RAF navigator has sex swap
By Michael Paterson
A NAVIGATOR with the RAF has had a sex change operation and is returning to flying duties as a woman.
Flt Lt Eric Cookson, 39, paid for the operation in May and became Caroline Paige. She is thought to be the RAF’s first transsexual. The Ministry of Defence switched her to ground operations during the run-up to the operation. But recent tests have shown she can do her £45,000-a-year job as well as before. As Flt Lt Cookson, she had flown in fighter jets and helicopters. Her training cost £750,000.
From childhood she had wanted to be a woman and dressed in women’s clothing in private. She said: “When I joined the RAF in 1980 I didn’t encounter any problems because nobody suspected my inner feelings. But about two years ago things got worse as I realised I was not living my true life - so I decided I had to do something about it.”
Her treatment has cost about £18,000. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said last night: “This was a medical issue. In all the armed forces we obviously wish to retain quality personnel and, as she is still up to the job, we are keen to keep her.”
29 September 1999: Sex-change Pc loses discrimination case
2 August 1999: Sex-change soldiers can stay in Army
22 March 1997: [Features] Changing sex
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