Last updated: 02.07.2026

Introduction

Every edition of CHECKSIX represents far more than a collection of photographs and articles.

It reflects our values.

Our standards.

Our respect for military aviation.

Our commitment to responsible journalism.

These Editorial Ethics define the principles that guide every member of the CHECKSIX Editorial Crew.

They influence the way we research, photograph, write, edit and publish.

While technologies, aircraft and publishing platforms may evolve, these principles remain constant.

1. Editorial Independence

CHECKSIX is an independent international military aviation journal.

Editorial decisions are made solely by the Editorial Team.

No military organisation, government authority, manufacturer, commercial partner or advertiser determines our editorial content.

Professional relationships are valued.

Editorial independence is never compromised.

2. Accuracy Before Speed

We believe that accurate reporting is more valuable than fast reporting.

Where information cannot be verified with reasonable confidence, we prefer not to publish it.

Corrections are made openly whenever significant factual errors are identified.

Credibility is earned through consistency.

3. Respect for Military Aviation

Military aviation represents professionalism, discipline, history and technological excellence.

CHECKSIX approaches every report, photograph and interview with respect for the people, organisations and aircraft that form part of this community.

Respect, however, never replaces independent journalism.

4. Authentic Photography

Photography has always been one of the defining elements of CHECKSIX.

Our photographs are intended to document reality as faithfully as possible.

Professional image processing is used to optimise exposure, colour balance, sharpness and overall image quality.

It is not used to create scenes that did not exist.

Whenever possible, photographs are published using the original composition captured by the camera.

Cropping is kept to an absolute minimum in order to preserve the authenticity, integrity and visual intent of the original image.

The best aviation photograph is created before the shutter is released – not afterwards.

5. Honest Storytelling

Our objective is not to sensationalise military aviation.

Our objective is to understand it.

Every article should help readers appreciate not only the aircraft itself, but also its operational context, historical significance and the people behind it.

Photography and editorial reporting should complement each other – not compete with one another.

6. Respect for Contributors

CHECKSIX is built upon the work of photographers, authors, researchers, editors and aviation specialists from many different countries.

Every contribution deserves recognition.

Proper editorial credit is not merely a legal obligation.

It is a matter of professional respect.

7. Integrity

Trust is earned slowly and can be lost quickly.

Every member of the CHECKSIX Editorial Crew is expected to act with honesty, professionalism and integrity in all interactions with readers, contributors, military organisations and industry partners.

Promises should be kept.

Commitments should be honoured.

Professional relationships should always be based on mutual respect.

THE CHECKSIX EDITORIAL CREW CODE

The principles that unite every member of the CHECKSIX Editorial Crew

CHECKSIX is built by people who care deeply about military aviation, professional journalism and each other.

This Code is not intended to replace individual judgement.

It exists to remind us who we are, how we work and what we stand for.

We tell the truth.

Accuracy is more important than speed.

Credibility is more important than attention.

If we cannot verify it, we do not publish it.

We document reality.

Our photographs should reflect what we witnessed.

Editing enhances the image.

It never invents it.

The best photograph is created before the shutter is released.

We respect our subjects.

Every aircraft has a story.

Every pilot has earned respect.

Every maintainer, crew chief and engineer contributes to aviation history.

We never forget that.

We earn trust.

Military organisations grant access because they trust us.

Readers subscribe because they trust us.

Contributors work with us because they trust us.

Trust is our most valuable asset.

Protect it.

We deliver.

We keep our promises.

We honour our commitments.

Professionalism is measured not by what we promise, but by what we deliver.

We respect creative work.

Every photograph.

Every article.

Every layout.

Every caption.

Someone invested time, knowledge and passion to create it.

Treat every contribution accordingly.

We never stop improving.

Every issue should be better than the previous one.

Every report should teach us something.

Every mistake should make us stronger.

Progress is part of our identity.

We work as one crew.

Different countries.

Different languages.

One standard.

One publication.

One mission.

We leave aviation better documented than we found it.

Future generations deserve authentic aviation history.

Every edition of CHECKSIX contributes to preserving that history.

That responsibility belongs to all of us.

The CHECKSIX Promise

Every story we publish…

Every photograph we present…

Every edition we release…

will always reflect our commitment to independent journalism, authentic photography and professional integrity.

That is our promise.

To our readers.

To our contributors.

To the aviation community.

And to ourselves.