When most people consider careers within the aviation field, the first thing that may come to their mind is a pilot.
But if you’re seeking a career in aviation there are several other roles and opportunities which are important to the functioning of the aviation industry. These roles range from air traffic controllers to aviation management experts and offer career prospects for anyone who loves aviation but doesn’t want to fly aircraft.
Air traffic controllers
Evaluating the role of air traffic controllers (ATCs) one can confidently state that they are one of the most important specialists in aviation. A primary duty is to oversee the traffic patterns and the orderly and safe movement through the skies and runways. ATCs are employed in control towers, approach control sites or area control centres where they track aircraft’s movement, issue directions to pilots and ensure that separation between planes is well observed.
Currently, to stand a chance to become an air traffic controller, one is required to undergo a detailed training process that involves classroom study, practical sessions, and practical experience. This position requires effective verbal and written communication, problem-solving skills, decision making and alertness to the surroundings. The job is very demanding but at the same time very fulfilling, especially given the importance of a part one is playing in ensuring the safety of air travel.
Aircraft maintenance engineers
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) are very crucial in that they work to ensure that aircraft stay fit to fly. They are in charge of inspections and maintenance of the aircraft as well as repair works that are aimed at ascertaining whether they are safe for use and other functional checks. AMEs may be involved in anything from a simple straight-forward, inspection or grease and oil check through to a major repair or overhaul of a system.
Other branches of aircraft maintenance include Avionics, which deals with the electrical systems of the aircraft, airframe which concerns the body of the aircraft and powerplant which deals with the engines of the aircraft. One must qualify for AME training, pass out the course, get certified by the recognised aviation councils and get licensed by the concerned aviation bodies usually in their country. The position needs technical skills, technical precision, and most of all personal and job safety. For those who would like to get dirty, so to speak, and have a genius for the science of flying, this is one of the best career domains.
Flight attendants
Cabin crew is an important part of the air transportation sector. This role involves meeting the well-being of customers during a flight. Some other responsibilities include inspecting for safety features, helping passengers to embark and disembark, serving food and drinks and helping in case of an emergency. As glamorous as this may sound, the position entails a lot of responsibility together with the capacity to handle pressure.
The training received for a flight attendant usually involves a program that is run by the airline in question and this entails safety procedures, customer service, and first aid among others. The position would suit those who like being around people, have cascading interpersonal communication skills and would like to have worldwide tourism experiences. Another vital area seen in the aspect is that stewards are also involved in security and emergencies, it is not an easy but rather demanding job.
Airport operations staff
Airport operational employees are crucial elements of airports and their main task is the ground handling of all the processes that take place in the airport. This involves tasks like security personnel, baggage handlers, check-in staff, and ground handling activities including refuelling and provision of food and drinks among others. This is a list of professionals who are not easily visible to the passengers but play a critical role in determining whether flights will take off or not, how passengers will be treated and whether security in the airlines will be maintained.
Currently, airport operations involve multi-skilled personnel who are organised working under pressure and with keen concern towards rendering services to consumers. Originally, there were different points of entry to this field, which may incorporate simple vocational training or higher education degrees in airport management or logistics. Airport operations are an exciting field where no two days are the same.
Aviation management professionals
Aviation management is a field of study that opens an incredibly vast number of opportunities for those, who are into leadership and strategic positions within the industry. Aviation management professionals are the people charged with the responsibility of managing different aspects of an airline and/or airport which may include finance, marketing, human resources and supply chain management. Indeed, a significant part of these professionals take on the task of influencing the policies and strategies that contribute to the optimisation and profitability of aerospace operations and their safety.
Interested persons should possess business administration, aviation management or any other related degree from an accredited university. The advanced positions may demand the acquisition of a master’s degree, or, at the very least, several years of work experience in the aviation sector. Based on the mentioned requirements, this career is suitable for those people who have leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and love the field of aviation.Flying is a common dream for people who join aviation, there are many other routes that one can take to enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling career. To anyone who may be wondering how to become a commercial pilot; it is important to know that becoming a commercial pilot is not an easy feat; it needs a lot of training, extensive pilot interview preparation, commitment and money. But for those who did not have the intention to be a pilot, there are more roles that you can do within the field. Be it controlling the movement of aeroplanes in the sky, rearranging their safety patterns by providing stringent maintenance or handling the different activities in an airport, these positions form a very important part of the aviation chain.