Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash
Everyone loves to go on holiday, but not everyone loves to fly. For those who do, however, maybe a career in aviation is the way forward! Without the aviation industry, the world simply couldn’t continue to function. Now, this might sound a little dramatic, but it’s true. You need aviation experts to get you to your holiday destination, to get you to important business meetings, to help you to move across the country, etc.
A noble career no matter if you want to be a pilot, an air traffic controller or an air marshal, there is always a need for people within the industry. But if you’re thinking about it, how do you know if it’s the right career path for you? Firstly, do some research on what qualifications (some of which are listed below) that you need, what the prospective salaries are, what training you need and what mindset you require. For example, as mentioned above, you need to love flying and not be afraid of heights, have vertigo, etc (if you want to be a pilot). It takes years of training to work within the industry, so this should be considered before taking the plunge.
So what are some of the main benefits that come with working within the aviation industry?
You get to see the world
If you want to be an aeroplane pilot or another member of the flight crew, whether on a commercial or private plane, you, of course, will have the benefit of being able to travel to amazing places for your job. For long-haul flights, you will be able to stay in the location for a couple of days, giving you time to do a bit of exploring. Undeniably it’s a demanding job, but having the ability to fly to amazing destinations is definitely a plus point. However, this benefit isn’t just reaped by the pilots and crew. When you work for an airline or within the industry, you might be offered discounts on flights allowing you to travel for less.
It is an exciting industry to work in
Not only can working within the aviation industry allow you to travel to incredible destinations, but it will also give you the opportunity to meet new people. As it is such a fast-paced and dynamic industry, you will get the chance to meet new people, whether that be on the plane itself or within the airport. This is an appealing benefit to many that want to work within a social environment and one that’s ever-changing.
There are many roles to choose from
As mentioned above, the aviation industry has many roles that you can choose from. As there are so many, you can easily find the perfect job for you that will suit both your qualifications and your skill set. A great benefit of working within the aviation industry is that you will have the ability to expand your knowledge and diversify your role. For example, if you are a first officer after you have flown a certain amount of miles, have served for a few years and completed all of your qualifications, you might have the opportunity to become the chief pilot.
What degrees do you need to work within the aviation industry?
Aeroplane Pilot – to become an aeroplane pilot, you don’t only need to be familiar with the concept of aeronautics, but you might also have to have a Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautical engineering or something similar. The most important thing that you need alongside your degree, is an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification. This is a must for any prospective pilot. You will have to go through thorough training, work within a simulator and meet physical requirements – such as taking part in altitude tests.
Flight Attendant – to become a flight attendant, not only do you have on-the-job training, but you will also have to complete formal training first. This includes health and safety, what to do if there is an emergency and how to act around passengers. It could also include associate degree programs within the field.
Aircraft Manufacturing Engineer – to become an aircraft manufacturing engineer, you need to have a degree in engineering. There will also be other things that you learn on the job as you get more familiar with your role, but an engineering degree should be the first qualification that you complete before applying for the job.
Airport Operations Manager – one of the key roles within the aviation industry is the Airport Operations Manager. Overseeing public relations, personnel management or more it is an important role that should be taken seriously. To become one, you can take a Bachelor’s degree in airport management, as well as completing work experience in the field.
Those are just some of the degrees that you need to work within the industry. If the career path you want to follow isn’t listed above, be sure to research and see which role fits you the best.
The amount that you are paid also depends on your role. For example, an airline pilot can get anything from £60,000 to £90,000 depending on their rank. An aerospace project engineer can get an average salary of £72,000 up to £102,000. More salaries are listed on Air Charter Service USA. The aviation industry is undeniably a profitable one, with some of the highest-paid jobs in the world, therefore there’s no denying the benefits that come with working within it.
So, there you go. There are just some of the wonderful reasons that people want to work within the aviation industry. Whether you are just ending school and are looking for your first career or you want to change the direction of your existing career path, working with aviation can be the perfect way to go. However, it isn’t an easy industry to work in by any means. It takes years of training, patience, knowledge and determination. Therefore, you need to make sure that it’s right for you before you complete the qualifications or training.
