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Aviation Education - Aviation Careers
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Professional Aviation Careers
Aviation is a rapidly expanding industry with incredible career opportunities. The future predictions for the aviation industry are that there will be a tremendous rise in people traveling by air and using air services. Right now we are in the midst of some critical shortages of key aviation personnel. The demand for aviation maintenance technicians is unprecedented, and avionics technicians, pilots, and air traffic controllers are in high demand as well. Despite the wealth of career opportunities available, there are not enough students entering these careers to fill the industry's needs.
A career in aviation is an excellent choice for students today. Salaries continue to steadily increase and are becoming highly competitive with other technology industries. The most important benefit of a career in aviation, however, is tremendous job satisfaction. Aviation is an exciting and challenging field, with a rich history and an ever-changing future. Those who choose careers in aviation can look forward to working with the latest state-of-the-art technology. They can also look forward to a lifetime of knowing that their careful work makes flying safe for everyone.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design and test aircraft and specific parts for aircraft. They work on new technologies for use in military and general aviation and space exploration. Aerospace technology also extends to many other applications of objects moving within gases or liquids.
Aircraft Electronics Specialist/Avionics Technician
Aircraft Electronics Specialists and Avionics Technicians install, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair the communication and navigation equipment on an aircraft.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians service, repair, and overhaul all parts and systems of an aircraft. They can work in hangars, on the flight line, or in repair shops. An aircraft maintenance technician inspects each aircraft to insure that it is air-worthy.
Airport Manager
Airport Managers oversee operations at both private and publicly owned airports. The airport manager must formulate airport rules, implement maintenance and safety programs, negotiate leases with airport tenants, maintain the airport budget, and promote the airport in the community. The particulars of the job depend greatly on the size of the airport.
Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controllers use both radar and visual information to direct air traffic so it flows smoothly, efficiently, and, above all, safely.
Flight Dispatcher
Flight Dispatchers work with pilots to create flight plans that enable aircraft to arrive at their destinations on schedule carrying the maximum payload while expending the least operating cost. The dispatcher must consider weather conditions, safety, regulations, personnel, and economy while making quick decisions about flight plans.
Line Person/Ramp Service Person
Line Persons or Ramp Service Persons meet arriving aircraft, guide them to parking spots, and assist pilots in fueling, servicing, and securing their aircraft. Young people who want to pursue careers in aviation often can begin by working as a line person for a fixed base operator (FBO).
Pilot
Pilots are in command of the plane and are responsible for the safety of the aircraft, its passengers, crew, and cargo. A pilot plans each flight, flies the plane, and supervises the crew during the flight. He or she also performs ground duties such as filing flight plans, working on reports, briefing crews, and attending training classes. There are many types of pilot careers available, but all pilots must work their way to the job they want by piloting civilian and/or military flights, gaining experience through logging flying hours in a variety of aircraft, and mastering additional skills.
Ticket Agent
Ticket Agents answer questions about flight schedules and fares, verify reservations, put together tickets, and handle payments. Agents who work at an air terminal ticket counter often check-in passengers' baggage as well. The ticket agent, along with the flight attendant, has the most contact with airline passengers and must be skilled in dealing with the public.