Defining professionalism in aviation is hard. The exact definition of professionalism depends on who you ask; a chief pilot, flight standards and training manager, or line pilot may each define the attributes of a professional pilot in a different way. It is much easier to define an unprofessional act or unprofessional behavior than to pinpoint exactly what makes an aviator a “pro.” As a safety practitioner, though, I am certain that being a professional has little to do with collecting a paycheck or wearing a necktie.
Professionalism in aviation, according to the NBAA Safety Committee, “is the pursuit of excellence through discipline, ethical behavior, and continuous improvement.” The committee further identifies professionalism as “the cornerstone focus of active safety management where professional behaviors rule and safe actions become a byproduct.” As one of its foundations for safety, the NBAA said, “Professionalism is about who we are and how we approach everything that we do.”
Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.
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