Public relations is the art of obtaining public support of issues pertaining to a specific subject, in our case, airports, flight operations, and maintenance facilities as they affect the adjoining community. The public should know about the FAASTeam and the services provided by local FAASTeam Representatives. Information about the program should be disseminated on a regular basis through the various forms of public media.
We must educate the public toward a realization and understanding of the importance of aviation's contribution to the transportation needs and economy of the community. We must also provide timely and accurate responses to public inquiries regarding aviation and airport safety. With the many advances in aviation safety and their value to the enhancement of a safer operating environment, the Representative should have adequate information to respond to most public inquiries.
Any new presentation developed by Representatives should be submitted to the FPM to verify content and standardization, and must be approved prior to use. When conducting presentations on behalf of the FAA Safety Team, Representatives and Lead Representatives will ensure that the FAA Safety Team Logo is present on the first and last slide of the presentation. (FAASTeam Representatives are not authorized to use the FAA logo in their originally created presentations.) An electronic version of the FAASTeam logo may be requested through the local FPM. Below is an example of the FAA Safety Team logo.
The primary method for the dissemination of worthwhile information is to utilize the public media. Television networks and their affiliates, newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and other news organizations will periodically publish articles that are timely and newsworthy. The FAASTeam Program Manager (FPM) should maintain a listing of all news agencies within their geographic area. Note that press releases need concurrence from the FPM and Regional Manager prior to distribution to various media outlets.
Representatives may be called upon by the media to answer questions about aviation issues. Questions regarding FAA or safety policy issues must be directed to the FAA’s Office of Public Affairs. Remember that you cannot express you opinion as an official representative of the Federal Aviation Administration. If you do express your individual opinion on an issue, be sure the media person understands you are not an official of the FAA. You should not wear your identification badge in this case.
FAASTeam Representatives should be available to Airport Managers and their staff to promote a cooperative working climate. This interaction will enhance the successful establishment of a safer airport environment. A Representative is recognized as a knowledgeable person the airport staff can call on in the case of an inquiry pertaining to aviation safety.
Many of the FSDOs have community, state, or national parks or reserves and conservancies within their geographical area. It would be advantageous to contact the superintendents and supervisors of such areas and make them aware of your role as a FAASTeam Representative. As such, you can act as liaison between the aviation public and the community agency.
The Representative can be a resource person to schools and institutions that have aviation related subjects in their curriculum. With your knowledge of aviation subjects and as a proponent of aviation safety, you can enhance the students' understanding of aviation safety. Another excellent way to foster good public relations is to become associated with service and youth organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4H Clubs, Civil Air Patrol, Sea Scouts, and Jr. ROTC.
By participating in local gatherings, meetings, and town hall sessions, the Representative can educate the public on aviation topics. Public concerns such as flight patterns and noise abatement procedures can be addressed. If people are informed about such matters, they may be more amenable to a common solution. The representative should maintain a list of competent and versatile speakers to address various groups' interests. This list should first be coordinated with the FPM or FAASTeam Lead Representative and shared with other FAASTeam Representatives as required.
FAASTeam Representatives should make an effort to acquaint local and state officials with the FAASTeam programs and products. For example, to create a good public image with the various law enforcement agencies, Representatives should acquaint their local Police, Sheriff, and Fire Departments with the objectives of the FAASTeam and products available to them. Remember to coordinate these contacts with your FPM, as he or she may already have a relationship with local and state officials.
Always remember that we are perceived in the way others see us. If we maintain a professional and effective program, then we have served our purpose. This requires that individual Representatives exert their best effort toward making the FAASTeam a success.