm
Up keynote. We had the amazing
opportunity to take some awesome
pictures from inside of the new
Bombardier Global 6000 corporate jet
during an invite-only special event.
The highlights of the show are almost
too many to name, but I’ve compiled
some takeaways from the show
to share with NGPA members.
S C O T T S H A T Z E R | G E T T I N G A R O U N D
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 2 2

23. 1. Swiss C-Series. This plane has
served as FTV5 during the flight-test
program of the CS100 program.
2. Seat renewal. 100 to 150-seat renewal
will be driven by North America and
Europe. Bombardier’s top leaders
delivery market outlook for the
worldwide commercial aircraft sales.
3. Bombardier. Bombardier showed
off its Global 6000 corporate jet
during the first day of the air show,
and it was a sight to behold!
2. China Airlines uniforms. Lovely
crewmembers from China Airlines
presented their new uniforms before
the show began. Sometimes, aviation
isn’t all about planes but also the little
details that go into making flying
experiences unique. They showed off
their 777-300ER’s they have and may well
soon order more to replace additional
747-400’s currently in the fleet today.
4. Architecture innovation. An architect
designed the interior with the vision of
having it feel, look, taste, and smell like
the Taipei culture, landscape, and cuisine.
5. Classy business. The business class
section of this new China Airlines
Boeing 777-300ER jet is incredible!
6. Marketable markets. Spending
my days in Paris, looking at and
photographing aircraft was exciting!
The Paris Air Show is impossible to
sum up in a page of text or a handful
of photos. It’s the kind of event
that gives true aviation geeks the
experience of being surrounded by
peers, the latest and in new aviation
technology, and the greatest visionaries
in the field. I already have my calendar
marked for 2017, and I hope some of
the curious members among us will
consider checking out the show!
2,303
Exhibitors from 48 countries
149,947
Professionals attended
201,637
General public attended
130
Aircraft attended
91
Countries attended
$130,000,000,000
Announced orders
JUNE 19-25, 2017
will be the next event!
D E T A I L S

24. You may recognize her from various social
media feeds and news outlets championing a
corporate diversity program. Her name is Jessica
Taylor and she has spoken to large companies
such as United Airlines about her transition. As
a CRJ First Officer for United Express in Denver,
CO, she has positioned herself well for many
to listen, especially in the aviation industry.
Her story, like many others, is accompanied
with struggle however after speaking with
Jessica for only a matter of minutes you
learn quickly, nothing keeps her down.
JT: My transition was more than just telling
people I am transgender. There were many
hurdles to overcome, from my FAA medical to
being the first transgender pilot at my airline.
Every step had to be methodically planned and
executed. My family was the first to know about
my transition. After some difficult discussions,
they became not only supporters but also allies
to the entire LGBTA spectrum. This marked a
huge change for my once conservative family.
Their love carried me through many difficult
situations and continues to embrace my life. The
FAA has had a history of grounding pilots for
Gender Identity Dysphoria. Working with them
would become one of the most important parts
of my transition. I became one of the first pilots
to transition while loosing only two days of work
and obtaining my First Class Special Issuance
Medical. This was a landmark decision for the
FAA. Congresswoman, Diana DeGette (D-CO),
took it upon herself to oversee the FAA during
this time. As a part of the process, I continue
to work with the FAA to help adapt and change
new regulations to help transgender pilots and
air traffic controllers obtain medical certificates.
AI: I am sure the process with the FAA
was extensive, yet it only took you two
days to complete. How did you get
the government to stay on beat?
JT: To be honest, I used everything I could
find. From my own experience in engineering
and public planning, to clinical observation
at hospitals to see how patients were
treated and diagnosed. It was important
to study legislative sessions and to read
government bill processes. Reaching out to
Congresswoman DeGette for help was the
single most important part. Gaining inside
allies changed how everything worked for me.
AI: It’s clear you were well prepared. Perhaps
we have people within our readership that
are where you once were in life. Can you
arm them with anything you discovered
while working closely with the FAA?
JT: The process to gain your medical certificate
is extensive. You must follow FAR 67.401,
Special Issuance, Item 41: G through U system
gender identity disorder to the letter of the text.
You must submit everything in a methodical
fashion to avoid being grounded. From blood
work to an extensive psychological examination
called a DSM-V multi axis evaluation. This
report must emphasize, all aspects of your
background from legal problems to credit,
depression, suicide, social factors, substance
abuse, and many others. It can range from
$300 to thousands of dollars. Accompanying
this, you must submit surgical reports, and
doctors’ notes along with a self-evaluation.
Once the FAA receives this package it can
take up to 16 months for review, going through
several different departments before it reaches
the one that makes the decision. Should you
loose your medical you are not able to fly an
airplane thus, you have just gained an up-paid
position. The worst part is, people around
you feel as though you may not be capable of
flying an airplane. It’s a very demeaning place
to find yourself. However, we are changing
things, it’s just taking time to update the
federal aviation regulations. We will succeed.
AI Jessica, the topics are often obtuse
through politics. How do you stay so
light-hearted, determined, even?
JT: Humor. One day, I tucked my skirt into
my panties at the Washington National
Airport in front of many elected officials
while boarding a flight to Denver. It wasn’t
A H M E T I S M A I L O G L U | A M A Z I N G P E O P L E
“I just try to allow people, especially other transgender people, the ability to connect
with me in a way that is real and unfiltered. People often forget about how important
advocacy is. It saves lives. When another person is struggling to live authentically and
they see someone who lives the way they want to live, proud and without excuses,
that moment can be truly life saving. The person realizes they’re not alone.”
Favorite Airplanes : Extra 300, Edge 540
Flight Time: Approximately 6,000 hours
Base/Seat/Fleet: Denver / First Officer / CRJ
Age: 32
Residing Location: Denver, Colorado
FROM GOOD
TO GREAT
JESSICA TAYLOR
FIRST OFFICER, UNITED EXPRESS
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 2 4

25. an experience I care to repeat. However, I
was surprised to receive many compliments
about my underwear selection.
She continues, sharing moments of
humor and audacity in her advocacy.
My favorite question of all time is, “So,
after you transitioned, did you change the
way you drive?” My response: “Absolutely. At
every stop sign I have to check my makeup,
and I stop at every mall.” The questioner
laughed and said, “No, seriously.” I said,
“Wait, was that really your question?”
Another time, while hosting a talk in front
of 3,000 people I was asked: “Do you ever
have a period?” I tell everyone that comes
to my talks to bring any and all questions.
I asked for it. I responded by laughing and
saying, “Hell, yes! In fact, if we don’t finish in 20
minutes and I miss my flight, one might start.”
AI: Wow, I think you handled that well.
I’m sure the 2,999 others gave him
a much-deserved death stare. What
about any tough flying experiences?
JT: During a training event at night, my
instructor and I decided to do some night flying
off the coast of the Palos Verde peninsula
in SoCal. My instructor placed me under the
hood to do some maneuvers. After a series
of maneuvers, we decided to call it a night
and head back. We soon realized that the
Long Beach airport had fallen below basic VFR
minimums; we would have to do an instrument
approach to get back on the ground. A thick
marine layer had filled the entire LA basin. So,
as my instructor readied for the approach, he
had me do a slow flight 360° turn with a power
off stall recovery and then we would head in
for the approach. At the end of the 360° turn
I reduced the power and held altitude until
a stall was indicated. As soon as the airplane
stalled, I accidentally kicked in too much rudder,
which sent us in a spin and into the clouds.
We recovered just hundreds of feet above the
ocean and below the marine layer. It was the
most terrifying experience of my life. In fact, I
had quit flying after this event. My instructor
sent me to aerobatic training, which reunited
me with my love of flying all over again. To
this day, I love flying aerobatics to sharpen my
skills and enjoy flying the wing all over again.
AI: I think many people would consider
that as defeat yet you conquered that as a
minor setback. That’s very inspirational.
JT: What then seemed to be the end, you think
about the beginning. My first flight was from
Long Beach, California in a Cessna 172: N562AC.
We flew up-and-down the California coast, out
to Catalina and over the congested Los Angeles
basin. I knew the second I took the controls,
aviation gave me purpose and purpose gave
me reason. Living life in a fourth dimension not
only reunited my soul with life, but it was the
inspiration of many things to come. That 172 led
to flying 30 different types of airplanes including
an Extra 300 and a King Air. After a few years of
flying as a private pilot, I decided to make this a

26. F.A.A. PHYSICAL EXAMS
ROBERT HOUGHTON, M.D.
Certified A.M.E., Primary Care, Travel Medicine
Class I, II, III & Students
Call today for an appointment
Se habla espanol
1855 1st Avenue | Suite 200B | San Diego, California 92101
619 233 4044
career. I attended Utah Valley University to earn
my undergrad in Aviation while obtaining my CFI.
After UVU, I started working for Sunrise Aviation
in Orange County, CA as a flight instructor. In
2009, I went to work for Beach Cities Aviation
Academy in Hawthorne, CA teaching primary
students. In early 2010 I was hired by Great
Lakes Airlines, to fly the Beech 1900D out of
Denver. After 1½ years of flying 121 and falling
deeply in love with passengers and airline travel,
I knew this was something I wanted to do for the
rest of my life. Then in 2012, I started working
for United Express where I’ve been since then.
AI: If you had one thing to tell
people about your life...
JT: Our lives are very similar. We shop at the
same stores. We go to the same coffee shops
and we even breathe the same air. What makes
me different isn’t supposed to separate us but
bring us closer together. It is human to protect
the weak or in this case the different. Just
because something is different doesn’t mean we
can’t share a life together. The more we share
a life together the more you’ll realize I am just
like you. We laugh, we cry, but most of all we
are in this together to succeed and to keep our
chin high, to be proud of standing-up for each
other. We run this race together and at the end
what matters is the legacy we leave behind.
Apart from our government, Corporate
America maintains the single biggest impact
on the LGBT movement in America. Being able
to connect this area with transgender issues
has allowed for a wide spread normalization of
the transgender community. The preconceived
notions of being transgender are being
changed through alliance of our community…
as not to isolate, but rather to include. These
departments are called Diversity & inclusion,
and they help all employees feel empowered
to succeed without fear or hatred. Being able
to put my finger on the pulse of Corporate
America has allowed me to feel the change
of equality. The best experience I could
ever ask for is the connection to people.
The NGPA is amazing at connecting like-
minded individuals who have the common
bond of aviation. During my transition, I was
connected with several members of the
NGPA who introduced me to amazing people
within the airline profession. This became
a significant role in my life and transition.
STAY CONNECTED WITH
JESSICA AT HER WEBSITE
@ MISSAVIATRIX.COM

27. Aero Crew News
Your Source for Pilot Hiring Information and More...
To view and/or subscribe to our eMagazine, please visit our website at AeroCrewNews.com.
Upcoming Events OBAP Conference August 12-14
Denver Pilot Job Fair September 25
Fort Lauderdale Job Fair November 13
Aero Crew News is a pilot hiring magazine, bringing you the latest
information directly from the source, the airline.
Every month we include, Airline Premiers, various articles and over 30
contract comparisons from over 33 different airlines and growing.
• Application Review
• Resume Critique
• Career Consulting
• Interview Prep
www.AeroCrewSolutions.com www.AeroCrewNews.com

28. CELEBRATIONS
Send your big news to celebrations@ngpa.org!
Marc Champion
& Patrick Powell
tie the knot
on their 27th
anniversary!
Congratulations!
2015 FLIGHT DECK
C H I E F P I L O T L E V E L ( $ 2 4 0 0 D O N AT I O N )
TOM BISHOP
TIM BRALY
CURTIS HAWKES &
DAVID BARTLEY
SCOTT SHATZER
GREGG SMITH
CHANDLER WONDERLY
& MIKE FILLMAN
JIM GABBERT &
TIM NOUSEN
TOM WARD
C A P TA I N L E V E L ( $ 1 2 0 0 D O N AT I O N )
F I R S T O F F I C E R L E V E L ( $ 6 0 0 D O N AT I O N )
F L I G H T E N G I N E E R L E V E L ( $ 3 0 0 D O N AT I O N )
BRIAN BROWN
TOM BUTTGENBACH &
SEAN LEFFERS
KATHI DURST & SHERI DYE
TOM BRUMLICK
MARC CHAMPION AND
PATRICK POWELL
DAVID CHINICK &
ANDRES DIAZ
CALEN CHRZAN
SEAN COOPER &
MIKE CHURCH
BILL GRAY
DAVE GOSNELL &
JOHN KOTALIK
CHRIS HOSS
FRANK KING
CAPT. TOMMY BARRAZA
& ROB MARIN
RUSSEL BORGNIN
JOHN BORMES
JEFF BUCHMAN &
KEN HEARN
SEAN CRAWFORD
& ROB QUIRK
SEAN COOPER &
MIKE CHURCH
SCOTT DALE
RON DAVIS
MATTHEW DEUTSCH
STEVE DUNN &
NEIL PURCELL
DANNY ESCOLA
DALE FIALA
DAVID FRENCH
PATRICK KEYS
RAND SNELL
BRYAN STEVENS
BRIAN STRAUB
CHAD R. MEDUNA
JEFF MONTGOMERY
STEVEN MOORE &
NATHAN SAMEK
KYLE MORGAN
TOM MORIN
DARREN MURPHY
& PAUL GAMEZ
PATRICK NIXON
DAVID PETTET &
BRANDON RICHARDS
BRIAN SAMUELSON
MARK SCHMID
DOUG FROST
ROBERT FUCHS
PAUL HART
BRANDON HOWARD
STEVE JENSEN &
CEDRIC STRIBLING
RON JONES
MIKE LINCOLN
MIKE MCBRIDE
CRANE MCCUNE
ROBERT MOYER
DARREN MURPHY
MIKE NICHOLS
THOMAS W. NIKOLAI
& BRIAN BUCKELY
CHARLES PHELAN
DAVE PENGELLY
KIT WARFIELD
BROOKS WILKERSON
DOUG WINNER
CHUCK PHELAN &
STEVE MCINTYRE
DAN REYNOLDS
JASON SEIDER AND
STEVEN SHANKS
JOHN SPANNAGEL
KEVIN SPERLING &
TYLER SCHEELER
MICHAEL STEWART
KYLE SZARY
JIM TAVENNER
MICHELLE & LAUREL
WILEY-YATES
ROB POSTE
HERBERT PUNZ
SEAN O’DONNELL
GARY OKUM
STEVEN REYNOLDS
JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ
RICHARD SCHOBER
DAY SURLES
WAYNE TAYLOR &
KIRK SEALE
BRAD THUROW
TYLER TENBRINK
BRIAN VOOGD
DAVID WILLIAMS
MICHAEL WEYMER
DOUGLAS WOOD
LUCAS, ZARLENGO
T H A N K YO U , N G PA M E M B E R S
TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE FLIGHT DECK, GO TO NGPA.COM AND CLICK “DONATE.”
E X E C U T I V E
C O R P O R AT E S P O N S O R S
G O L D C O R P O R AT E S P O N S O R S
C O R P O R AT E
Cory Klimko
Upgraded to Captain
at Compass Airlines
Ryan Davis
Upgraded to Captain
at Compass Airlines
PHIL JULIEN
TEXAS JACOBSON
ROBERT HOUGHTON, FAA MEDICAL EXAMINER
Wesley Henrie
Upgraded to Captain
at Compass Airlines
Rusty Rockwell
Cape Air
N G P A H E R O E S | F L I G H T D E C K
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 2 8

29. DEAR CAPTAIN,
Great question! No doubt the four stripes will be wonderful accessory on you. Honey,
the key to being respected--whether as a Captain, First Officer, or just a person--is to
treat others well and to do your job well. Now, Captains do set the tone for the crew. A
queeny tone will be acceptable to most, as long as you give a professional brief that covers
whatever is required by your company and you make it clear that the talking goes both
ways. When you can be yourself you are confident, and your colleagues pick-up on that, and
usually treat you as you deserve to be treated. But sometimes they don’t. What then?
There are four “problem attitudes”
that you might run into. Most common,
in Betty’s experience, is the AWK-WARD!
Somehow, these poor souls have managed
to live without encountering The Gay. This
manifests by being visibly uncomfortable,
and the best way to deal with it is to ignore
the awkwardness. Be who you are and
pretend obliviousness to their discomfort,
and bonus if you can use humor! With time,
their discomfort will probably disappear,
as soon as they realize that you have some
things in common--like a passion for flying.
Next most common is Iceman. Iceman will
give you shivers with his cold, nothing-but-
business, I’m-not-going-to-be-nice-to-the-
homo treatment. The best antidote to this
is to melt it with warm friendliness. They’ll
come around or they won’t, but you have
the satisfaction of being the better person.
Occasionally you’ll run into a Macho Bully.
This one requires intervention, because they
are questioning your competence. When
they make a derogatory comment, it’s time
to get up and close the cockpit door. “You
seem to have an issue with _____ . And we
need to solve it between the two of us, like
professionals. If we can’t do that, safety
dictates that one of us explain to the Chief
why we can’t operate the next flight. So,
how do you want to handle it?” Remember
what your parents always told you about
bullies? They’ll back away from direct conflict.
If they don’t, time for that call to the chief!
Be calm and respectful but firm--a leader.
Fairly rare is the Disgusted Dude.
(Sometimes a woman, but odds are...) DD
is personally offended by your existence.
If they tell you that ‘You’re breaking God’s
law / deviant / possessed by demons’, feel
free to go all Miranda Priestly on their...
no, no –professional and respectful, Betty.
“That’s your opinion, and you’ve heard
what they say about those...everyone has
one. The company’s policy is that they
don’t allow discrimination. Now, either
you can treat me with respect, the same
way that I treat you, or we’ll need to find
another solution.” Captain Bottom, you’ll do
fabulous! Best of luck, darling! - BETTY
DEAR BETTY,
I’m a soon-to-be captain at my small airline. So far during my reign,
I have experienced minimal backlash for being an out (and rather
flamboyant, I might add) First Officer. I am well-liked throughout the
company, and foresee no complications in being awarded upgrade.
However, when I make the hop to the left seat, I fear that I
might not be respected— some First Officers might object
to a queeny captain calling the shots. How might I set the
tone without using Miranda Priestley inspired sass?
- SINQUEERLY, CAPTAIN BOTTOM
B E T T Y | A D V O C A C Y
N G P A N E W S F A L L 2 0 1 5 2 9

30. J U N E : T H E M O N T H T O C E L E B R AT E A L I F E T I M E O F P R I D E
This special time rolls around once a year, and many cities have lavish celebrations of LGBT Pride. Historically, Pride is celebrated
in June to commemorate a fateful night in 1969 when pissed-off drag queens in New York City’s Stonewall Inn could take no more
harassment from the police and decided to fight back. This issue’s Seen on Scene takes a look at NGPA members celebrating Pride
throughout our great nation, especially highlighting the Supreme Court’s recent decision on marriage equality throughout the land.
S E E W H AT W E C A N A C H I E V E T O G E T H E R .
J O I N T H E G L O B A L L G B T A V I AT I O N C O M M U N I T Y AT N G P A . O R G
JOIN US FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
NGPA CAPE COD CLASSIC / PROVINCETOWN, MA 9.18-20/2015
NGPA WINTER WARM-UP & INDUSTRY EXPO / PALM SPRINGS, CA 01.21-24/2016
N G P A N E T W O R K I N G | S E E N O N T H E S C E N E

31. Old name.
The new cool.
The first name in aviation is now
the first name in aviation fashion.
The Wright Brothers brand inspires each
of us to be the master of our own identity,
by invoking the spirit of innovation,
persistence and the relentless pursuit
of perfection exhibited by the Wright
brothers themselves. Visit our official
online store today and Invent yourself.
The Wright Brothers and other marks ™ &© by
The Wright Brothers Family Foundation, llc, used
under license through The Wright Brothers USA, llc.
Royalties earned pursuant to this license benefit
The Wright Brothers Family Foundation,llc,andits
missionofpreserving the legacy of the Wright brothers.
TheWrightBrothersStore.com/ngpa/