We currently live in what is known as the information age. This is because the most important resource that anyone can have is information. The Internet happens to be the biggest source of information that we currently have and it covers almost every topic. Most companies, individuals, organizations, institutions and other groups have some sort of web presence where they share information about themselves, their interests and their areas of expertise. Since the Internet does not have moderators to check on all content that is posted online, there is currently a lot of misleading, fraudulent and even dangerous information accessible to all.
Since aviation is a highly sensitive undertaking, it is extremely important to ensure that all the information that those working in the industry consume is accurate. This is only possible by ensuring that your sources of information are reliable, professional and can be trusted. Pilots, engineers, flight attendants, air traffic controllers and other ground crew need to keep themselves up to date on national and international aviation issues. While getting the correct national information may be a much simpler affair, the international issues may not be as straight forward.
Establishing reliable news and information channels on the Internet will require a lot of research. You will need to compare what is presented in one website with other sources. This could involve sending emails or even calling national aviation bodies in the concerned countries. The national aviation organizations will in almost all cases provide you with the correct information. If you are able to corroborate most of the information available in a particular website, then you could consider them as a reliable source.
With the Internet however, it is important to constantly counter check information as some sources will be good today and fail the credibility test the next day. Until a particular source has proved reliable over time, frequent checks and counter checks must be conducted. With constantly changing rules and regulations, it is important to make sure you have the latest and most accurate information.
Reliable news channels are another excellent source of aviation information. Though they may not have extensive information especially on what they might consider to be minor issues, they will keep you updated on major aviation related happenings around the world. Depending on the reports indicated, you might need to confirm the story as there are sometimes errors made by journalists when reporting.
Similar to all other professions, working as a pilot or in any other position in the aviation industry will require constant reading. Books are among the best and most reliable sources of aviation information. You will rarely find publishers releasing books that are misleading or containing inaccuracies. A reading professional is definitely a leading professional. With the correct quality of information, all those working in the aviation industry will be able to offer better services to their clients.
As a bush and aerial survey pilot. I have been through the entire process of pilot training from a Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating through to a Commercial Pilot License.