When discussing professionalism, most conversations omit  any reference to the accountability of the instructor. An  individual who takes on the responsibility of providing  flight instruction must realize that they have a significant  influence on the habits and actions of the student as a pilot.  All of the student’s impressions and perceptions towards the  flight experience, balloon operations, and,  most importantly,  safety  is drawn from the instructor’s methods. It becomes  imperative that the instructor understand that he or she,  by default, actively and passively contributes to the future  actions of the student and should make every effort to provide  the most thorough training experience possible. It can be said  that many students become “clones” of their instructor. Though not all inclusive, the following list gives some major  considerations and qualifications that should be included in  the definition of professionalism. Flight instructors should carefully consider this list. Failing to  meet these qualities may result in poor performance by both  instructor and student. Preparation and performance as an  instructor with these qualities in mind commands recognition  as a professional in aviation instruction. Professionalism  includes an instructor’s public image. A more complete discussion of the information contained  in this chapter may be found in FAA-H-8083-9, Aviation  Instructor’s Handbook. There have been some minor changes  in this chapter to address the specific aspects of balloon  flight training. For expanded discussions of the areas of  operation covered in the Commercial Pilot Practical Test  Standards (PTS), (FAA-S-8081-18), the Aviation Instructor’s  The job of a flight instructor, or any instructor, is to teach.  The learning process can be made easier by helping students  learn, providing adequate instruction, demanding adequate  standards of performance, and emphasizing the positive.  [Figure 10-1]  Students look to flight instructors as authorities in their  respective areas. It is important that flight instructors not  only know how to teach, but they also need to project a  knowledgeable and professional image. In addition, flight  instructors are on the front lines of efforts to improve the  safety record of the industry. This section addresses the  scope of responsibilities for flight instructors and enumerates  methods they can use to enhance their professional image  and conduct. For the remainder of this chapter, it should be understood that  the term “flight instructor” is meant to define those individuals  who hold a commercial pilot certificate with a free balloon  category rating. This chapter also makes the presupposition  that virtually all balloon flight training is performed “one on  one,” and not as part of a group environment. Handbook is required reading. Commercial pilots who wish  to excel at the instruction process may consider taking the  Fundamentals of Instruction knowledge test administered  through the FAA’s knowledge testing program. While not a  mandatory requirement, it is believed that the study necessary  to successfully complete this exam assists the pilot/instructor  in acquiring the knowledge necessary to plan and perform  proper aviation training.  Flight Instructor Characteristics and  Responsibilities Instructor Responsibilities $_{Figure 10-1.}$  The four main responsibilities for flight instructors. 10-2 •  Professionalism exists only when a service is  performed for someone or for the common good. •  Professionalism is achieved only after extended  training and preparation. •  True performance as a professional is based on study  and research. •  Professionalism requires the ability to make good  judgment decisions. Professionals cannot limit  their actions and decisions to standard patterns and  practices. •  Professionalism demands a code of ethics. Professionals  must be true to themselves and to those they serve.  Anything less than a sincere performance is quickly  detected by the student and immediately destroys  instructor effectiveness. •  Professionalism requires that the individual instructor  be able to conduct a self-assessment. A true professional  must be able to critique his or her own performance  with objectivity.  Helping students learn Providing adequate instruction Demanding adequate standards of performance Emphasizing the positive