Working in aviation is something that a lot of us dream of doing as a child. In fact, if you ask a group of schoolchildren what they want to do when they grow up, you can guarantee that at least a few of them are going to want to say ‘pilot’ or ‘air steward’. However, by the time most of these kids reach adulthood, the dream of working in aviation has usually died. But for those who are truly passionate about it, there are a number of different career paths into your dream high-flying job. Here’s everything you need to know about embarking on a career in aviation.
You’ll need to study – hard
Airlines served millions upon millions of people each day. If you are planning on working forty thousand feet above altitude, you will need to be both educated and professional. If it’s actually flying the planes that interest you, you will need to go to flight school. There are plenty to choose from in America, so chances are there’s one fairly near you. Here you will undergo a series of practical and academic exams. Following that, you will need to make sure you complete 1500 hours of flight time to make sure you are a trusted and safe pilot. Providing you pass your exams, are above twenty three years old and have clocked in all your hours, you should then be able to apply with a commercial airline. As far as working as part of cabin crew goes, you shouldn’t need a higher education qualification. But what you will need is a good level of fitness, color vision and a willingness to work hard. The hours can be long and demanding, but most air stewards love their jobs, and it can be very rewarding.
You’ll need to have the right kit
When working in aviation, there’s no room for mistakes. Safety and professionalism needs to be upheld at all times, and for that reason all equipment has to be up to date. For pilots, it is your responsibility to check over your kit before a flight to make sure everything is working. You will also need to look the part – and this refers to both cabin crew and cockpit crew. If you are a pilot, and the captain of the flight, you’ll need to be wearing something that defines who you are. Getting hold of a good flight jacket means that you will be easily distinguished from the rest of the crew.
You’ll need to look on the bright side
Aviation work can be grueling – after all, the atmosphere inside a plane can be unforgiving and the long hours may mean that you feel drained. But, at the same time, how many people can say that they travel for a living? In some circumstances, you may need to leave the plane in its destination for a few days, which gives you the opportunity to explore a new part of the world. Even when you’re tired, try and look on the bright side. There’s a reason why so many children dream of being a pilot, after all!
