Ethics and its Importance in the Aviation Community


          If you were interested in building a house, the first step would include the construction process for the site preparation, the design, and the template for the foundation. The next step involves digging the footer and slab, leveling out the grounds, and then adding rebar to strengthen the concrete foundation. After the concrete is cured, the frame, roof, and walls are constructed. The result is a strong and durable home. This same process, of building a strong environment from a sturdy foundation, is necessary in building an ethical workplace. Similar to a house, people need a foundation to build their platform on when first developing their principles. Then they can build from that principle with a code of conduct or a moral compass for others to follow. This is extremely important in any business or work center to uphold ethical behavior among their employees. A strong ethical environment will encourage employees to show integrity, a concern for the welfare of others, and the overall responsibility of one’s action. It guides them to be honest, respectful, and trustworthy.


          Merriam-Webster defines ethics as “the discipline when dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation” (Merriam-Webster, 2021). I believe it is always important to behave in an ethical manner, not only as a professional but in all aspects in life. When relating to the aviation industry, ethical behavior becomes imperative because it helps guide everyone to have a legal and moral obligation to ensure all safe flight operations are done correctly, all the time, even when nobody is watching. The safety of the aviation industry depends on the ethical and professional conduct of everyone involved in the industry from the pilots operating the aircraft, to the technicians maintaining it, and to the air traffic control directing it (Benton, 1995). Imagine if a tool is lost and unaccounted for after maintenance was performed on the engine in the low-pressure compressor. That tool was never recovered or reported missing because the technician failed to follow up on it and perhaps another technician is using it. That same aircraft is scheduled to take off later that day and, once airborne, the pilots experience a sudden compressor stall on engine number two causing them to perform an emergency engine shutdown following into an emergency landing. This could have been prevented if the prior technician working on the engine valued their intrinsic thinking before signing off on a job that had a missing tool and jeopardizing people’s lives. It is everyone’s job to conduct ethical standards in the workplace and to teach others the impact it holds.

          In conclusion, the military has a publication called the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) which directs maintenance policies, procedures, and responsibilities at all levels of maintenance throughout naval aviation. In chapter five, there is a statement that reads “two of the most critical responsibilities of maintenance control are certifying and releasing an aircraft safe-for-flight and the acceptance of the aircraft by the aircrew. Attention to detail in these processes is essential to ensuring the integrity of the aircraft for flight and the safety of the aircrew” (NAMP 4790.2D, 2021). That to me is the true definition of ethical behavior. 


References: 

Benton, P. A. (1995). Ethics in Aviation Education. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.15394/jaaer.1995.1147

“Ethic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethic. (12 Dec 2021)

COMNAVAIRFORINST (NAMP) 4790.2D (Feb 2021)

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