Careers in Aviation (Non-Flying)

Not all careers in aviation require being in the air. Many different types of careers and jobs need to be filled before a plane ever even takes off. Below are some general categories and descriptions of non-flying aviation positions.

Administrative, Ticket Agents, Food Service

short summary: These are the people in the trenches waiting on people who either are about to fly or just landed. These jobs are mainly customers service with little variety.

skills needed: attention to detail, patience, customer service, tolerant of repetition

Airport Staff (ground crew, ramp agents)

short summary: These people guide the airplanes on the runway, communicate through headsets to people in the tours, use lights to guide the planes at night.

skills needed: Physical endurance, attention to surroundings, follow directions

Government/FAA

short summary: This category of jobs focuses mainly on procedures, certifications, safety, and paperwork. Many of these positions are executive positions.

skills needed: attention to detail, efficiency, excellent memory, conscientious of rules and requirements.

Instructor (classroom)

short summary: Similar to an in-class driver’s ed teacher except these instructors teach you how to fly a plane

skills needed: flight experience, ability to explain procedures clearly, public speaking skills, lesson planning

Maintenance

short summary: Maintain and repair mechanical aspects of planes. This may also include simple aspects such as fueling or cleaning.

skills needed: physical endurance, maintenance knowledge, flexible personality

Management—every category

short summary: Manage a team of individuals to achieve a common goal or complete a project.

skills needed: communication skills, management skills, teambuilding skills, research and delegation skills.

Manufacturing/engineering

short summary: Design and develop aircraft parts from mechanical drawing to physical part.

skills needed: Material knowledge, research skills, mechanical drawing knowledge.

Security/safety

short summary: Responsible for the safety and security of the people and property of a specific company or location.

skills needed: physical endurance, knowledge of safety rules and procedures, patience, customer service skills.