If you want to scale new heights in your career, a career in aviation may just be the right path for you! You can spend most of your time travelling from one country to another. These days, youngsters seem to dislike jobs that force them to sit and work in the same space for long hours. Well, a career in aviation provides the necessary mobility that most 9-to-5 jobs lack. So, if you’re looking for a job that keeps you on your feet, you’ve come to the right place!
There are different careers in aviation opportunities available. Let’s navigate through them and learn more about this field. Following are the top 7 jobs in aviation:
Top 7 Careers in Aviation
1. Pilot
Pilots have the responsibility of flying and navigating airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. To become a pilot, you need a bachelor’s degree, commercial pilot’s license, and Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Additionally, you’ll have to go through on-the-job training, which typically includes 6 to 8 weeks of ground school and 25 hours of flight time. On average, a pilot earns a hefty sum of Rs 16 lakhs per annum.
There is a shortage of commercial pilots due to the long and costly process of securing an Airline Transport Certificate. This is all the more reason for you to pursue this career in aviation option.
2. Aircraft Maintenance Technician
While this path to a career in aviation might not be a monetarily rich one, it is a viable option that deserves to be considered. Earning an average of Rs 2.9 lakhs per year, their job focuses on performing maintenance work on different types of aircraft and ensuring that they’re running smoothly. They inspect parts for defects, diagnose mechanical issues, measure critical parts for wear and tear, repair or replace broken parts and keep detailed records of all the work done on an aircraft. If these things pique your interest, this path may just be for you.
3. Air Traffic Controller
The duties of an air traffic controller involve a lot of collaboration with pilots. While their basic duty involves monitoring the air traffic within a particular air space, they also instruct pilots on landing and takeoff procedures, analyse weather forecasts and determine air routes for pilots. Additionally, they organise searches for missing airplanes, control airport lighting, and monitor all the necessary communications in and out of a flight tower.
To become an air traffic controller, one must complete the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. This is a 2-4-year degree programme. After that, students must pass the Air Traffics Standardised Aptitude Test. Earning an estimated Rs 6 lakhs per year, this is a pretty well-paid option for a career in aviation in India.
4. Aerospace Programme Manager
An aerospace programme manager looks after the day-to-day operations of an airport or airline. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in aviation management, to get appointed for this role. They secure airplane maintenance records, monitor inspection schedules, and ensure their employer complies with all the rules put forth by the Federal Aviation Administration. They also work with emergency responders and prep flight crews and manage the staff by creating work schedules. The national average salary for this field is a little short of Rs one lakh per year.
5. Aviation Safety Inspector
To become an aviation safety inspector, you need a history of a career in aviation, be it as a pilot, navigator, repairman, or other aviation professional. Aviation safety inspectors are responsible for overseeing the operations of an aircraft and examining airmen for certifications and evaluating training programmes and air carriers’ operational programmes. Additionally, they evaluate mechanics, repair facilities, and manage training programmes for mechanics. They also ensure that aircraft and all equipment are suitable for a safe flight.
You can kickstart your career in aviation as an aviation safety inspector with as little as an associate’s degree. However, getting this job requires prior experience, so this isn’t a viable option for newbies. The annual salary in this field ranges between Rs 5 and 6 lakhs.
6. Flight Instructor
Aviation instructors with a great deal of experience can opt for this career path. A flight instructor teaches people the mechanics behind how to fly airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. They know various methods of teaching, like on-ground classes, simulators, or live flight training. Ground school classes prepare students for the written test to get a pilot’s license. Once the students have the pilot’s license, they can begin with the simulators and live flight training.
Many flight instructors are also free to choose whether they want to work part-time or full-time. This guarantees them a flexible schedule and the opportunity to select the number of students they want to take on. On average, they earn Rs 11 lakhs every year.
7. Air Hostess
Becoming an air hostess is an ideal career option for someone who wants to have a career in aviation. You can start after class 12.
Air hostesses are trained within the airline itself for a period of 3 to 6 weeks. They ensure the safety and comfort of all boarding passengers. They conduct pre-flight meetings with pilots, inspect all emergency equipment and are trained to administer emergency medical care. They also serve in-flight meals and take care of all passengers and their unique needs. Your people skills need to be top-notch. The average salary is around Rs 5 lakhs.
Conclusion
Choosing a career path can be a frustrating process sometimes. There are so many options to choose from, so how can you be sure you’re opting for the correct one? Mindler can help you. We offer career counselling online for students above Grade 8. You can explore different branches that pique your interest. And no, it’s not just limited to a career in aviation. You can explore different branches of engineering or any other stream or course for that matter. Start your journey now!
Do you want to experience what being a pilot is like? You can try out the ‘Virtual Internship Program’ at Mindler and get a rundown of living as a pilot today only!