If you’ve paid attention to recent news stories, you know the aviation industry is in the middle of a pilot shortage. That’s one reason why there’s no better time than now to begin pursuing your aviation career dreams.
Piloting isn’t the only career path available in our industry. Another reason to pursue a career in aviation is that this industry provides rewarding and fulfilling opportunities for people with a variety of personalities and interests. In today’s blog, we’ll share tips on how to start your pathway to an aviation career.
Choose Your Aviation Career Path
The aviation industry offers many different career paths. One way to decide which career path fits you best is to visit an FAA-approved flight school. You will be able to talk with training pilots and get contact information from aviation professionals who are willing to offer insight into various aviation careers.
Once you’ve gathered information and insights into the different aviation careers, it’s time to choose a path that fits your personality, preferences, and abilities. For instance, those who consider themselves “people persons” would probably enjoy a career in flight instruction or airport administration while people interested in aircraft design might pursue a career in aeronautical engineering. Then there are careers like aviation dispatch, the perfect job for people who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and also perform well with information.
Choose a Consistent, Comprehensive, and FAA-approved Program
Although you can pursue an aviation career at a traditional university, studying at an aviation college is a better choice. It can take years to become a pilot through a traditional university while those who attend an aviation school at a constant, consistent pace can become a private pilot in mere months and a commercial pilot soon after. Plus, if you want a college degree with an FAA certification, it’s best to choose a school that offers both.
Another reason to study at an aviation college is that your instructors, even those teaching liberal arts courses, have a better understanding of aviation career options. Your schedule is also balanced to include time for ground school and flight training time. Aviation college is also a great place to meet students with similar interests and to start building a career network.
Learn the FAA and Aviation Career Basics
People who work in aviation need the ability to work well in a structured environment. They also need to begin their careers with a basic understanding of FAA procedures. Studying for your career in a consistent, comprehensive aviation program will effectively prepare and introduce you to the basics both in flight and on the ground.
The best way to pursue a career in aviation is to do it at a steady pace with a healthy support network and challenges from understanding instructors.
Learn about the commercial aviation program available in Mississippi at Delta State here and get info on their scholarship for the aviation program here. Hinds Community College also offers a two-year commercial aviation program of study and two technical career programs in Aviation Technology and Aviation Maintenance.
