From the fabled flight of Icarus to para-sailors launching from their makeshift mountaintop runways, and from the power of the Wright Brothers, the around-the-world adventures of Amelia Earhart, and the nonstop spirit of Charles Lindbergh – individuals, nations, and corporations have been fascinated by aviation for centuries. There’s a reason the Memphis Belle, the Spruce Goose, Air Force One, and the Miracle on the Hudson warrant attention, accolades, and awe. The aviation industry is a unique bird. And, as advancements in all-things-aviation continue to soar in the 21st century, an increase in the need to fill countless aviation-related jobs will continue to attract, inspire, and employ individuals with various skill sets and credentials. According to an article published by CNBC earlier in 2014, aviation companies are “reaching out to students as young as 10” to get the young minds thinking about a career in the aviation industry. In fact, Boeing estimates that both the global air cargo traffic and the air passenger traffic will expand five percent annually through 2032.

Here’s a look at four aviation-related jobs that are expected to continue to increase in demand in the coming years:

Tower Operations

The Federal Aviation Administration employs over 20,000 air traffic controllers throughout the country. In addition to providing pilots with taxiing and takeoff instructions as well as flight path advice based on the weather and air traffic patterns, they also provide pre-flight, in-flight, and emergency assistance to all pilots. Not a single plane can lift off or touch down without the knowledge and advisory of an air traffic controller.

Technology

The FAA shares how software and hardware technology development in aviation is needed and used in many ways. From providing navigation capabilities, surveillance systems, and computer processing functions, to being utilized as indispensable resources and tools for air traffic controllers, telecommunications infrastructure, and weather information, the job possibilities and diverse niche areas in technology in aviation make this field both high in demand and very appealing to today’s technology-driven students. Companies leading in superior engineering solutions like Aversan demand experts in software and technology in avionics for functionality, performance, and testing. This field constantly needs software implementation and testing before plans are finalized by undergoing scenarios and inputs that pertain to the mechanics and overall operation of the planes. Engineering the latest models for private, commercial, and cargo planes as well as all the gadgets and gizmos to make them operate will continue to be demand positions from specialists. With hundreds of various companies specializing in some form of aviation services, there is a job out there to aid in aviation services in one manner or another whether it’s the build of the plane, the manufacturing of the cargo within it, the wiring and systems used to operate, or the technology used by airports to service planes. There will continue to be a need for experienced techies in this industry.

Manufacturing & Maintaining Planes

According to aviation specialist John Goglia from Forbes, there is a “predicted global growth in aviation…creating what many see as a looming shortage of both pilots and mechanics…In addition to traditional piloting jobs, the expected growth in drones provides opportunities for a whole new batch of aviation-related jobs that people need to start training for now.” Aviation technologists construct new aircraft and repair damaged parts. This includes the manufacturing of planes themselves as well as the components within the aircrafts. Maintenance technologists work on all types of aircraft, and are required to test electrical instruments in the cockpits. They also interpret all sorts of diverse data to identify potential problems with flight equipment and use a number of specialty tools to install components into aircraft.

Safety

Aviation-related jobs in safety encompass passenger, fleet, and crew safety, as well as security and safety in flight operations, technology, and maintenance. The FAA’s Department of Transportation employs 47,000 workers; from flight planning to landing, all these areas must be secured. In their individual ways, all positions contribute to ensuring the administration and enforcement of all the Federal air regulations. Outside of the Department of Defense, the FAA’s DOT has the largest number of aviation-related jobs.

Take Aways

For those still unsure of the career path you’d like to go down, or if you want to explore other areas and industries that are in high demand for talented brilliant minds, the world of aviation is well worth looking into. With more programs and jobs opening up quarterly each year, and statistics proving the industry is only going to continue to grow and flourish, it’s undeniable that there is an abundance of exponential possibilities, not to mention the comfortable salaries that are offered. Aversan is always hiring engineers; check out current postings by clicking here. With the aviation industry and the skills they demand from operations, technology and software, engineering, manufacturing, service and safety, it’s the perfect up and coming field for those looking for a reliable, secure, and innovative career path.

Disclaimer: Any views or opinions presented in this blog post are solely those of the author (guest blogger) and do not necessarily represent those of Aversan Inc. and its employees.

Source:

CNBC: Want a job in a fast growing industry? Look to the skies
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101472784

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Technology
http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology//

Aviation Triad: Where Are the Jobs?
http://www.aviationtriad.com/careers/where-are-the-jobs/

Forbes: 2014 Outlook For Aviation Careers Brightens With Looming Pilot and Mechanic Shortages
http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngoglia/2014/01/04/2014-outlook-for-aviation-careers-brightens-with-looming-pilot-and-mechanic-shortages/