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?

 

If you haven't worked in management, you will probably find that it's harder than flying. It might be less monotonous than flying, or maybe not.

I suspect that if you manage a smaller flight school/FBO and try to network around the field you could probably break into that business. Folks seem to bounce around between schools and FBO's.

Store managers at large retail operations are paid well, but they earn every cent. Expect to work 12-14 hour days, 6-7 days per week. In many cases if you want to call in sick, the only available coverage is going to be YOUR regional manager. If your regional Chief Pilot had to fly your trip every time you called in sick, how often would you do it?

Management trainee programs at large retail operations are often a scam...they hire a bunch of kids, pay them starvation wages, and work them to death (exempt employee = no work rules or OT). Most quit when they get burned out, but they got a lot of grunt work out of you. The tiny handful who have the stamina and willingness to put up with it can then compete for real management positions. Not too different from being a regional FO.

Do your research very carefully before you go into retail. If you want to work in corporate america, try to get on with a fortune 500 manufacturer.

 

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

 

I've considered doing ERAU's MBA program, but I dunno... just not sure what I want to do

 

I've often thought that if for some reason I could no longer fly, then some type of FBO management / ownership or Airport management would be the way to go. I recommend taking the MBA route towards that career. You'll get a taste of the business and also get a break from flying. If at the end of school you decide you miss flying too much, well, now you have an MBA to add to your resume.

I have a few friends and former coworkers that have gone into management and here is what I've learned from them. 1: Don't make anything, because if for some reason your capability to make your product is broken then you are responsible for all of the money your company is losing. 2: Don't be in charge of the maintenance, because if it takes too long to fix the equipement that makes the product you will be responsible for all the money that your company is losing by not having a product to sell. 3: Six months away from the flight line, sitting in some cubicle, riding in the back of an airliner on vacation or some business trip and you'll be dying to get back on the flight deck.

 

Look up Encore Aviation. They take over service at airports where there is only one FBO. When they came to FDK, I heard a lot of the guys where newbies in management being led by more senior guys. Not sure if this will help, but its something to look at.

 

KiloAlpha:

This is excellent advice. Now, whether or not you really want to go to Riddle and get an MBA is your decision. You probably got your BS/BA degree at another school; correct? If so, yeah, then Riddle would be good. I've heard that it is a good practice to get your MBA/MS degree at a different school than where you got your Bachelor's.

I plan on pursuing my MBA along with the ministry at a later date. However, I can tell you, with an MBA you shouldn't have any real problems finding a job. Btw, don't limit yourself to the U.S. if that's an option. The euro is doing quite well!!!

Take your time. This will be another one of those very important decisions that you'll make in your life; but I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.


atp

 

You are correct, I did my undergrad at a school here in PA. If I'm not mistaken, you can do the MBA with Riddle online (?)

 

I'm pretty sure you can. Give a couple of weeks and I'll see if I can come up with some additional info for you. Our Extended Campuses may be an option as well. Basically it's a satellite campus.



atp