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Research Paper
On
Personal Ethics in Aerospace

Submitted By

Course Code

Mentor / Teacher / Supervisor

18th August, 2021

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1. Abstract / Background
Aerospace as a profession has a direct effect on society and the global world and thereby
aerospace ethics is a part of the essence of moral characteristics. Furthermore, aerospace industry
achievements play an undeniable role in our lives. Research and development in the aerospace
domain have contributed to the progress of some new technologies in the last decades. The
purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of ethics as an essential part of aerospace.
Aerospace ethics examines professional responsibilities and ethical leadership and decision
making in the same field. Moreover, codes of ethics help the students to apply ethical principles
in critical conditions. However it should be noted that if the students not familiar the
contemporary role and importance of personal ethics in aerospace industry there may be
ineffective leadership and poor ethical decision-making leads to aerospace failures which
jeopardized human life and the environment. This paper by examining the studies related to the
field of aerospace (Personal and Professional Ethics) describes the role of the students of being
part as aerospace industry and ethical behavior.
2. Introduction
Reese, (2000) stated that the aerospace industry is fairly new in our day in age. It has been
recorded in history that the first flight ever by man took place in Kitty Hawk, NC roughly 100
years ago. Since that first model, drastic improvements have been made in aerospace technology.
Aerospace has evolved from simple prop planes to sound barrier breaking jets and even to space
shuttles. The very definition of aerospace in the adjective or active form is “of or relating to
aerospace, to vehicles used in aerospace or the manufacture of such vehicles, or to travel in
aerospace.” In general, aerospace deals with any dynamic manufactured vehicle that travels
above the surface of the earth. This, as you might expect, leaves two possibilities, the atmosphere
or our earth, and outer space. Such basic examples of aerospace vehicles are Cessna planes,
Black Hawk helicopters, Goodyear blimps and the Columbia Space Shuttle. Throughout the 20th
century and into the 21st, aerospace has and will continue to be an integrated part of our society.
Ethics and industry of aerospace technology is of prime importance for preventing tragic
malfunctions and crashes. Opposed to automobiles for example, if an airplane breaks down while
in mid-flight, it has nowhere to go but down. And sadly it will often go down “hard” and with a
high probability of killing people. The Engineering Code of Ethics states first and foremost that,
“Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public.”
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3. Ethics
Ethics is defined as “the study of the characteristics of morals”. Ethics is a communication
behavior based on respecting the rights of others. Ethics is being accountable for individuals’
rights(Chen, 2018). Ethics are divided into three categories in an initial division (see Fig. 1).
 Common ethics: the series of common moral ideals. In fact, lie, break promises, cheat,
steal, harming others physically are some concepts that we think about them when we
imagine ethics.
 Personal ethics: the series of ethical beliefs that are usually obtained from religious,
education or family.
 Professional ethics: “the set of standards adopted by professionals insofar as they view
themselves acting as professionals.” Every profession such as architecture, law,
pharmacy and, engineering has its professional ethics.
 Aerospace ethics: Aerospace’s business ethics are the cornerstone of our core values of
objectivity and integrity. This commitment to our core values is enduring and critical to
addressing the evolving demands of the space enterprise. Furthermore, this high ethical
standard fosters a safe and thriving workplace.

Ethics the moral

principles and values that govern the conduct of our leadership and employees dominate our
corporate values. As employees of Aerospace, our actions, both large and small, are shaped and
guided by rules, regulations, and common sense. Aerospace’s reputation for disciplined
adherence to its code of ethics is greatly valued by its customers, and places us in the position to
serve them in a very unique relationship built on objectivity and trust.  We are vigilant in
adhering to a code of ethics. To augment this ongoing process, we have developed some
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frequently significance about situations that could arise during our day-to-day activities here at
the company. Following are the code of ethics we could apply personal ethics when working in
aerospace industry, which can be implemented as a professional employees in the ongoing
industry.
4. Principles Code of Ethics in Aerospace Industry (Personal & Professional)
The Principles Code of Ethics in Aerospace Industry explained by Reese, (2000) Marconatto,
(2016), and Chen, (2018).
 Air Line Pilot Ethical Behavior
As an air line pilot I will keep uppermost in their mind that the safety, comfort, and well-being of
the passengers who entrust their lives to them are the Pilot’s first and greatest responsibility. I
will never permit external pressures or personal desires to influence their judgment, nor will they
knowingly do anything that could jeopardize flight safety as well as communicate with air traffic
control to ensure safe takeoff and landing.
 Consistent with flight safety
My responsibilities include ensuring that their aircraft is always operated in a manner that
contributes to the comfort, peace of mind, and well-being of their passengers, establishing faith
in the Captain and the airline they represent. If a tragedy occurs, I shall take whatever steps they
consider essential to preserve the lives of their passengers and staff.
 Air traffic controller ethics
The code of ethics applies as issue takeoff and landing instructions to pilots. Monitor and direct
the movement of aircraft on the ground through the use of radar and computers. Control the
majority of ground traffic at airports. Provide pertinent information to pilots, such as runway
closures, weather updates as well as other critical information. The personal ethics of ATC
systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow
of traffic, and to provide information and other support for pilots.
 Flight Operation Support (Monitoring)
As a part of FOSD my role is to coordinate all these technical and operational factors such as the
weather, over flight permits, route planning, aircraft performance, airport facilities, the aircraft’s
technical condition or fuel requirements. As being part of FOSD the ethical code of conduct is
composed of: Flight Dispatch, Operations Control, Navigation, Performance, Landing and Over
flight Permits
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 Aerospace Professional ethical behavior

As being part of an aerospace the honor of my profession is dear, and I will have to remember
that own character and conduct reflect honor or dishonor upon the profession. For example;
a) I will be a good citizen of 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.
b) Conduct all their affairs in a manner which reflects credit on profession.
c) Create and foster an environment of inclusiveness through equity and equality, so that the
diversity of our members can be harnessed to collectively enhance our union and
profession.
d) Never discriminate, harass or otherwise disparage another member because of their
unique authentic identities. I will condemn and not use oppressive, hateful, and bigoted
language. As a pilot I will not exhibit behaviors and actions that are unfitting of
aerospace member.
e) I will continue to keep abreast of aviation developments so that my skill and judgment,
which heavily depend on such knowledge, may be of the highest order.
 Honesty, justice, and courtesy
Personal conduct: Honesty, justice, and courtesy form a moral philosophy which, associated
with mutual interest among men, constitutes the foundation of ethics. The aerospace personnel
should recognize such a standard not in passive observance but as a set of dynamic principles
guiding his conduct and way of life. It is his duty to practice his profession according to a Code
of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Professional conduct: The keystone of professional conduct is integrity. Hence, it behooves the
engineer to discharge his duties with fidelity to the public, his employers and clients, and to be
ready to apply his special knowledge for the benefit of mankind. He should uphold the honor and
dignity of his profession and avoid association with any enterprise or individual of questionable
character. In his dealings with fellow engineers, he should be fair and tolerant.
 Relations with the Public
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As part of aerospace it will be the best interest of public welfare and be ready to apply my
special knowledge for the benefit of mankind as like I will guard against conditions that are
dangerous or threatening to life, limb, or property on the work for which anyone is responsible,
or if is not responsible, I shall promptly call such conditions to the attention of those responsible
so that the conditions can immediately and effectively be corrected and have due regard for the
safety of life and health of the public who may be affected by the work for which someone is
responsible.
 Maximizing Efficiency
Another key part of this position’s ethical responsibilities is to get the plane from its departure
site to its arrival site as efficiently as possible. This means making sure that the flight route is as
efficient as possible while maintaining safety and avoiding other aircraft routes. In order to
accomplish this, dispatchers will take into account how much fuel will be consumed during the
flight as well as how much additional fuel should be on the plane in case the pilot has to steer
clear of weather or get to an alternate airport.
 An Environment of Respect and Dignity
My goal at Aerospace is to continue to recruit and retain the best people, nurture a creative
environment, and help people find ways to innovate. To enable employees to enjoy a culture of
respect and dignity, I welcome open and honest feedback. This is a participatory mindset
grounded in basic decency. I encourage people to take action if they see or hear something that is
unfair, wrong, discriminatory, or hurtful, we ask that they speak up.
5. Conclusion
As being part of aerospace I have learned knowledge and behavior of ethical codes and the
implementation of principles of ethical leadership include honesty, justice, respect, community
and integrity, which are indispensible for any organization. The aerospace as a significant and
effective branch of the engineering profession has contributed to the development of many new
technologies. In addition, the aerospace engineering has a serious role in the defense and
economics for many countries in the last decades. Moreover, the contemporary studies in this
paper demonstrated that ethical behavior such as safety, integrity, respect, honesty, and public
relation with the play an important role in the occurrence of aerospace industry. Therefore, the
attention to ethics should be bolstered in the aerospace engineering. The discussion of ethics
provides an understanding of human behavior and enhances futuristic leadership as well as
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decision making power. Our actions and conclusion in any situation define how aerospace codes
of ethics implemented about perceptions, views, leadership, decision making and actions.
References
1. Haghighattalab, S., Chen, A., & Saghamanesh, M. (2018). Is Engineering Ethics
Important for Aerospace Engineers?. In MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 179, p.
03009). EDP Sciences.
2. Marconatto, D. A., & Cruz, L. B. (2016). Corporate social responsibility and strategy in
the aerospace industry: the case of CSeries at Bombardier. Revista Brasileira de Casos
de Ensino em Administração, c12-c12.
3. Reese III, N. S. (2000). A measure of decision making ethics within the aviation and
aerospace industry. Oklahoma State University.