Helping you find a career in the aviation industry
The aviation industry is made up of people who keep our aircraft in the sky - something that's essential for public safety and national and international defence and transportation, as well as for ensuring that we can enjoy our holidays abroad without hassle!
There are four main categories within the aviation industry: international, national, domestic and cargo. Those working for commercial airlines might fly, command or work with planes domestically, nationally or internationally, whilst pilots or others who work in areas such as logistics are more likely to deal with the cargo part of the industry, moving goods from place to place. Many of those who work in aviation also work on the ground, at an airport.
Basically, it's the industry that facilitates the aircraft business - anything or anyone that needs to be transported via the air. It's an industry that's at the forefront of technological development, allowing goods to be transported across the world within hours and people to fly thousands of miles (London to Western Australia recently became one of the world's longest direct flights). It can be a glamorous job, too - especially in roles such as a pilot, which is seen as a hugely respected career choice.
Types of jobs within aviation
There are numerous jobs within aviation, including those within manufacturing and production as well as office-based roles and those that actually require employees to be airborne, such as a pilot. Here are just a few of the roles that you could consider:
Pilot - Possibly the first job that comes to mind when we think of aviation, a pilot is responsible for the safe take-off, cruising and landing of his or her plane and the passengers or cargo on board Co-pilot - The second pilot in the aircraft, with the same skills and training as the pilot Air traffic controller - A skilled individual, based at an airport, who gives directions to planes within a certain region's airspace Flight dispatcher - Plans flights, taking into account the type of aircraft, the weather, potential for turbulence, and other factors Ground staff - Working within an airport, usually as an employee of an airline, assisting passengers and providing required information (this covers a number of different roles that are found within an airport) Cabin crew - Ensuring that passengers have a journey that is as safe and comfortable as possible Aircraft maintenance technician - Ensuring the safety of an aircraft whilst it is on the ground and before take-off, including performing any fixes needed and making sure it is safe to fly Customer service agent - Based in an airport, usually working for that or for a particular airline, providing customers with assistance Aviation data analyst - Reviews data and creates and presents reports pertaining to flights Aviation security officer - Carrying out pre-defined security procedures and checks, including in the areas of cargo, passenger, and employee security Aviation safety officer - Uses laws, rules and regulations to plan and facilitate safety and environmental programmes Aircraft engineer - Identifying and solving issues with an aircraft, using a mixture of mathematical principles and practical skill