The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) has
voted to adopt a Professional Standards Programme at its annual meeting in
Auckland (19th June), in line with similar codes laid down by other
professional groups such as those in medicine, dentistry, law and education.
According to NZALPA Medical and Welfare Director, Captain
Herwin Bongers, the new programme is modelled on one run by ALPA
International in the USA and Canada (PROSTAN) since 1956.
He explains: `The purpose of the programme is to promote and maintain
the highest degree of professional conduct among NZALPA pilots, thereby
enhancing the margin of safety in daily flight operations, which is our primary
concern and responsibility. It will also protect and enhance the standing of
our profession among the wider community.’
The NZALPA Professional Standards Programme consists of two elements; a
set of Professional Standards and a Professional Standards Committee.
Captain Bongers adds: `For aviation professionals, the Standards
outline expected professional behaviour. For the travelling public, the
Standards describe what can be expected of a pilot during the performance of
their professional duties.’
