MELBOURNE, FLA. — A remarkable collection of aviation best practices across a range of sectors that has been developed over decades by industry professionals to elevate safety and professionalism is now permanently hosted at Florida Tech’s Evans Library.
The Aviators Code Initiative (ACI), which produced the material, announced the new affiliation today at the annual AirVenture gathering in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The partnership means the full collection of ACI digital content, including the centerpiece Aviators Model Code of Conduct, is hosted and publicly available through the library’s online Scholarship Repository.
“This collaboration ensures enduring access to the aviation community’s most trusted behavioral guidance,” said Michael Baum, founder and member of ACI’s Permanent Editorial Board. “Florida Tech’s commitment to science, innovation and industry leadership makes the university an ideal steward for these essential documents.”
Already home to the innovative scholarship stemming from Florida Tech faculty, students and affiliates, the Repository is a great final spot for ACI’s materials, said Nancy E. Garmer, associate dean of libraries at Evans Library.
“Florida Tech is a natural choice to host these influential contributions to the world of aviation,” she said. “Evans Library is committed to open access information through its Scholarship Repository and appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with ACI to preserve and showcase their seminal works in perpetuity.”
The ACI’s Aviators Codes of Conduct were developed by teams of aviation professionals – including Permanent Editorial Board member and College of Aeronautics Professor Emerita Donna Wilt – and refined through decades of operational insight and peer review from respected trainers, professional pilots, regulators and researchers.
They offer guidance for 11 aviation practitioners: aviators, aviation maintenance technicians, flight instructors, designated pilot examiners, glider aviators, gyroplane pilots, helicopter pilots, light sport aviators, seaplane pilots, student pilots and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) pilots.
Each of the 11 items, on average about 10 pages long, presents a vision of excellence across seven sections: General Responsibilities of Aviators; Passengers and People on the Surface; Training and Proficiency; Security; Environmental Issues; Use of Technology; and Advancement and Promotion of Aviation.
“Pilot conduct, no matter the aircraft they are operating, impacts the entire aviation community, including its safety culture,” Wilt said. “Codes of conduct can help achieve new levels of proficiency, and as guidelines adaptable to each pilot and organizational need, the ACI’s various codes are powerful tools to help both professionals and non-professionals across the aviation industry.”
ACI’s first pilots code, the Aviators Model Code of Conduct, has been translated into multiple languages, including Chinese, French, German and Spanish.
It is also the subject of illuminating commentaries, Wilt noted, that address selected issues within the AMCC by elaborating on their meaning and providing additional interpretive guidance from industry, regulatory and legal perspectives.
“Florida Tech prepares global leaders in aviation, engineering and science, business and more, all committed to advancing knowledge and addressing the needs of industry and society with integrity and respect,” College of Aeronautics dean John Deaton said. “The university’s mission and core values align seamlessly with ACI’s vision of fostering safety and professionalism in aviation and we are honored to host this collection.”
The complete ACI collection, including the Aviators Codes of Conduct and supporting materials, are available at https://repository.fit.edu/AviatorsModelCodes/ . For more information on the Aviators Code Initiative, please write the Permanent Editorial Board at PEB@secureav.com.
