INGENIEUR
Directive ( CAD ) 8601 5.9 ( B ) with the maintenance release statement : ‘ Certifies that the work specified , except as otherwise specified , was carried out in accordance with CAA Malaysia Requirements and in respect to that work the aircraft / aircraft component is considered ready for release to service ’. Release to service generally means approving an aircraft / components / systems as “ safe and fit for flight ”. When an aircraft is not safe nor fit for flight , I uphold RER no . 24 ( b ).
Interestingly , RER no . 24 ( b ) also supports my certification privileges under Federal Aviation Administration ’ s ( USA ) certification statement : I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with XYZ inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition . Whenever I encounter any situation and determine that the aircraft or system is not airworthy but am being pressured to certify and release an aircraft or system , I uphold and comply with RER no . 24 ( b ). The connection between the engineer ’ s compliance with BEM regulations , code of conduct and ethics clearly supports the norms of various engineering disciplines ’ good practices . It supports various local and international laws and bylaws of different industries ( including the aviation industry ). Violation of ethical principles and poor commitment to a professional code of conduct will only lead to catastrophic consequences .
Engineering is a learned profession . Engineers learn to harness the power of nature primarily in the Civil , Mechanical , Electrical and Chemical domains . Natural resources along with the application of principles of physics and complex mathematical calculations are used to design and develop safe products , technologies , systems and services for the convenience of mankind . Admittedly , it is not everyone ’ s cup of tea . Only qualified engineers can embark on the exciting journey of an engineering career . Engineers design and develop solutions for the benefit of mankind . It is a great livelihood . Engineers have been in existence since ancient times . I too was attracted and decided to join the engineering profession . I am particularly passionate about aircraft engineering and the technology , physics and mathematics associated with the marvel of flying machines . However , engineers need to be committed and comply with ethical principles , particularly those under the BEM Circular No . 001 which provides the guidelines for the Code of Conduct of Registered Person . While the REA protects the public , compliance with the Code of Ethics and RER protects the public and the engineers !
Adherence to the Code of Ethics
BEM continues its efforts to place emphasis on public safety and promote the importance of engineers with integrity through RER as well as BEM Circular 001 . As a proactive regulator , numerous guidelines are published through the BEM website , giving easy access to the public . The are many committees within BEM , consisting of experienced practising professional engineers who continuously review contemporary engineering matters and potential issues for public safety and engineering practitioners , as well as the development of the Malaysian engineering fraternity .
BEM continues to establish various platforms to ensure that the industry and the public are well informed of the guidelines , by-laws , new directives and amendments to regulations . Webinars , physical workshops and roadshows are being conducted with prominent speakers to educate the public , employers , engineers , engineering technologists and engineering technicians . I am of the opinion that BEM has put in a great effort in ensuring guidelines are in place and available to everyone .
Within the engineering community , many engineering practitioners and employers adhere to the BEM guidelines and ethics . However , there is still much room for improvement in terms of compliance with ethical principles . This applies to individual engineers , consultants and contractors who are involved in engineering works or projects . This is evident as engineering-related incidents and accidents continue to occur ; not so much on the part of BEM but very much due to violations and weak commitment to professional ethics by individual engineers , employers and engineering practitioners .
Quite recently , the world was shocked by the crash of Lion Air Flight JT610 13 minutes after
50 VOL 92 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2022