Civil aviation authorities are government or quasi-government agencies that set safety standards and enforce them. They often sit quietly in the background, but they are often called on to investigate when something goes wrong.
Less well-resourced countries can borrow from the world’s best-resourced civil aviation authority – the FAA – to make their own airline industry more safe and less susceptible to terrorism. This is a good thing for everyone.
Airline Customer Service Agent
Airline customer service agents work in an airport or call center and help customers with flight reservations, itinerary changes, baggage concerns, and questions about the airline’s loyalty program. They also check boarding passes, upgrade seats and reissue tickets when no space is available on a flight.
Typically, airlines train their customer service representatives. This includes learning the policies and procedures of their airline and how to use its computer systems.
A strong commitment to client satisfaction is essential for this career. Communication skills and attention to detail are also important.
Problem-solving abilities and creativity are also important to this job. Having these skills can allow you to resolve complaints quickly and effectively.
Most airline customer service agents earn a salary of around 3 lakhs per year. This amount can vary depending on the type of airline and experience level.
Aircraft Engineer
As an aircraft engineer, you oversee the installation and maintenance of aviation equipment. This includes airframes, engines, electrical and mechanical systems, and avionics.
Your duties include assessing the safety of an aircraft and making sure that it meets federal regulations. You also inspect and repair equipment to keep it in good working condition.
You may work as a solo engineer or as part of a team. Entry-level engineers usually receive training through in-house programs and university coursework.
Those with more experience in the field typically gain senior technical or supervisory roles. Their compensation increases as they progress.
A bachelor’s degree is typically required for a career as an aircraft engineer. You should also complete an internship to get hands-on work experience and gain industry knowledge.
Flight Dispatcher
A flight dispatcher is responsible for coordinating the safe and efficient transport of passengers, cargo and aircraft between airports. They work from the airlines’ operations center and are trained in similar skills as pilots.
They plan flight paths that take into account aircraft performance and loading, enroute winds, thunderstorm and turbulence forecasts, airspace restrictions, and airport conditions. They also provide a flight following service and advise pilots if conditions change.
In the United States and Canada, dispatchers share legal responsibility for the exercise of operational control with the aircraft commander (joint responsibility dispatch system). They have the authority to divert, delay or cancel a flight in the event of a safety issue.
Dispatchers are required to pass a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification exam and receive training from their employer. Many schools offer flight dispatcher courses that prepare you for the FAA exam.
Ground Crew
A ground crew is an important part of air travel. They make sure that the flight is safe and that passengers have a pleasant experience.
Aground crew members are responsible for a variety of tasks before and after a flight. They may check tickets, assist passengers with their luggage, and clean the plane after it lands.
They also have to be aware of flight schedules, weather concerns and aircraft delays. Aground staff should be able to solve passengers’ problems quickly and efficiently so that everyone has a smooth journey.
If you’re interested in working as a ground crew, you should be prepared for an active schedule and to work odd hours. This can be a challenge, but it can also be rewarding.
