A career in aviation can offer you the unique chance to fly planes and explore the world. Pilots work in a variety of positions, from crop dusting and banner pulling to commercial airliners.
Due to the growing shortage of pilots and mechanics, it is essential that you obtain an education that will prepare you for a rewarding career in this field. Whether you aspire to become a pilot or manage an airport, there are plenty of exciting possibilities waiting for you!
Airline Pilot
If you love to travel and have an aptitude for flying, becoming an airline pilot could be the ideal career choice for you. This highly competitive industry provides plenty of chances to progress.
The demand for aviation professionals continues to increase due to an improving economy and the growth of international airlines. Those with extensive experience and flight hours can earn higher salaries, access benefits, and have better job security in this field.
A degree in aerospace engineering, aeronautics or another related science will give you the edge to pursue a career as an airline pilot. With this specialized education, you’ll be able to fly all types of aircrafts, from jets and small planes alike.
You could work as a flight attendant or pilot instructor for an airline, where you’ll instruct passengers on flying basics. You’ll learn how to operate various aircraft types and ensure their safety at all times.
Alternatively, you could choose to become an air taxi pilot or private pilot for yourself or smaller charter companies. These pilots use smaller planes like island hoppers or sightseeing aircrafts to transport people on short trips.
Many aviation careers necessitate an intense level of concentration and precision. You must be able to process a great deal of information quickly under duress, as you may often need to handle emergencies on-the-spot.
If you don’t have a background in aviation, an accelerated training program can help you earn your airline pilot license faster than if you pursued an undergraduate degree in this field. With this type of arrangement, you could begin earning money and flying sooner than if the process were slower.
Many employers require you to possess a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science or an adjacent field. This degree will prepare you for the flight training and standardized testing needed to earn your commercial pilot’s license.
You’ll need to dedicate a significant amount of time learning about flight safety, air traffic control and aviation history in an accredited aviation program. Furthermore, taking courses in math, physics and engineering would be beneficial.
Airline Manager
The aviation industry is rapidly growing, offering numerous careers and prospects. Whether you’re interested in becoming a pilot or specialize in aircraft manufacturing, there is something for everyone in this sector.
What career path is right for you depends on your education, skills and experience level. No matter your educational or skill set, there are key job roles available in aviation; most requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
One of the most rewarding careers in aviation is that of an airline manager. These professionals supervise all operations at an airport or airline company, working as part of a team to guarantee everything runs smoothly.
Managers in this profession typically possess at least a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field, such as airport management or aviation business. Furthermore, they usually hold certification from professional organisations like the National Business Aviation Association or American Association of Airport Executives.
Finding a career in aviation can be done through many means, and websites and platforms provide excellent resources for identifying and applying for job openings. Read “Aviation Jobs: Overview of Sites to Find Aviation Vacancies” to learn more about these options and how to maximize them during your job search.
Another popular aviation career is that of an air traffic controller, who supervises and directs planes. They may work for either an airline, government agency or private company.
As an aerospace engineer, you would design and construct airplanes, spacecrafts, rockets, missiles and satellites. A strong background in engineering and mathematics are necessary as well as excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Finally, there are some exciting aviation careers that don’t involve flying at all. These include a variety of other positions involved in the day-to-day operations of an airport, like aviation screening officers.
These individuals screen passengers and their luggage at airports worldwide to make sure they aren’t carrying any prohibited items. Utilizing x-ray scanners, conveyor belts and handheld scanners, they communicate with airline security and law enforcement to guarantee all passengers and cargo are secure and in compliance with security protocols.
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are the professionals responsible for safely guiding pilots from taxi to takeoff, through the skies and back down on earth. They work at airports, air traffic control centers and flight service stations across America.
Radar screens allow airport personnel to view all aircraft flying within an area and communicate with pilots for proper taxi, takeoff and landing instructions. Furthermore, airport staff are alerted about weather conditions or other concerns.
A career in aviation may not be for everyone, but for those with the right qualifications and aptitudes, an air traffic controller job can be highly rewarding. These professionals may work from a tower at an airport or within a control center, depending on their experience and training.
There are three primary routes to becoming an air traffic controller with the FAA. The first requires prior work experience with either the FAA or Department of Defense, which could place applicants in an “experienced hire” category.
The second route is through a college program of study that offers courses related to aviation and air traffic control. These initiatives, known as Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiatives or AT-CTIs, may last several years.
Candidates completing an AT-CTI program must pass all tests and assessments necessary for employment as an FAA air traffic controller. This includes a physical, physiological and aptitude assessment which assesses your health and capacity to handle prolonged mental strain associated with this position.
These tests can be administered face-to-face or via telephone and are tailored to operational needs. They assess core cognitive abilities such as memory, working speed, spatial visualization, thinking and reasoning skills, attention and information processing abilities.
An air traffic controller’s duties include controlling the movements of large aircraft, small planes, helicopters and other commercial flights according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They must know their schedules ahead of time in order to react promptly in emergency situations. A career in aviation can be highly demanding but also highly rewarding with a generous salary and benefits package.
Aerospace Engineer
If you have a passion for aviation and want to work in an exciting field that involves research, design, and testing, aerospace engineering could be the perfect career option for you. Aerospace engineers design and construct aircraft, spacecraft, missiles as well as developing systems for national defense purposes.
These professionals apply their expertise in aerodynamics, structures, propulsion and flight mechanics to create designs for aircraft and spacecraft that are safer, more fuel-efficient, faster, lighter and less expensive.
To become an aerospace engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering or its related field. Furthermore, you must possess extensive experience working with aircraft and other engineering equipment.
In this career, you must be willing to think outside the box. Additionally, your ability to work under pressure and effectively communicate with colleagues are essential requirements.
Aerospace engineers need to be proficient with a range of advanced technologies, such as computer simulations and 3D modeling. Furthermore, they should know how to utilize CAD software and comprehend fundamental principles from physics and mathematics.
One way to gain more knowledge about aerospace engineering is by joining a professional organization, such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Membership gives you access to resources like peer-reviewed research journals and workshops.
Before making your career choice, consider interning in the industry to gain practical experience and gain insight into what the job entails. Internships also provide you with valuable connections to industry professionals as well as students with similar interests.
When selecting an internship in aerospace engineering, it is best to take into account your interests and how they align with the company’s objectives. Some employers require students with specific technical abilities while others value individuals with a diverse set of interests.
An internship offers you a unique chance to collaborate with your supervisor and peers in your field of interest. Whether you want to specialize in aerospace engineering or gain more exposure to daily operations, an internship can provide invaluable experience that will position you for future success.