Aviation Professionalism

Aviation Professionalism

Benji Roberts

Aeronautical Science for Management AMGT 202

Abstract

Aviation Professionalism can be defined in many ways.  Words that may describe a professional in general for any business would be selfless, trust worthy, integrity, compliance just to name a few.  There have been many events in the past 10 years that directly affected the aviation world.  Most big companies would need years to recover if they endured some of the monumental events that aviation companies faced.  Somehow through all the adversary, the aviation world still finds ways to be successful.  However, there have been recent trends and events that are starting have more of a lasting negative impact.  These events are easily avoidable but are growing into a bigger problem with each event and there being cause by the men and women in the aviation world.  

Is aviation professionalism becoming a lost art?  This is a serious question that is becoming more frequently asked in the aviation world.  Over the past decade there have been numerous negative events that affected the aviation world.  From the terrorists threats to natural disasters, there have been many obstacles the great men and women of this profession had to overcome.  However there has been a growing trend of negative events that is beginning to grow from within the aviation world and may have just as big affect on aviation as the earlier discussed events.  A lack of professionalism in all areas of aviation is an issue that is becoming very serious.  Many big businesses pride themselves on being professional and having integrity and making sure the customer is satisfied.  The aviation world is no different and many of the core beliefs that have made the aviation world successful are beginning to come under fire.  

        Like many companies, there is a code of conduct that is tailored specifically for aviation.  From aircraft maintenance to aircraft flight, there are beliefs that individuals in this career field must go by to maintain good order and safety.  It is these codes that are being compromised by carless human neglect and poor judgment by individuals in the aviation sector.  If this trend continues there will be more careless mistakes that will result in loss of money and possibly life.  Many wonder how it can get back on track, some believe it’ll get worse before it gets better and others fell that taking a “Getting Back to Basics” approach isn’t feasible.   Though technology in aviation is making traveling easier and enjoyable, ultimately it is the people of this mega industry that must begin to restore the standards and professionalism in aviation.  

        On October 21, 2009 Northwest Airlines flight 188 was en route from San Diego to Minneapolis when radio contact with the aircraft was lost.  The aircraft had no radio communication for over an hour, during this time it already overflew its intended destination by over 100 miles.  There were early reports that the pilots were napping, they told the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that they had “lost situational awareness” because they were discussing a new system in their personal laptops and lost track of time.