Other Avenues
07-24-2012, 02:48 PM
#1
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2010
Position: 139 Operations Department. Watching Others Fly
Posts: 52
Other Avenues
Been a while since I have been on the forums. Seems like a lot has been going on. Just a quick background of myslef before the question.
I grew up flying right seat GA with my dad. Lots of $100 Hamburgers and Pancake breakfasts. Got involved in the IAC then too. Joined the USAF in 2005 spent 6 years there as an Airfield Manager (1C771 was my final DAFSC). I am now working at a FAA Part 139 Airport in the Operations Department (at the basic level very similar work to what I did with the USAF).
The question I have is what other avenues within the Aviation industry might be possible career options. Im begining to realize that as important as Airports are that my heart and interests lay more in the aircraft side (Corporate Jets and smaller mostly no offense to the big boys out there). Im looking for help to brainstorm so i can start researching possible career moves. I do have a prefered geographical areas as well as I have 3 others to worry about besides myself.
Any help/ideas/advice etc is very much appreciated.
I grew up flying right seat GA with my dad. Lots of $100 Hamburgers and Pancake breakfasts. Got involved in the IAC then too. Joined the USAF in 2005 spent 6 years there as an Airfield Manager (1C771 was my final DAFSC). I am now working at a FAA Part 139 Airport in the Operations Department (at the basic level very similar work to what I did with the USAF).
The question I have is what other avenues within the Aviation industry might be possible career options. Im begining to realize that as important as Airports are that my heart and interests lay more in the aircraft side (Corporate Jets and smaller mostly no offense to the big boys out there). Im looking for help to brainstorm so i can start researching possible career moves. I do have a prefered geographical areas as well as I have 3 others to worry about besides myself.
Any help/ideas/advice etc is very much appreciated.
07-25-2012, 01:49 AM
#2
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2011
Position: 2 Min for Roughing
Posts: 33
I would say, enroll in college w/ a flying program and have the post 9/11 GI Bill pay for your degree and all ratings. Aviation degrees are not usually the best choice but that's what it takes to get the GI bill to pay for both. You'll be able to check the square and today my friend that's all that matters is checking the square. you'll have a degree and a CFII/MEI in 4 years and have 4 years to observe the market and think about what you'll do next. Also if you could narrow down your geographic constraints that would help people help you.
07-25-2012, 05:36 AM
#3
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2010
Position: 139 Operations Department. Watching Others Fly
Posts: 52
Sadly as much as I would love to get the GI Bill pay for a degree and flying, My current location does not offer any programs like that. So for now I get a regular BS Degree to check the box.
For me as much as I want to fly i'm ok with just working in the aircraft side just not sure what types of jobs/careers would allow it besides the obvious A/P type positions which once again take schooling i don't have readily accessible too
Geographically I am looking for the Central Ohio area. Grew up and have family there which helps my wife and kids while I'm out chasing the dream. Looked into NetJets Desk jobs, Republic Airways, Port Columbus, all as possible employers. NetJets well HR there is no mystery as to how that worked for me.
Thanks again for the help guys. Like I said it does not have to be a Cockpit gig. Just something more aircraft related
For me as much as I want to fly i'm ok with just working in the aircraft side just not sure what types of jobs/careers would allow it besides the obvious A/P type positions which once again take schooling i don't have readily accessible too
Geographically I am looking for the Central Ohio area. Grew up and have family there which helps my wife and kids while I'm out chasing the dream. Looked into NetJets Desk jobs, Republic Airways, Port Columbus, all as possible employers. NetJets well HR there is no mystery as to how that worked for me.
Thanks again for the help guys. Like I said it does not have to be a Cockpit gig. Just something more aircraft related
07-25-2012, 06:24 AM
#4
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,291
There are no obvious "airplane jobs" that don't require an A&P or pilot certificate (and relevant experience).
With your airport experience, I'm sure you could find your way into FBO management. Also flight school managers/salesmen are not always CFI's or even pilots...the primary qualification is being able to work over young suckers (and their co-signers).
Managers at 135 ops and private 91 ops are essentially always pilots who are experienced enough to fly as a PIC/check airman for that op. Any position around airplanes which would not require specific training and experience would not pay much (line boy, scheduling clerk/receptionist).
Sim instructor? It's possible to break into that with relatively low time. Ground instructor? It's possible to find a job with only an AGI, which is easy to acquire.
Flight attendant? I wouldn't recommend that personally, but it's easy to get into.
With your airport experience, I'm sure you could find your way into FBO management. Also flight school managers/salesmen are not always CFI's or even pilots...the primary qualification is being able to work over young suckers (and their co-signers).
Managers at 135 ops and private 91 ops are essentially always pilots who are experienced enough to fly as a PIC/check airman for that op. Any position around airplanes which would not require specific training and experience would not pay much (line boy, scheduling clerk/receptionist).
Sim instructor? It's possible to break into that with relatively low time. Ground instructor? It's possible to find a job with only an AGI, which is easy to acquire.
Flight attendant? I wouldn't recommend that personally, but it's easy to get into.
