Careers in Aviation: On the Ground and in the Air

The airport is one of the most interesting places to work. There are a wide variety of careers at the airport and in aviation. It’s not too early to start thinking about what you’d like to do when you grow up.


Just about every subject you are studying in school could be a good foundation for a career in aviation. Your hobbies and extracurricular activities are things you should also pay attention to in terms of choosing a career that is right for you.  Here are some of the jobs you may want to think about when planning your future aviation career!

Air Cargo Agent: It is this person's job to supervise the cargo terminal, record air freight shipments, and arrange for deliveries.

Air Cargo Forwarder: It is his/her job to deliver airfreight to and from airlines.

Aircraft Instrument Technician: He or she installs, repairs, and tests aircraft instruments.

Aircraft Mechanic: The aircraft mechanic's job is to service aircraft airframes and engines.

Airline Station Manager: The station manager is in charge of all ground and flight operations for his/her airline. These responsibilities could include aircraft handling, passenger services, air cargo operations, ticket sales, making public announcements, checking baggage, or operating computer terminals depending upon the size of the airline or airport.

Airport Designer: It is this person's job to plan and design airport facilities.

Air Traffic Controller: While manning the airport control tower, the air traffic controller directs all flight activities, give advise and information by radio to pilots, and monitors planes in and around the airport.

Astronaut: Person who trains either in a highly scientific/technical field, or as a pilot, or both, and passes rigorous physical and academic tests to fly in space.

Click on photo to the left for link to the NASA KID'S CLUB! [National Aeronautics and Space Administration].
 

Avionics and Aircraft Radio Technician: This technician installs and repairs radio equipment.

Baggage/ Air Cargo Handler: He or she loads and unloads cargo and baggage, drives baggage tractors, and operates conveyors, forklifts, and other air freight handling equipment.

Co-pilot: The co-pilot assists the pilot in the operation of the flight controls, watches the instruments and weather, handles radio communications, and keeps logs.

Electronics Maintenance Technician: This person maintains navigational aids and communication equipment, such as radar and radio beacons

Flight Attendant: He or she checks passengers' names and destinations, enforces safety rules, serves food, oversees passengers' comfort, and directs evacuation procedures in the case of an emergency.

Flight Dispatcher: The flight dispatcher works the with the pilot planning flight requirements (fuel consumption, altitudes, traffic flow, weather, winds aloft) authorizes take-offs or cancels flights, and advises pilots in the air on weather or route changes. They frequently work under pressure in a noisy, busy atmosphere surrounded by other airport workers, teletype machines, telephones, and intercom systems. They use computers, calculators, weather charts, and loading reports, sometimes also doing the job of a meteorologist or schedule coordinator.

Flight Engineer: The flight engineer monitors the in- flight operation of the engines and aircraft's mechanical and electrical systems.

Flight Instructor: This pilot teaches student pilots how to fly. They demonstrate and explain, on the ground and in the air, basic principles of flight, aerial navigation, weather factors, and Federal Aviation Regulations.

Flight Simulator Instructor: This person trains pilots and checks their skills, using a flight simulator.

Food Service: Food service employees prepare food for airline travelers and are also responsible for cleanup of dishes and utensils.

Meteorologist: He or she analyzes weather data and makes weather reports to the pilot and dispatcher and then works with the flight dispatcher preparing flight plans.

Operations Agent: The operations agent oversees the loading and unloading of the airplane and checks the distribution of the aircraft load and fuel.

Pilot: A pilot is responsible for the safety of the passengers and cargo. He or she makes flight plans with the dispatcher and meteorologist, makes preflight checks of the aircraft and operates the controls.

Reservations Agent: This person handles telephone inquiries about flight schedules and fares and makes flight reservations for airline passengers. They usually work in large central offices with access to telephones and computer terminals.

Security: The security person is responsible for the safety of all people in and around the airport. He or she is authorized to x-ray carry-ons, search baggage, enforce airport regulations, and patrol the grounds.

Ticket Agent: The ticket agent sells tickets, weighs and tags baggage, and answers questions on schedules and fares.

Travel Agent: The travel agent promotes airline travel, calls on customers, and arranges charter flights.