FFSA Document

Code of Conduct

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1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the ethical standards, values, and behavioural expectations applicable to all persons participating in FFSA-recognised activities.

It supports:

  • a positive safety culture;
  • mutual respect and accountability; and
  • responsible participation in recreational aviation.

This Code is values-based and non-procedural. It does not prescribe operational methods, create regulatory authority, or replace the FFSA Operations Manual or Manual of Procedures.

2. Scope of Application

This Code applies to:

  • FFSA members and pilots;
  • instructors, tandem pilots, officials, and examiners;
  • volunteers, office-bearers, and appointed functionaries;
  • event organisers and persons acting under SAHPA recognition; and
  • any person representing FFSA in a formal or informal capacity.

3. Core Principles (Applicable to All)

All persons subject to this Code are expected to act in accordance with the following principles.

3.1 Safety and Responsibility

  • Prioritise aviation safety, sound judgement, and personal responsibility.
  • Avoid conduct that creates unreasonable risk to oneself, others, property, or the environment.
  • Cooperate with safety reporting, investigation, and corrective processes.

3.2 Integrity and Honesty

  • Act honestly, fairly, and in good faith in all FFSA-related activities.
  • Do not misrepresent qualifications, experience, ratings, or authority.
  • Declare and manage conflicts of interest responsibly.

3.3 Respect for People, Property, and Environment

  • Treat fellow participants, landowners, members of the public, officials, and regulators with respect and courtesy.
  • Respect site rules, access conditions, environmental sensitivities, and community relationships.
  • Avoid behaviour that brings SAHPA or the sport into disrepute.

3.4 Responsible Communication and Representation

  • Communicate responsibly, including in public forums and on social media, when representing or referring to FFSA-recognised activities.
  • Use appropriate channels when raising concerns, complaints, or disputes.
  • Respect confidentiality where required.

3.5 Lawful and Cooperative Behaviour

  • Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and FFSA governance instruments.
  • Cooperate with lawful oversight, administrative processes, and reasonable requests made in the interests of safety and governance.

4. Additional Professional Obligations for Instructors

Instructors, tandem pilots, and other persons exercising instructional or evaluative authority operate in a professional capacity and are subject to elevated ethical expectations in addition to the Core Principles set out above.

4.1 Enhanced Duty of Care

  • Instructors recognise an enhanced duty of care toward students, novice pilots, and tandem passengers.
  • Decisions shall prioritise safety, learning, and welfare over convenience, commercial pressure, or personal interest.

4.2 Professional Boundaries and Conduct

  • Instructors shall maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and trainees.
  • Abuse of authority, coercion, harassment, intimidation, or exploitation is incompatible with professional conduct.
  • Power imbalances inherent in instruction shall be recognised and managed responsibly.

4.3 Competence, Currency, and Honesty

  • Instructors shall operate only within the scope of their qualifications, ratings, and privileges.
  • Instructional authority, experience, and outcomes shall not be exaggerated or misrepresented.
  • Limitations, risks, and uncertainties relevant to training activities shall be communicated honestly.

4.4 Safety Leadership and Role Modelling

  • Instructors are expected to model conservative, safety-oriented decision-making.
  • Conduct that normalises unnecessary risk, complacency, or rule-circumvention undermines safety culture and is inconsistent with professional responsibility.

4.5 Conflicts of Interest

  • Financial, competitive, or personal interests that may influence instructional judgement shall be disclosed and managed appropriately.
  • Instructional decisions shall not be distorted by commercial incentive or reputational pressure.

4.6 Representation of FFSA and the Sport

  • Instructors acknowledge that their conduct carries heightened regulatory, reputational, and public-interest impact.
  • Behaviour inconsistent with professional standards may adversely affect FFSA’s standing with regulators, insurers, landowners, and the public.

5. Relationship to Other Governance Instruments

This Code of Conduct:

  • operates alongside the FFSA Operations Manual and Manual of Procedures;
  • establishes ethical expectations but does not define disciplinary procedures or sanctions; and
  • does not limit FFSA’s ability to take lawful, reasonable, and procedurally fair action under applicable governance instruments and law.

Disciplinary, corrective, or administrative action is governed by the FFSA Operations Manual and applicable legislation.

6. Commitment

Participation in FFSA-recognised activities implies a commitment to uphold this Code of Conduct and to contribute positively to the safety, integrity, and sustainability of the sport.

Approved by the FFSA Board
(Effective date to be inserted)