The Importance of Character in Aviation Maintenance

Gregson, Donald J. This qualitative phenomenological study examines aviation industry hiring managers’ perceptions of the relative importance of technical skills, formal qualifications, and character traits in the selection of aviation maintenance personnel. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with human resource professionals and hiring managers from civilian maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. Thematic analysis revealed four key findings: (1) formal qualifications are necessary but not sufficient for hiring decisions; (2) interpersonal qualities are prioritized over technical skills; (3) character traits—such as integrity, dependability, assertiveness, and accountability—strongly influence candidate selection; and (4) challenges in balancing technical competence and character are typically resolved by prioritizing character. The results indicate that while certifications and technical expertise serve as baseline requirements, character is the decisive factor in determining long-term success and safety in aviation maintenance environments. Hiring managers consistently emphasized that technical skills can be developed through training, whereas character traits are more difficult to instill post-employment. The study recommends that aviation organizations formalize character assessment within hiring processes, incorporate character expectations into job descriptions, and provide training to improve evaluation of interpersonal and ethical competencies. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for earlier integration of character development within educational and workforce training pipelines. Overall, this study underscores that sustainable aviation safety depends not only on technical proficiency but also on principled, character-driven decision-making.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2026

Author dc:creator

• Gregson, Donald J.

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/1021

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:1021