The Important Steps in Starting an Aviation Career

There are currently a growing number of job openings in the aviation industry, which is excellent news for anyone who has fantasized about flying for a living. There is a wide variety of work available in the aviation industry, and you can choose a job that allows you to examine the landscape from the ground or the skyline from the cockpit, depending on your preferences. 

Learn more about the different types of jobs available at airports and get advice from experienced aviation instructors on how best to prepare yourself for a career in aviation management if you have a passion for flying and want to play an essential role in the rapidly expanding aviation industry. Here are some tips for you to begin with.

Why choose the Aviation Industry? 

The knowledge that you are responsible for the health and safety of an untold number of passengers while they are in the air is one of the many perks that come with having specific jobs in this industry. Other perks include traveling the world and meeting fascinating and unique people in other countries. Other employment options are available in a more localized setting. They offer a variety of benefits, such as ensuring the exchange of critical information, ensuring the safety of aircraft before takeoff, or inventing aviation parts that are more aerodynamic in the future.

What exactly does “Aviation Management” entail? 

Suppose you have a degree in aviation management. In that case, you can manage the day-to-day operations of an airline, an airport, or a team of people responsible for airport maintenance. Managers in the aviation industry might also operate in the field of aeronautical engineering, supervising aircraft construction. 

The aviation field is expanding, and it is anticipated that many chances will become accessible. In addition, the demand for pilots in general, and commercial and private pilots in particular, is expected to soar over the next two decades.

The proper course to kick start your aviation career

To prepare you for the many occupations in aviation, there are associate’s degrees in aviation, bachelor’s degrees in aeronautics or business administration tailored to the aviation industry, aircraft maintenance technology certificates, and more. You can contact a reputable training institution or visit https://calaero.edu/arizona/ to learn more about the following courses.

  • Associate’s degree

The typical time to earn an aviation associate’s degree is two years. Compared to an associate of arts (AA) degree program, an associate of science (AS) programs make up most of the associate’s degree programs in aviation. The primary distinction between the two is that an AS in aviation will emphasize more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) coursework. At the same time, an AA degree will supplement your general education with more arts and humanities classes. 

Whether art or science, obtaining an associate’s degree in aviation gives you a robust general foundation in the industry, in addition, some aviation schools provide an associate’s degree program that includes pilot certifications and ratings. 

When you have earned your degree and the necessary number of flight hours, you may be eligible to work as an airline or commercial pilot if you have a pilot license. 

  • AMT/ ATC

Programs in aviation maintenance technology (AMT) can lead to master’s degrees in addition to diplomas and certificates (although at the higher levels, they transition more into engineering, navigational systems, and safety management and logistics). With or without an associate’s degree, graduates of the majority of AMT certificate programs are qualified to sit for the FAA tests and find employment as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanics. 

  • Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in aviation or aeronautics can be obtained with pilot licenses and ratings in less than three years (check accelerated programs, school courses may vary). Graduates of some institutions could be promised an interview for an instructor post or awarded a job as a flight instructor. Additionally, you can qualify for a 500 flight-hour reduction when applying for your ATP certificate if your degree was earned from a Part 141 institution (R-ATP). 

  • Other opportunities

For those students who are interested in aviation but are either not qualified for a flight school or do not wish to be pilots, there are several demanding and rewarding occupations available. For instance, students can start professions in airport operations or logistics with a bachelor’s degree in aviation business administration. This administrative degree can also be applied to various occupations, including sales, accounting, and aviation communication. 

Other bachelor’s degree programs, such as those in airport management, aviation security, aeronautics, and aerospace engineering, to name a few, provide more in-depth expertise on specific aviation topics.

Hone your skills for a profession in aviation 

The professional skills and knowledge required for aviation positions can be covered in aeronautical school. But a few abilities could make your job more successful. Although flight school often does not emphasize these personality traits, developing them can aid your growth.

Desirable attributes include clear and structured thinking, a solution-oriented attitude, punctuality, attention to detail, leadership, adaptability, teamwork and synergy, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.