If you’re looking for a career and aren’t quite sure what you want to do, we recommend looking into the aircraft industry. Now, your immediate thought might be “I’m not sure I want to be a pilot.” However, the aircraft industry is more wide-ranging than you might expect.

When you get into the logistics of how the transportation industry operates, you come to understand the complexity of it. More importantly, you can see the amazing potential for career opportunities.

Not sure what’s available to you? Keep reading to find out more.

Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers are some of the most important professionals in the airline industry. They direct aircraft traffic, both in the air and on the ground. They communicate with other air traffic control centers to ensure the safety and success of every flight.

If something on the ground is amiss, they can direct pilots on how and where to land. They use radar, computers, visual references, and sound judgment to control air traffic. These are the people who make sure flights are on time and arrive at the proper gates.

Aircraft Support Equipment And Technicians

Many people don’t consider the sheer amount of work and maintenance required to keep an airport running smoothly. A lot of this work is completed on the ground.

The airline industry depends on aircraft ground support equipment. Aircraft GSE includes things like:

• Luggage trollies
• Busses
• Refueling equipment
• Tugs/tractors
• Chocks
• Aircraft jacks
• Ground power units
• Container loaders
• And more

As you can see, there are a lot of demands on the ground to keep an airport functioning. All of these pieces of equipment require personnel to operate them and technicians to keep them running.

Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers design, manufacture, and test aircraft. This includes airplanes, spacecraft, missiles, and satellites. In the aircraft industry, these professionals are the creators.

This job demands incredible cognitive abilities, including math, science, and chemistry. Aerospace engineers also ensure aircraft meet environmental and safety regulations.

Pilots

Airline and commercial pilots have pretty straightforward jobs. However, straightforward does not mean simple or easy. Pilots are responsible for ensuring each flight takes off and lands safely.

As such, it takes dedication to become a pilot. There’s a wide range of piloting opportunities, including:

• Commercial airlines
• Charter traveling
• Military operations
• Private flying
• Mail transportation
• Transportation of goods
• Tours
• And more

Pilots’ salaries vary greatly based on their line of work. However, it is one of the most sought-after jobs in the aircraft industry.

Airport Personnel

The airline industry is nothing without its supporting staff. We already talked about ground support equipment and personnel. However, we must also pay homage to all the other people who work hard to keep up with airline trends and maintain the flow of airports.

These include the people working to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in airports and on airplanes, as well as the flight attendants who deal with passengers first-hand. There are also janitors, vendors, maintenance crews, and other vital employees.

Is There A Future For You In The Aircraft Industry?

As you can see, if you’re interested in doing something in the aircraft industry, there’s no shortage of options. Your job opportunities range from entry-level positions to highly skilled aerospace engineering.

We wish you good luck in your search. And if you’re looking for more career advice, allow us to lend a hand. Look through some of our other business articles for more great information before you go.