Professionalism

Professionalism

Every career field has different expectations of employee conduct, and aviation is an industry that demands high levels of professionalism from all personnel involved.  There is a wide spectrum of positions related to flight operations, from airport security personnel, to baggage handlers, to pilots: everyone is expected to perform their respective duties competently.  It is difficult to define professionalism in certain terms as it is a multi-faceted set of personal attributes and an individualistic entity that characterizes your conduct.  Although it can be difficult to define exactly what makes someone a professional, it is incredibly easy to identify someone who is lacking professional qualities. 

Maintaining a positive attitude is a significant factor that improves a work environment and employee interaction considerably.  The antagonistic coworker destroys workplace cohesion and reduces motivation, the grumpy or irritable member of an organization commits a disservice to those around them.  In addition to a positive approach, the professional is committed to the betterment of their own work, as well as affecting those around them in a manner conducive to self-improvement.  This may be characterized by a willingness to help without regards to personal agendas, and creates lasting impressions on others.  Endeavoring to maintain proficiency through research, study, and experience is a highly desirable initiative that sets an individual apart as one who preserves high standards.  An individual’s professional bearing is the staple of composing their conduct, manner, and attitude.  Above all, exercising control and comportment of oneself is the foundation upon which every professional plants their feet.  From what elemental experience I do have, I am convinced this is the most difficult quality a person may obtain and is a cornerstone that will take a lifetime to develop.  Consequently, these qualities are what I strive for everyday; as an Eastern Michigan University student, as a dispatcher at the Eagle Flight Centre, and on duty at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

In 2011 the Flight Safety Foundation awarded several Professionalism in Flight Safety Awards to the crew of Qantas Flight 32 after experiencing an uncontrolled engine failure shortly after takeoff.  The engine failure adversely affected several aircraft systems and caused a fuel leak from the wing.  The crew exhibited calm and collected demeanors while utilizing crew resource management to systematically address the state of the aircraft.  Working together and adhering strictly to approved procedures, the aircraft touched down without leading edge slats, only one working thrust reverser, and managed to avoid a runway overrun.  There were no reported injuries. 

Conversely, a cockpit environment lacking professionalism can erode a crew’s ability to perform optimally.  As was the case in January of 2010 at Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, when the crew of a Bombardier CRJ-200 rejected a takeoff too late and overran the end of the runway.  The aircraft subsequently encountered arresting materials bringing it to a stop ahead of a steep slope.  Among a number of factors that contributed to the accident, violation of the sterile cockpit rule was the initiating event, the last was the aircraft being improperly configured for takeoff.  While the crew was delayed at the gate, they began a conversation not related to flight operations and it continued through taxiing, checklist callouts, and while configuring the aircraft.  This led to the takeoff flaps being improperly set and the rejected takeoff.  Cockpit discipline and adherence to the regulations was not observed, and the unprofessional manner with which the aircraft was operated did not show a lack of skill, or deficiency in training on the pilots’ part, but a gross negligence to professional conduct.

The more we get involved in the field of aviation, the more apparent it becomes this industry is a small community of professionals with one thing in common: we are passionate about airplanes.  One principle I will aspire to follow throughout my career is to never irreversibly end a professional relationship unpleasantly.  Or, to use the appropriate idiom, ‘burn any bridges’.  Create a network of professional contacts and remain in touch.

There is no reason to stop building my résumé throughout my career.  Getting involved in community activity and charitable work, furthering yourself professionally, and receiving education in a field of which you have no experience are all methods I plan to utilize, essentially for life.  There are many great ways to get involved in positive learning experiences and become a varied and well-balanced person: embrace new opportunities, and never stop learning.