How to Get a Job at an Airport

Airport jobs include positions with airport authorities, fixed base operators, airlines, flight schools, and aircraft owners. These jobs include airport management, airport operations, aircraft maintenance, piloting, flight instruction and aircraft line service. Although some of these positions require special training and federal or state certification, most are open to anyone with a bachelor's degree and a solid work ethic. Networking and communication are key to obtaining one of these positions.

Things You'll Need

• Job postings
• Résumé
• Daily planner

Instructions

1. Peruse job postings for any interesting positions. These can be found on popular career search websites, local newspaper want ads, airline websites, city and county websites, aviation trade magazines, and professional organization websites. The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) website has many airport job postings from around the United States.

2. Network with airport executives. Visit a local airport, dressed professionally and with résumés in hand. Ask to speak with managers. This can be done at the airport authority office, FBOs, flight schools and other airport businesses. Make sure to write down the managers' contact information in your daily planner. While you may not walk away with a job, you will make important industry contacts that can help you in your new career.

3. Take some classes. While a specialized degree in aviation or airport management is usually not necessary for employment, classroom knowledge will always come in handy during a specialized job search. Many community colleges offer courses in aviation. These courses will offer valuable industry insight and make you more attractive to airport hiring managers.

4. Join a professional organization. Groups such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the AAAE, and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association offer workshops, training seminars, and networking opportunities that are very valuable to someone looking to get a start in the airport or aviation industry.

5. Prepare for the interview. The interview is one of the most important factors in whether you are hired for any job. That is especially true in the aviation industry, where competition is likely to be steep. Research the company, obtain excellent professional references, and do some mock interviews with one of the aviation managers that you met during the networking process.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your résumé reviewed by an aviation professional. Aviation-focused résumés can differ significantly from the standard and tend to emphasize technical skill.

References

• Employment Guide: Apply for Airline and Airport Jobs

Resources

• The American Association of Airport Executives