What careers are there in the aviation industry?
Modern aviation has played an enormous role in shaping the modern world. People with family stretched across several continents can now maintain strong in-person connections with them. Tourists who’d like to visit an island in the middle of the Pacific can now do so without setting aside months on end.
Of course, supporting all of these advantages is a legion of workers who, in their various ways, allow modern aviation to happen.
Work in this industry can be rewarding for all kinds of reasons. It provides a chance to see the world, to form a vital part of a complex machine, and pick up skills that will impress employers outside of the industry, too.
What career paths are available?
Let’s take stock of some of the more common jobs, and what they have to offer.
Arguably the most important job in the industry is the pilot, without whom flying would be impossible. The role of the pilot is intricate, involving a surprising amount of administration and pre-and-post-flight checks. You’ll need to be able to communicate, and have the dedication necessary to complete your technical training.
Supporting the pilot are a range of ground and cabin crew members. Flight attendants are there to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone aboard the plane. They need strong attention to detail, an easygoing demeanor, and the ability to reassure passengers and accommodate their needs.
Cargo, naturally, is another important consideration. The various bags that people take with them while traveling need to be safely stowed in the hold at one end, and picked out at the other. Baggage handling is physical labor, but it’s also mentally demanding, as you’ll need to be on constant alert for unusual items.
Aeroplanes are incredibly complex machines, which require constant tuning and maintenance. You might look for work as an aircraft mechanic, or a maintenance technician, or an avionics or aerospace engineer.
Finally, we should consider the important role played by air traffic control, which is there to act as the eyes and ears of the pilot. They’ll monitor the airspace and issue instructions to pilots. Without them, modern aviation would not be possible.
Choosing commercial or private aviation
If you’re looking for a job in the industry, then you’ll face a choice between commercial and private aviation. Generally speaking, most career paths will take you from the former to the latter (though the reverse is certainly possible). Choosing work in the private aviation world will tend to mean taking on different, and broader, responsibilities. Private cabin crew jobs will tend to involve a broader service that’s crafted to suit the needs of high-value clients. Only the very best tend to make the cut – but those that do tend to enjoy more favorable hours and salaries.
