Routledge Ethical Issues in Aviation

The aviation industry is unique in two major ways: firstly, it has a long history of government involvement dating back to the early days of aviation; and secondly, its primary concern is the safety of its passengers and crew. These features highlight the importance of ethical decision-making at all levels of the industry. However, well-publicized problems such as the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 highlight the need for ethics to take a more prominent role in the field. Ethical Issues in Aviation focuses on both past and current topics in aviation, providing the reader with an overview of the major themes in aviation ethics that cover a broad range of subjects. Contributors include academics who do research in the field as well as professionals who provide first-hand accounts of the ethical situations that arise in the aviation industry. This second edition has been thoroughly revised throughout to bring it up to date, and features several new chapters that cover recent events and topics. This book enhances student learning by providing faculty, students, and those interested in aviation with discussion of the most pressing ethical issues that continue to impact the industry. Review Comments on previous edition: 'Ethical Issues in Aviation is an innovative and thought-provoking book that explores an important, but heretofore, neglected area of research. While the study of ethics has been applied in numerous other industries, its application to aviation is long overdue. For those who study aviation, this book is sure to provide multiple new perspectives on familiar issues. It was a treat to read about the business of aviation, safety, diversity, airport development, and environmental issues through an ethical lens.' Andrew R. Goetz , University of Denver, USA 'Pilots face ethical issues every day on and off the job. How much sleep is enough? Am I fit for duty? Do I write up this maintenance problem and delay the flight? Is this route of flight which skirts the edge of severe turbulence legal and safe? Do we take extra fuel and leave behind passengers and bags? In order to push back on-time what corners are cut? Add on top of this discrimination and contempt for women, and other tensions apply such as not being given all the information to make a decision, or the necessary training to perform correctly. Honesty, integrity, and morality play into all decisions. Elizabeth Hoppe's book and a course in ethics could benefit every pilot. As the first female pilot at Aloha Airlines in the late 1970s, discrimination, deliberately inadequate training, and bullying were the norm. Also, experiencing a commercial airline accident as the First Officer on Aloha Airlines Flight 243, I lived and observed first hand many of the issues discussed throughout this book. I had a hard time putting the book down and wanted more chapters when it ended. I highly recommend this book for all aviation employees.' Madeline "Mimi" Tompkins, First Officer, Hawaiian Airlines About the Author Elizabeth A. Hoppe is Instructor of Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. Specializing in applied ethics, she conducts research in aviation and business and is a member of the Association for Professional and Practical Ethics.