Originally Posted by
KiloAlpha
I am growing tired of flying and recently I have started looking at other possible careers. I have a B.S. in Operations Management, but don't have any real mgmt experience yet.
I'm not planning on basing any of my decisions solely on information gathered on this forum (obviously), but I'm looking for input. Perhaps a forum member or one of their family/friends have worked in a related field.
Anyway. I'm really interested in FBO / Airport management, but I'm not quite sure how to go about the job search process. In my preliminary search efforts, it looks like most big name FBO's are looking for 5+ years of FBO management experience.. so do you have to start at a small or local FBO to gain experience? is this a "who you know" career like being a pilot?
I've also considered going to a place like Walgreen's as a Management trainee, where according to their information, you will likely be a store manager within 2-3 years.
Any insight?
KiloAlpha:
I would strongly recommend a career in Airport Management. Average starting salaries are high. It just depends on which part of the country you live and what size airport you wish to work.
In airport management & operations, you will more than likely be hired as an Operations Agent. Basically you will do airside, landside & terminal inspections per FAR's 77, 139,1540, & 1542. Understand...that when top brass goes home, you are in charge of the airport
! What you say goes...
period. You are the final authority. Another aspect is the ability to get along with people whether in your department or airport maintenance, police, planning, concession mgmt, etc, etc. You get the picture.
You were a member of this forum when I joined just about two years ago. Your acumen as a pilot will be a plus. You should make the short list where ever you apply. Choose an airport though. Either go to
www.airports.com; or
www.aaae.com, or in addition to that you could PM me and give your e-mail address and I will forward the latest ERAU Alumni job postings that covers all aspects of aviation. Just to give you an idea of the salaries, the Airport Director say for Palm Beach Int'l base salary is 130K. He works pretty much 8-5; Mon-Fri.
All the best my friend.
Blue skies.
atp