Instructor’s Code of Ethics

While many of the characteristics of effective instructors discussed in the previous post hold true for any instructor, the aviation instructor has the added responsibility of molding an aviation citizen—a pilot or maintenance technician who will be an asset to the rest of the aviation community. The following code describes the concept of a good aviation citizen.

An aviation instructor needs to remember he or she is teaching a pilot or technician who should:

  1. Make safety the number one priority,
  2. Develop and exercise good judgment in making decisions,
  3. Recognize and manage risk effectively,
  4. Be accountable for his or her actions,
  5. Act with responsibility and courtesy,
  6. Adhere to prudent operating practices and personal operating parameters, and
  7. Adhere to applicable laws and regulations.

In addition, an aviation instructor needs to remember he or she is teaching a pilot who should:

  1. Seek proficiency in control of the aircraft,
  2. Use flight deck technology in a safe and appropriate way,
  3. Be confident in a wide variety of flight situations, and
  4. Be respectful of the privilege of flight.

These concepts are also part of the Flight Instructors Model Code of Conduct (FIMCC), designed to enhance flight and ground instructor safety and professionalism. Developed by a diverse team of aviation professionals and extensively peer-reviewed within the aviation community, the FIMCC offers a vision of excellence to help flight and ground instructors build professional relationships with their learners.A formal code of conduct/ethics serves as a tool to promote safety, good judgment, ethical behavior, and personal responsibility—all components of professionalism. The code offers a vision of flight education excellence, and it recommends operating practices to improve the quality and safety of flight instruction. The FIMCC is one of several similar codes that can be found at www.secureav.com. such as the Aviator’s Model Code of Conduct and a Student Pilot’s Model Code of Conduct. The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), as well as similar groups, also have a code of ethics for instructors posted on their websites.

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