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CAREERS
IN AVIATION
Choosing the right career is a major task, and no-one should
rush into a career in aviation without preparing themselves
beforehand with as much information as possible.
If one or more members of your family already work in the aviation
industry, then it is easy to ask them about their duties,
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their working hours, and the
rewards and responsibilities of their chosen profession. However,
most of us are not so fortunate, and we know very little about
the work of a Pilot or an Air-Traffic Controller other than
what we see on the television or in movies.
So how do you choose the career that is right for you? |
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What Do Pilots Do?
Airline pilots fly aircraft, and not just any aircraft but huge
machines weighing up to 400 tons and carrying up to 500 passengers.
As well as controlling the aircraft, pilots plan routes, assess
fuel requirements and liaise with other personnel including
air traffic controllers, ground staff and cabin crew. It is
a highly responsible job because the safety of everyone on board
rests with the pilot and his/her ability to quickly analyse
complicated flight data and respond appropriately.
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The work can be tiring and even a bit lonely
because of long hours, constant traveling and nights spent away
from home. To compensate, salaries are generous, and they usually
include a good benefits package.
Pilots must have excellent analytical, numerical and co-ordination
skills. They must be in excellent health and be able to pass
a Colour Vision Test. It is also important to be self-disciplined,
to have strong self-confidence, and to work well as a member
of a team. |
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What Do Flight Dispatchers
Do?
Flight Dispatchers work in cooperation with Pilots and Meteorologists
to produce flight plans and weather reports that enable aircraft
to arrive at their destinations on schedule with maximum payloads
and minimum operating costs. The Dispatcher maintains a constant
watch on all flights dispatched and is the go-between for the
Pilot and ground service personnel.
Flight Dispatchers work indoors at the airport in a busy atmosphere
surrounded by people, |
computers, weather charts, fax machines,
telephones, and intercom systems. They frequently work under
pressure, especially when flying weather is bad. They must
make many rapid decisions concerning safety, flight regulations,
and the economy of operations. Shift work is normal.
Candidates must have excellent vision and hearing as well
as strong spoken communication skills. While much of the work
is computerized, complex mental calculations are often required.
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What Do Aircraft Maintenance
Engineers Do?
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers perform routine maintenance,
servicing, repairs and inspections on aircraft. Some Engineers
specialize in Structures & Mechanical Systems, while others
specialize in Avionics, which involves electronic and electrical
systems such as navigation, communications, flight data and
control systems.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers work in hangars, on the flight
line, or in repair shops. Noise levels can be high and emergency
repair work is often done outside in difficult weather conditions.
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Climbing ladders and lifting weights up to
25 kilos are a normal part of the work.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers work under a lot of pressure
to maintain airline flight schedules and to minimize inconvenience
to customers, but they can never sacrifice high standards in
order to speed up the job.
Candidates should have good analytical skills, a detailed understanding
of complex technology, above-average mechanical and mathematical
ability, and a desire to work with their hands. They should
also demonstrate strong personal integrity, an appreciation
of the importance of doing a job carefully, and the desire to
learn throughout their career. |
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What Do Air Traffic
Controllers Do?
Air Traffic Controllers maintain radio/radar contact with aircraft,
providing them with advice and instructions, as well as information
about weather conditions and safe flight paths. They work either
in control towers, which give a 360-degree view of the airfield,
or in control centres where aircraft are viewed and controlled
via radar.
The work of an Air Traffic Controller can be tiring and uncomfortable:
you may be constantly working in front of computers in a seated
position, wearing a headset, often with dimmed lighting. Shift
work is a standard requirement.
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The job carries a high level of responsibility
and can be pressurized at times. Controllers must be able to
understand and quickly analyze complicated radar and computerized
flight data, and to respond appropriately. Problem solving skills,
decisiveness and the ability to remain calm when under pressure
are important - particularly when dealing with emergency situations.
Candidates must be healthy, articulate, observant, capable of
concentrating for long periods of time and must have a clear
voice and excellent hearing, eyesight and colour vision. Numerical,
technical, team-working and interpersonal skills are also important. |
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What Do Meteorologists
Do?
Meteorologists analyse weather data and prepare weather reports
and forecasts for Flight Dispatchers, Pilots, and other airline
personnel concerned with weather information. They also assist
the Flight Dispatcher in preparing flight plans.
Meteorologists work indoors at the airport, |
using weather facsimile machines, teletype
machines, computer terminals, weather charts and other meteorological
data. Shift work is usually required.
Candidates should possess excellent analytical, team-working,
interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. Computational
and mathematical abilities are also essential, as well as good
problem-solving skills. |
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