Aviation Professionalism, Annotated Bibliography Example

Erzberger, H., and Paielli, R.A. (2002). Concept for next generation air traffic control system. Air Traffic Control Quarterly, 10(4), 355-378.

In this article, the authors argue that future air traffic control systems must have greater capacity while also improving efficiency and safety. One future system supported by the authors is known as the AACS or Automated Air-Space Computer System, a “ground-based component that generates efficient and conflict-free traffic clearances and associated trajectories” directly to the aircraft pilot via a data link. Another potential system is the Tactical Separation Assisted Flight Environment or TSAFE which provides a “safety net to ensure that safe separations are maintained” in case of failures in the AACS and specific aircraft computer systems (2002, p. 355). Certainly, the adoption of these and other related systems will save airports millions of dollars related to lawsuits and of course help to ensure that all airline passengers will make it home alive. These systems will also help to lower controller workloads and the stress that results from working as an air traffic controller (2002, p. 355).

Esler, D. (October 2004). Toward a higher standard. Business and Commercial Aviation, 1-6.

In this article, David Esler examines the lack of standards related to operational performance as found in the FAR Part 91 section of U.S. aviation regulations. As noted by NBAA Chairman Don Baldwin, “no such standards exist on the non-commercial side. Part 91 does not cut it anymore. There has to be a higher level” (2004, p. 1). Thus, new standards need to be established and it seems that the best source is the IS-BAO or the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations. Some of the benefits in relation to the IS-BAO includes self-education, assistance to new operators, reducing the potential for repeat errors, heightened board confidence, and pride in achievement. For the business aviation industry, other benefits includes increasing the safety bar, assistance to regulators, enhanced communications between operators, and most importantly, global harmonization (2004, p. 2). Overall, Esler’s main argument is that the IS-BAO must be adopted by all aviation business entities in order to save lives and lower the costs associated with the aviation industry.

Higdon, D. (March 2009). Professionalism: It’s not about the paycheck! World Aircraft Sales Magazine. Retrieved from http://editionsbyfry.com/ActiveMagazine/

getBook.asp?Path=WAC/2009/03/01&BookCollection=WAC&ReaderStyle=Gra y&page=104

In this article, Davie Higdon discusses the vital role of professionalism as it relates to aviation safety and the responsibilities of the aircraft pilot, in this case, pilots that fly for major American airlines. As noted by the National Transportation Safety Board in 2007, aviation professionalism “has nothing to do with the size of a paycheck or the size of your aircraft” (2009, p. 104). In other words, aviation professionalism is a mindset, a “state of mind, a commitment to being the best” and the most conscientious professional possible (2009, p. 104). Overall, Higdon stresses that aviation professionalism is a conglomerate of knowledge, discipline, courage, passion, judgment, and skill, all of which come into play when the safety of airline passengers is the number one priority. Higdon adds that professionalism related to flying must include “hallmarks such as precise checklist usage, call-outs, compliance with SOPs and regulations, and sterile cockpit compliance” (2009, p. 107).

Jarach, D. (March 2001). The evolution of airport management practices: Towards a multi-point, multi-service, marketing-driven firm. Journal of Air Transport Management, 7 (2), 119-125.

In this article, David Jarach explores the history of strategic and competitive practices within the aviation industry and the business of operating an airport and notes that the airport business “has recently shown proof of new proactive, marketing-driven approaches” related to airport management (2001, p. 119). Jarach also discusses the historical role of airports which over the last twelve years since 9/11 have evolved from a “mono-modal to a multimodal hub approach” to the “multipoint firm” concept (2001, p. 119) which under the best of circumstances is able to service “various demand clusters with an array of different value propositions” related to tourists, logistic facilities, shopping venues and consulting services (2001, p. 120). Jarach also discusses how this multipoint firm concept is currently utilized by a number of European-based airlines and the Italian airport industry via its “airport-as-a-firm” approach” which has proven to be very effective, efficient, and of course cost-cutting.

Wykoff, D., and Abel, R. (May 2012). All politics is global. Air Line Pilot, 17-20.

At the 2012 conference of the Federation of Air Line Pilot’s Associations (IFALPA), the main issue of debate, according to Don Wykoff and Ron Abel, was the effect that a number of current global issues will have upon airline pilots. As Wykoff and Abel see it, these highly-charged political issues will set national governments against each other which in the long-term will negatively affect the careers of professional airline pilots everywhere (2012, p. 17). Some of these issues includes quickly rising fuel costs and international taxes, “legal and cultural barriers to transborder cooperation” (2012, p. 17) and the ever-increasing growth of airlines in the Middle East, especially in the Arab Emirates which recently spent $24 billion for 50 Boeing 777s. One other issue pointed out by the authors is the growth of low-cost airlines in Europe, such as Ryanair and EasyJet (2002, p. 20).

References

Erzberger, H., and Paielli, R.A. (2002). Concept for next generation air traffic control system. Air Traffic Control Quarterly, 10(4), 355-378.

Esler, D. (October 2004). Toward a higher standard. Business and Commercial Aviation, 1-6.

Higdon, D. (March 2009). Professionalism: It’s not about the paycheck! World Aircraft Sales Magazine. Retrieved from http://editionsbyfry.com/ActiveMagazine/getBook.asp?Path=WAC/2009/03/01&BookCollection=WAC&ReaderStyle=Gra y&page=104

Jarach, D. (March 2001). The evolution of airport management practices: Towards a multi-point, multi-service, marketing-driven firm. Journal of Air Transport Management, 7 (2), 119-125.

Wykoff, D., and Abel, R. (May 2012). All politics is global. Air Line Pilot, 17-20.