Airlines, airports, the FAA, and private companies that service aircraft hire a wide range of workers to keep flying safe and efficient. Qualifications range from a high school diploma for ramp workers to a college degree for management positions and flight dispatchers. Specialized training is required for other positions including air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, and airport firefighting and rescue personnel.
Mentors are ready to answer your aviation career questions!
Listed below are only a few airline and airport career opportunities for a general idea on all that are available for you.
Airport Manager
Education Requirements: College Degree in airport management and/or business
administration
Job Opportunities: Airports, airport authorities
Fixed-base Operator Manager
Education Requirements: H.S diploma, College Degree sometimes preferred
Job Opportunities: Fixed-base operators (FBO)
Lineperson
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma
Job Opportunities: Airports, airlines, FBO's
Station Manager
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, experience helpful
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Scheduling Coordinator
Education Requirements: College degree preferred, experience helpful
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Flight Dispatcher
Education Requirements: College degree, Dispatcher license, College degree and
experience preferred
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Air Traffic Controller
Education Requirements: College degree, FAA training
Job Opportunities: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Safety Inspector
Education Requirements: Engineering degree and/or experience as pilot or mechanic
Job Opportunities: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Concession Workers
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma
Job Opportunities: Airport concessionaires
Fire and Crash Rescue
Education Requirements: College degree preferred, special training
Job Opportunities: Medium to larger airports
Ground Attendant
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Ramp Service Personnel
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma
Job Opportunities: Airlines, airports
Cabin Maintenance Mechanic
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, technical training
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Ramp Planner
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, experience helpful
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Customer Service Representative
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, business experience helpful
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Ticket Agent
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, two years college preferred
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Reservation Sales Agent
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, two years college preferred
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Flight Attendant
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, college preferred, special training
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Baggage Handler
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Sky Cap
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma
Job Opportunities: Airlines
Cargo Handler
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma
Job Opportunities: Airlines, air freight companies
Air Freight/Cargo Agent
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, shipping experience
Job Opportunities: Airlines, air freight companies
Passenger Service Agent
Education Requirements: H.S. diploma, experience preferred
Job Opportunities: Airlines
*Special thanks to Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association
http://www.aopa.org/path/careers.pdf