Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

In November 1977, the Executive Board of the Air Line Pilots Association adopted this revised version of the profession's Code of Ethics. The task of updating the Code was undertaken by a committee of three pilots appointed by the board at the request of the Board of Directors in 1976. The pilots on the committee, Captain Don McLennan (PAA), First Officer John Zimmerman (TIA) and First Officer Richard Baldwin (UAL) (then a second officer), called upon the 35 master chairmen for their suggestions. While the five main tenets of the Code, originally written in 1956, have not been altered, the language of the supporting canons has been streamlined and updated to reflect today's crew relationships and concepts of command.

Code of Ethics

An Air Line Pilot will keep uppermost in his mind that the safety, comfort, and well-being of the passengers who entrust their lives to him are his first and greatest responsibility.

• He will never permit external pressures or personal desires to influence his judgment, nor will he knowingly do anything that could jeopardize flight safety.
• He will remember that an act of omission can be as hazardous as a deliberate act of commission, and he will not neglect any detail that contributes to the safety of his flight, or perform any operation in a negligent or careless manner.
• Consistent with flight safety, he will at all times operate his aircraft in a manner that will contribute to the comfort, peace of mind and well­being of his passengers, instilling in them trust in him and the airline he represents.
• Once he has discharged his primary responsibility for the safety and comfort of his passengers, he will remember that they depend upon him to do all possible to deliver them to their destination at the scheduled time.
• If disaster should strike, he will take whatever action he deems necessary to protect the lives of his passengers and crew.

An Air Line Pilot will faithfully discharge the duty he owes the air line which employs him and whose salary makes possible his way of life.

• He will do all within his power to operate his aircraft efficiently and on schedule in a manner that will not cause damage or unnecessary maintenance.
• He will respect the officers, directors and supervisors of his airline, remembering that respect does not entail subservience.
• He will faithfully obey all lawful directives given by his superiors, but will resist and, if necessary, refuse to obey any directives which, in his considered judgment, are not lawful or will adversely affect flight safety. He will remember that in the final analysis the responsibility for safe completion of the flight rests upon his shoulders.
• He will not knowingly falsify any log or record, nor will he condone such action by other crew members.
• He will remember that a full month's salary demands a full and fair month's work. On his days off he will not engage in any occupation or activity that will diminish his efficiency or bring discredit to his profession.
• He will realize that he represents the airline to all who meet him, and will at all times keep his personal appearance and conduct above reproach.
• He will give his airline, its officers, directors and supervisors the full loyally which is their due, and will refrain from speaking ill of them. If he feels it necessary to reveal and correct conditions that are not conducive to safe operations and harmonious relations, he will direct his criticism to the proper authorities within the Association.
• He will hold his airline's business secrets in confidence, and will take care that they are not improperly revealed.

An Air Line Pilot will accept the responsibilities as well as the rewards of command, and will at all times so conduct himself both on duty and off as to instill and merit the confidence and respect of his crew, hiss fellow employees and his associates within the profession.

• He will know and understand the duties of each member of his crew. If in command, he will be firm but fair, explicit
  yet tolerant of deviations that do not affect the safe and orderly completion of the flight. He will be efficient yet relaxed, so that the duties of the crew may be carried out in * harmonious manner.
• If in command, he will expect efficient performance of each crew member's duties, yet he will overlook small discrepancies and refrain from unnecessary and destructive criticism, so that the crew member will retain his self respect and cooperative attitude. A frank discussion of minor matters of technique and performance after the flight will create goodwill and a desire to be helpful, whereas sharp criticism and peremptory orders at the moment will only result in the breakdown of morale and an inefficient, halting performance of future duties.
• An Air Line Pilot will remember that his is a profession heavily dependent on training during regular operations, and if in command, will afford his flight crew members every reasonable opportunity, consistent with safely and efficiency, to learn and practice. He will endeavor to instill in his crew a sense of pride and responsibility. In making reports on the work and conduct of his crew members, he will avoid personal prejudices, make his reports factual and his criticisms constructive so that actions taken as a result of his reports will improve the knowledge and skill of his crew members, rather than bringing discredit, endangering their livelihood and threatening their standing in the profession.
• While in command, the Air Line Pilot will be mindful of the welfare of his crew. He will see to it that his crew are properly lodged and cared for, particularly during unusual operating conditions. When cancellations result in deadheading, he will assure that proper arrangements are made for the transportation of his crew before he takes care of himself.

An Air Line Pilot will conduct his affairs with other members of the profession and with the Association in such a manner as to bring credit to the profession and the association as well as to himself.

• He will not falsely or maliciously injure the professional reputation, prospects or job security of another pilot, yet if he knows of professional incompetence or conduct detrimental to the profession or to the Association, he will not shrink from revealing this to the proper authorities within the Association, so that the weak member may be brought up to the standards demanded, or the Association and profession alike may be rid of one unworthy to share its rewards.
• He will conduct his affairs with the Association and its members in accordance with the rules laid down in the
  Constitution and By­Laws of the Association and with the policies and interpretations promulgated there from. Whenever possible, he will attend all meetings of the Association open to him, and will take an active part in its activities, and in meetings of other groups calculated to improve air safety and the standing of the profession.
• An Air Line Pilot shall refrain from any action whereby, for his personal benefit or gain, he takes advantage of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow members. If he is called upon to represent the Association in any dispute, he will do so to the best of his ability, fairly and fearlessly, relying on the influence and power of the Association to protect him.
• He will regard himself as a debtor to his profession and the Association, and will dedicate himself to their advancement. He will cooperate in the upholding of the profession by exchanging information and experience with his fellow pilots, and by actively contributing to the work of professional groups and the technical press.

To an Air Line Pilot the honor of his profession is dear, and he will remember that his own character and conduct reflect honor or dishonor upon the profession.

• He will be a good citizen of his country, state and community, taking an active part in their affairs, especially those dealing with the improvement of aviation facilities and the enhancement of air safety.
• He will conduct all his affairs in a manner which reflects credit on himself and his profession.
• He will remember that to his neighbors, friends and acquaintances he represents both the profession and the Air Line Pilots Association, and that his actions represent to them the conduct and character of all members of the profession and the Association.
• He will realize that nothing more certainly fosters prejudices against and deprives the profession of its high public esteem and confidence than do breaches in the use of alcohol.
• He will not publish articles, give interviews, or permit his name to be used in any manner likely to bring discredit to another pilot, the airline industry, the profession or to the Association.
• He will continue to keep abreast of aviation developments so that his skill and judgment, which heavily depend on such knowledge, may be of the highest order.

Having endeavored to his utmost to faithfully fulfill the obligations of the Air Line Pilots Association Code of Ethics and Canons for the Guidance of Air Line Pilots, a pilot may consider himself worthy to be called ... an airline pilot.