Train-the-Trainer by DataHomeLab

12.18 Impartiality / Professionalism

The influence of a flight instructor is so great that it merits a career path and status of its own. The duty addresses the influence of the instructor's behaviour on that of the students.

12.18.1 Professionalism

Professionalism in flight instruction demands a code of ethics that is in no way related to monetary gains. Flight instructors must strive for the highest levels of professionalism, as attempts to operate otherwise as a flight instructor can result only in poor performance and deficient students. Anything less than a sincere effort will quickly be detected by the student, destroying effectiveness.

Professionalism also includes a flight instructor's public image. In the past, flight instructors have all too often been willing to accept a less-than-professional status in the public view by relaxing their demeanour, appearance and approach to their profession.

If the status of the flight instructor in the general aviation industry is to be upgraded, it must be done through the efforts of flight instructors themselves.

The professional flight instructor commands the respect of associates and, most importantly, delivers more effective instruction.

12.18.2 Personal appearance and habits

Personal appearance has an important effect on the professional image of the instructor. Today's aviation customers are people who expect their associates to be neat, clean and appropriately dressed. It is not intended that the flight instructor should assume attire foreign to the flight environment, but as the instructor is engaged in a learning situation, often with professional people, the attire worn should be appropriate to a professional status.

Personal habits have a significant effect on the professional image. The exercise of common courtesy is perhaps the most important of these. A flight instructor who is rude, thoughtless, impatient or inattentive cannot hold the respect of the students, regardless of piloting ability. Young, confident flight instructors need to give careful consideration to these points when dealing with students older than themselves.

The professional instructor maintains a genuine interest in the student's learning. Under no circumstances should the instructor do or say anything that is derogatory to the student. Acceptance rather than ridicule, and support rather than reproof, will encourage learning, regardless of whether the student is quick to learn or is slow and apprehensive. Criticizing the student for not learning is not unlike a doctor criticizing a patient for not getting well, and is totally unacceptable from a professional.

The professional image requires a calm, thoughtful and disciplined demeanour. Frequently countermanding directions, reacting differently to identical errors, and demanding unreasonable performance or progress should be avoided.

On rare occasions a personality conflict may arise between instructor and student. If, for any reason, the instructor suspects this, they should discuss the problem with their supervisor (fleet training manager or equivalent), who has the experience to confirm the suspicions or offer alternative teaching methods to overcome conflict.

Cleanliness of body and breath is important to flight instruction. The cabin is a close, tightly-sealed area, where an instructor and student work in close proximity and where little annoyances provide serious distractions from the learning task. Likewise, the flight instructor should not be subjected to body odour from the student. If the role-model example set by the instructor is not perceived by the student, some honest discussion may be required. Once again, it is best to discuss the resolution of this problem with the supervisor.

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