Aviation Maintenance Technicians Ethical Practices
With the increasing demands of air travel, airliners need licensed aviation maintenance technicians (AMT) to properly and safely perform required maintenance. According to Baum (2009) AMT’s, have “The Code of Conduct is not a standard and is not intended to be implemented as one. Instead, the Code of Conduct presents a vision of excellence for AMTs. Its principles complement and underscore legal requirements.” AMTs have standards that are high on the priority list due to safety; peace of mind for the passengers and crew.
How many times have there been delays at the airport because an aircraft is grounded as a part being flown in in order for the aircraft to be repaired before flight? Regardless of time pressure AMTs must properly perform the maintenance required and they need to conduct themselves professionally and ethically to avoid alarming and disrupting passengers or crew.
According to O’Brien (2012), “Human factors are the largest contributor to aircraft accidents.” Everyday AMTs work under fatigue, stress, lack of motivation, or time pressure. Unfortunately when that happens, accidents can occur and may end in tragedy. Most are due to an error in judgment, lack of ethics, and a failure to comply with the code of conduct. Human factors studies report that “accidents happen” but what needs to be realized is accidents are also avoidable. To mention one incident, on December 9, 2005, Chalk 's Ocean Airways Flight 101 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida lost its right wing shortly after takeoff. When the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) conducted their investigation it was discovered that a crack in the right wing and an improper repair proved to be ineffective. NTSB also found evidences of improper and sub-standard repairs during maintenance.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approaches aviation maintenance with seriousness, diligence and AMTs can only work on aircraft with having an approved Airframe and Powerplant license
How many times have there been delays at the airport because an aircraft is grounded as a part being flown in in order for the aircraft to be repaired before flight? Regardless of time pressure AMTs must properly perform the maintenance required and they need to conduct themselves professionally and ethically to avoid alarming and disrupting passengers or crew.
According to O’Brien (2012), “Human factors are the largest contributor to aircraft accidents.” Everyday AMTs work under fatigue, stress, lack of motivation, or time pressure. Unfortunately when that happens, accidents can occur and may end in tragedy. Most are due to an error in judgment, lack of ethics, and a failure to comply with the code of conduct. Human factors studies report that “accidents happen” but what needs to be realized is accidents are also avoidable. To mention one incident, on December 9, 2005, Chalk 's Ocean Airways Flight 101 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida lost its right wing shortly after takeoff. When the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) conducted their investigation it was discovered that a crack in the right wing and an improper repair proved to be ineffective. NTSB also found evidences of improper and sub-standard repairs during maintenance.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approaches aviation maintenance with seriousness, diligence and AMTs can only work on aircraft with having an approved Airframe and Powerplant license
Cited: Baum, M. S. (2009). Aviation Maintenance Technicians. Retrieved from Aviators Model Code of Conduct. O 'Brien, J. (2012, May 9). When Poor Aircraft Maintenance Cost Lives. Retrieved from MACMMS.