Aviation Technology Career

Why Choose an Aviation Technology Career?

If you are passionate about the aerospace industry and wish to make a career out of it, a degree in Aviation Technology would be a good option. The aviation industry is growing by leaps and bounds. In 2007, the air transportation industry provided 486,000 jobs, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These numbers are expected to grow as advances in technology continue to create more intricate machines requiring more trained personnel. A degree in Aviation Technology prepares the student in many aspects of aircraft maintenance and repair, from motors to computer systems for air traffic control and air safety inspection.

Aviation Technology Career Requirements

An aspirant seeking to work in the aerospace industry must have a science background and ability to handle computations. Being disciplined, tough minded, meticulous and driven will help achieve singular career heights. There is no doubt that this challenging career is not easy to qualify for, but the efforts are worth it in terms of the satisfaction you will receive. This refers not only to excellent salary levels, but also to great benefits, pension plans and perks like heavily discounted travel that persons in the air transportation industry generally receive.

Online Degrees for Aviation Technology

Proper professional education can provide excellent career opportunities throughout the aviation industry. An associate's or bachelor's degree in Aviation Technology can result in higher paying jobs and an online degree will provide many job openings. A bachelor’s degree may be obtained in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, or Professional Flight at a full-time campus or online program. Further studies may include MS and PhD programs in Technology with a concentration in Aviation and Aerospace Management.

Coursework includes:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Electronics
• Computer Science
• Mechanical Drawing

The student will also learn the technical aspects of Turbine Engines, Aviation Electronics, and composite materials in the construction of aircrafts. Hands-on experience is a vital part of the education in this domain and teaches a student how to keep an aircraft in peak performance. Upon graduation, seeking certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is necessary.

Aviation Technology Career Fields

Graduates in Aviation Technology can look forward to entering industries such as the airlines, airport authorities, aerospace manufacturers, corporate aviation, and government agencies. The job profiles available to you include the following:

Aviation Maintenance Technician: Keeping airplanes flying safely is the job of an Aviation Maintenance Technician. They troubleshoot and maintain anything that flies, such as small private planes, corporate jets, Helicopters, Airships, Jetliners, and Space vehicles. An Aviation Maintenance Technician works on the body of the airplane, as well as on the engine. Separate qualification is required in both areas to obtain certification from FAA that you are a qualified A&P. Commercial aviation industry employs Aviation Maintenance Technicians.

Aviation Electronics Technicians or Avionics Technicians: They are responsible for the electronic systems and controls aboard modern aircrafts such as the Navigational equipment, Communications equipment, and Weather Radar equipment. Licensure to work in this position is available from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Technicians who are trained to work with more complex systems will rule the job market; specifically those who are engaged in installing or removing the electronics equipment in the aircraft are in high demand.

Assembly Inspector/Flight Dispatchers: Examining the airframe, engines and operating equipment on the aircraft is the job of an Assembly Inspector. Also known as Flight Dispatchers, these professionals ensure that repairs were made according to specifications and certify the airworthiness of an aircraft by doing the following:

• Checking the airframe connections
• Collecting data on engine revolutions per minute, fuel and oil pressure
• Examining assembly, installation and adjustment of ailerons and rudders
• Determining accuracy of installation of components in power plant and hydraulic system
• Signing the inspection tag indicating approval of the craft or recording the reason for rejection
• Logging inspections that are performed

In short, the work of a flight dispatcher is very critical as he is responsible for the safety of flights. To this end, he will also analyze meteorological information, compute the required amount of fuel, prepare the flight plan to include allowable takeoff and landing weights and landing field conditions, and recommend alterations in flight schedules as required due to delay, cancelation or unsafe conditions.

Aviation Safety Inspector: The FAA also employs its own Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) to develop, administer, investigate and enforce regulations and standards for production, operation, maintenance and modification of all aircrafts in flight today. The different types of inspectors are related to the four key disciplines as listed below:

• Avionics - evaluating avionics technicians, programs and facilities
• Maintenance - evaluating aviation mechanics, programs and facilities
• Operations - assessing airmen, programs, equipment and facilities
• Manufacturing – inspection of aircraft, aircraft parts, avionics equipment and monitor manufacturing facilities

Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS: This position ensures safe, orderly and speedy flow of air traffic. As an air traffic controller, three specializations are addressed:

• Those who control air traffic at airports and provide instructions for taxiing and takeoff, air traffic clearances and advice based on information from the National Weather Service are called Terminal Tower Controllers.
• Thos who are required to give aircraft instructions, air traffic clearances and advice on flight conditions between airports are En Route Center Controllers.
• Preflight, in-flight and emergency assistance is made available to all pilots on phone and radio by the person called Flight Service Station Controller.

What Degree Do I Need?

• Aviation Science
• Technical Support & Repair
• Aviation