Aviation Technology Careers
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Aviation Technology Career Overview
Aviation technology is perfect for those with a passion for the aerospace industry, including:
- Aeronautical technology
- Aviation management
- Professional flight technology
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, air transportation will increase in activity over the next nine years. Therefore, the demand will be greater for aviation technology graduates in order to meet those future demands.
Working in the aviation technology field is a way to both follow your interests and place yourself within a growing industry with a lot of job potential. There are more careers in aviation than just being a pilot. Entering into the aviation field encompasses many different jobs including:
- Air traffic control
- Maintenance Technician
- Flight Operations
- Safety Inspector
Search Aviation Technology SchoolsAviation Technology Training and Education
Training in the aviation technology field generally teaches a student how to keep an aircraft in peak performance. Your training and education will help you to obtain certificates and degrees through programs that are approved by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). You can expect these courses to last approximately 18-24 months. Some of these programs and courses will include:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Electronics
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Drawing
Programs will also emphasize the technical aspects of:
- Turbine Engines
- Aviation Electronics
- Composite materials in the construction of aircrafts
All training in aviation technology should include hands-on experience and offer some sort of job placement program to their graduates.
Aviation Tech Career and Salary Outlook
There are more options for a career in aviation than just becoming a pilot. Two prime examples would be Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Electronics. Considering that for every commercial pilot there are approximately four maintenance technicians and for every hour of flight an aircraft requires four hours of maintenance, there is sure to be an abundance of jobs in these fields for years to come.
The growing number of jobs available in aviation make working with planes a complete possibility for those who have always been interested in flying. A career in aviation is a good fit for individuals who have always shown an interest in complex machines, flight, and the possibilities they provide.
Typically starting salaries and benefits are more competitive for graduates with an associate degree. As with most careers the higher your level of education the better opportunities you will have open to you.
Career Fields/Specializations
Aviation Maintenance Technician Career
Aviation maintenance technicians are responsible for keeping airplanes flying safely. They are certified by the FAA to troubleshoot and maintain anything that flies, such as:
- Small private planes
- Corporate jets
- Helicopters
- Airships
- Jetliners
- and Space vehicles
These technicians are expected to work on two specific areas of an aircraft. The first is the body of the airplane, known as the airframe (A), and the other is the engine, known as the powerplant (P). If you are qualified in both areas, then you are certified as an A&P. Upon completion of an Aviation Maintenance technician program, you will be expected to sit for the FAA A&P examination.
Aviation Maintenance Technicians are part of the world’s fastest growing industries, especially in commercial aviation. Careers in Aviation Maintenance Technology have spawned some of today’s pilots and aviation executives.
Aviation Electronics Technician Career
Aviation Electronics Technicians, or Avionics Technicians, are responsible for the electronic systems and controls aboard modern aircrafts. Some of the on-board systems you will be expected to work on include:
- Navigational equipment
- Communications equipment
- Weather radar equipment
If you choose aviation electronics as a career, you will obtain your license from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Technicians who are trained to work with more complex systems will have the upper hand in the job market. Additionally, any licensing that allows you to actually work on the aircraft by either installing or removing the electronics equipment will put you in especially high demand.
Assembly Inspector/Flight Dispatcher Career
An assembly inspector’s primary duties are to examine the airframe, engines and operating equipment. This is to ensure that any repairs were made according to specifications and certifies the “airworthiness†of any aircraft. Some of the responsibilities that would be required of you as an Assembly Inspector include:
- Checking the tightness of airframe connections
- Collecting data such as engine revolutions per minute, fuel and oil pressure
- Examines assembly, installation and adjustment of ailerons and rudders
- Determining accuracy of installation of components in power plant and hydraulic system
- Signing the inspection tag to approve the unit or recording the reason for rejection
- Logging inspections that are performed.
A flight dispatcher is responsible for authorizing, regulating and controlling flights according to regulations to ensure the safety of those flights. Apart from these obvious duties, a flight dispatcher is also responsible for the following:
- Analyzing meteorological information to determine the safety of the flight along it’s potential route
- Computing the amount of fuel required for the flight to reach it’s destination
- Preparing the flight plan to include allowable takeoff and landing weights and landing field conditions
- Signing the authorization to release the flight for takeoff
- Delaying or canceling the flight if unsafe conditions prevail
- Recommending any flight alterations.
Aviation Safety Inspector Career
The FAA has its own on-site detectives known as Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs). These inspectors are there to develop, administer, investigate and enforce regulations and standards for production, operation, maintenance and modification of all aircrafts in flight today. There are several different types of inspectors with the four key disciplines being:
- Avionics - evaluating avionics technicians, programs and facilities
- Maintenance – evaluating aviation mechanics, programs and facilities
- Operations – evaluate airmen, programs, equipment and facilities
- Manufacturing – inspect aircraft, aircraft parts, avionics equipment and monitor manufacturing facilities.
Air Traffic Control Specialist Career
An Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) is one who provides for the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic. As an air traffic controller, you can expect to have your duties broken down into three specializations:
- Terminal Tower Controller – control air traffic at airports, give pilots taxing and takeoff instructions, air traffic clearances and advice based on information from the National Weather Service
- En Route Center Controller – provide aircraft instructions, air traffic clearances and advice regarding flight conditions while en route between airports
- Flight Service Station Controller – provide preflight, in-flight and emergency assistance to all pilots on request. They work with pilots face-to-face, by phone and radio.
An air traffic controller must show characteristics of being disciplined, tough minded, meticulous and driven. Although it is a challenging career to qualify for, the satisfaction you will receive makes it more than worthwhile.
