Capt. Ken's comments

By Ken Armstrong

My wife and I recently had the opportunity to visit the Vernon based Rotech Industries, suppliers of Rotax engines and services in Canada.
We were there to have the Diamond Xtreme motor glider's 912 engine overhauled through a pre-purchase agreement with Diamond Aircraft of London, Ontario.
Those of you who provide services to me might use terms like: "high maintenance client" and still others might call me a pain in the nether regions when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Truth to tell, I am demanding. Now that I am old and crotchety, this doesn't seem to be improving.
Having said that, I must add that we are absolutely delighted with the service we have received through Rotech and Diamond as each company went beyond the norm to ensure we were satisfied with the results.
During our tour of the overhaul facility with the Director of Maintenance, Rob Seaton, Linda noted a plaque on the wall entitled: "I am a professional because I…"
She was very taken by the following statements and requested a copy to circulate amongst her RN peers at Juan De Fuca Hospitals.
I am repeating them below, with minor modifications for pilots, as they can serve as guidelines for all of us. Remember, you don't need to be paid for flights to qualify as a "professional" pilot.

I am a Professional Pilot Because I…
- have acquired specialized skills and knowledge,
- achieve my status through my accomplishments,
- make decisions based on my specialized knowledge,
- make informed decisions based on conformity to standards and not self interest,
- am dedicated to provide safe, efficient flights,
- place the safety of the aircraft and passengers above my personal gain,
- do not allow circumstances to sway my judgment from the correct course of action,
- recognize that I belong in a fellowship of dedicated aviators,
- have a strong pride in the quality of my flying,
- and reflect this pride to my passengers.
I can only conclude by saying that skills and pride go hand in hand. Fly well and you justifiably wear the pride. Pride in "professional" flying skills motivates pilots to fly well.
As the Canadian accident rates continue to slowly decline we can all contribute to this success by flying safely and feeling good about our success.