ChecklistComplete: Career Management

Professional Pilot Protocol

There's no book written for the proper way for Professional Pilots to operate. We know all about the FARS, CRM and company directives, but the "business side" of piloting is pretty much left up to the individual. Men may emulate John Wayne, Tom Cruise, their father or favorite flight instructor or Captain, but who do women mold themselves after? Having few women mentors, and even fewer women pilot models, women have a devised a wide variation of professional protocols. These protocols apply to all professional pilots.

Some guidance is needed. Here are the basics:

Business manners ARE important!

The cockpit IS your office, and you are a representative of your company while in the cockpit or getting to/from it. Conduct yourself in a businesslike manner while at work and at all times in uniform. Dating and parties are to be left outside of work. Leave your personal life at home: don't act as if either of these are going on while at work. Friendliness is appropriate, exaggerated flirting is not. Humor is welcome, crass stunts are not. Playing a trick on someone is totally inappropriate. At no time shall any action that could compromise safety ever be allowed - Never participate in anything that is reckless.

Dress for business, nothing below a business casual attire. Even if you just run in to work to check your locker.

Use appropriate manners for a professional business. Exchanges with company members should be respectful, in person or while on the phone. Written word, especially emails, should all be conducted in a businesslike manner. You don't want to have to explain them to your Chief Pilot, manager or the FAA.

People are listening.

So many things are recorded in the daily lives of pilots - make sure you won't be embarrassed by something that comes back to you on tape! Have you ever read an accident report? Reading one with the cockpit voice recorder transcript can be a way to remind yourself on every flight to maintain professionalism. Air Traffic Controllers get at least an annual review of a randomly selected tape recording of their transmissions. It's a great learning tool to keep to standard phraseology. Consider that your ATC conversations can be selected at any time. Would you be proud to say they're yours?

Outside activities reflect your personality. Granted, they are off company property and during your personal time, but do you want to risk your professional reputation for eccentric behavior or a questionable part time job? See our page on Conforming for more information.

Network and stay in touch with professionals that you meet.

In her book "Instant Persuasion" Laurie Puhn advises to "Earn Your Favors": "Don't forget to connect. Show an interest in people when you don't need anything from them." Since you never know who you may be needing assistance from, stay in touch with those whom you respect. A simple email, card or phone call sent periodically can keep open a relationship that may be one of opportunity for either or both of you. This doesn't give license to using people! A professional relationship with folks in related fields can forge a strong educational background for you and perhaps improve your chances of advancement in your field."

Lee E. Miller, managing director of NegotiationPlus.com and co-author of A Woman's Guide to Successful Negotiating also encourages you to "Network, network, network. Meet folks in the same industry by joining a professional organization and participate in high-visibility activities. Get to know people who are in a position to hire you before you're in a position where you need a job. It's easier to develop a relationship with people when you don't need anything from them."

Another great idea is to join a social club or work for a charity. It not only helps introduce you to people in your area but also exposes you to people in other fields. Collateral fields may have opportunities you never considered - or people in them may know people in your chosen field.

You must demonstrate why you're a great fit in the network group you are seeking. Start by knowing that you have the skills for the job if you get an interview, and that they're talking to at many people in the same situation and with the same qualifications as you. What you have to do is to show that you are the perfect match for their needs and would make an excellent employee and pilot.

Start today! Incorporate "Best Practices" when you have the opportunity!

1) Instead of saying "you said" use the term "I understood you to say". It takes the tension out of the statement.

2) Meet your managers. Do not try to get through a multi-decades career with no one knowing your name! Make an appointment with your manager/chief pilot/standards officer and take 10 minutes to discuss yourself and your immediate and long term interests. Find out what your manager is all about. Then, continue the dialogue with at least annual meetings.

3) Keep your resume up to date. You may consider an instructor/manager/union position and having to go back too many years can be difficult and you may forget something.

4) Keep your options open. If you think you just have to make it to a major airline, and your life is set, think again. 9/11, health issues, changes of interest all have placed many pilots into a new paradigm. Continue your education and gain new skills.