Plain English Meaning
An unwritten but widely accepted set of rules about how an aviation instructor should behave on the job — honest, safe, fair, professional, and always working in the student's best interest.
Full Definition
A set of professional standards, not codified in regulation, that aviation instructors are expected to follow in their conduct toward students, the public, the aviation industry, and the profession itself. It covers responsibilities such as honesty, safety, fairness, respect for the student, accurate record-keeping, professional appearance and behavior, and a commitment to ongoing self-improvement.
Context Anchor
Seen in the Aviation Instructor's Handbook when discussing the professional responsibilities of flight and ground instructors.
Derivation
Ethics' comes from the Greek 'ethos,' meaning character or custom. A code of ethics is a written or accepted set of rules describing the character expected of someone in a particular profession.
Why Pilots Care
Following these standards protects students, maintains training quality, and supports across the aviation community.