Aviation Jobs
& Occcupations
Despite the consequences of
9/11, careers in aviation are expected to continue on a growth
pattern, although perhaps not in major commercial
airlines. This is primarily due to the effects of a global economy and
increased leisure travel.
Careers in aviation jobs
comprise a broad genre of sub-fields
Of the total positions
included in the field of aviation, reservationists positions are
expected to grow the most slowly, perhaps even declining in the coming
years.
While air flight attendants
and pilots are the positions that generally come to mind in regards to
aviation jobs, those that are on the ground are much more prevalent.
Employment prospects are
expected to remain favorable for pilots and flight attendants
Pilots and flight attendants
make up only about 25% of the total aviation jobs. The remaining
majority positions include mechanics, engineers, reservationists and
air traffic controllers.
Employment
Prospects for Aviation Jobs
Employment prospects vary considerably according to the position
applied for:
- Air Traffic Controllers
- There are actually three types of air traffic controllers; those who
work in towers based at airports; those who work in en-route
control centers and those who work as flight service station
specialists.
Airport based traffic
controllers are responsible for directing planes during departure and
landing. Once the plane is in the air they are directed by en-route
controllers, who are based in 20+ control centers
located at strategic points throughout the United States. Their job
involves monitoring and directing the plane throughout its destination.
- Flight service station
specialists have no responsibility regarding
direction of the plane’s flight pattern, but are equipped to
respond in case of emergency and in the event a plane is overdue at its
destination.
- Aviation Jobs for Pilots -
While commercial pilots are the positions most easily recognized; this
career field also includes charter pilots, cargo
pilots, helicopter pilots, crop dusters and those
pilots who are engaged in activities such as search and rescue,
firefighting and traffic observations.
- Mechanics and Service
Technicians - Aircraft mechanics and service
technicians are responsible for inspecting each plan before it leaves
the runway and making any necessary repairs. Mechanics may restrict
their specialty to a specific type of airplane or part of the plane.
- Aviation Jobs for Engineers
are responsible for the production of an aircraft from its design,
development and the final tests that are performed in order to deem it
safe and worthy of air travel.
Job Search for
Aviation Jobs
Job search in the field of
aviation varies greatly depending on the area the candidate wants to
work in. Commercial related aviation jobs may be required to go through
the FAA; such as is the case with air traffic controllers.
Unions may also prove to be
of benefit for person searching for work in the aviation industry
Persons interested in working
as pilots or mechanics for large commercial airlines will find that
networking and applying directly with airlines to be good resources for
job openings.
Aviation Jobs -
Cover Letters
The cover letter is an
excellent opportunity for persons seeking aviation jobs to mention
their commitment to safety and their safety record.
The job applicant should use the cover letter as a way to explain hour
their decision-making abilities, safety record and leadership style can
benefit the employer.
Aviation Jobs
– Resumes
Aviation resumes must be very
specific and include all information relevant to the position such as
number of flight hours logged,
type of license held, number of years experience in the industry and
any aircraft or aircraft parts related specialties. Chronological
resumes work well for this type of position.
Training
& Qualifications for Aviation Jobs
The amount of training
required for a career in aviation largely depends on the position that
interests an individual:
- Pilots
are required to possess a license, which at a very minimum includes the
logging of at least 250 flight hours, successfully pass both a physical
and vision examination as well as a written test and flight test.
There are varying
degrees of a commercial pilot’s license
Commercial airline pilots
must pass even more rigorous requirements, including 1500 hours of
flight time and must be deemed ready to fly at night
and by using instruments only.
Vision and physical
examination requirements apply as well as aptitude and psychological evaluations.
Additionally, most airlines require 2 years of college at a minimum;
and a great majority of airlines require a Bachelor’s degree.
Pilots’ licenses must be renewed and continuing education
courses are required.
- Mechanics and service
technicians must usually be certified by the FAA.
The certification process involves anywhere between 18 months to 36
months experience working with a trained certified
mechanic. This type of experience is usually gained
through education at a trade school with the student attending either a
2 year or 4 year course of study.
Once the certificate is
trained, the mechanic or technician must stay on top of continuing
education and ongoing experience requirements in order for their
certificate to remain valid.
- Engineers
are required to have a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
- Due to the fact that air
traffic controllers are directly responsible for
the safe arrival and landing of hundreds of thousands of aircrafts, the
training requirements and qualifications are especially
rigorous.
An individual interested
in pursing a career in this field must first obtain 4 years of college
and then enroll in a further education program that is approved by the
FAA.
Following that enrollment
they must pass a pre-employment test with the FAA as well as physical
exam, drug screening and security clearance.
Provided the candidate is
successful in all of these pre-employment requirements, they must them
attend 3 months of additional training at the FAA Academy.
Following completion of
the training program at the Academy they will work in the industry for
several years before becoming eligible to receive a full
certification.
As with most other
aviation related careers, air traffic controllers must pass physical
and performance examinations on a continuous basis in order to remain
eligible for employment.
Good
luck in your search for a career in aviation jobs !
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