New And Traditional Career Opportunities In Aviation Sector

Aviation industry in India is growing rapidly. India is poised to be the third-largest aviation market by 2024. The government has unveiled plans to invest USD 1.83 billion in airport infrastructure and aviation navigation services by 2026. With continuous government support, the aviation industry also is planning to employ skilled resources to amplify its growth. Careers360 has listed some of the conventional career options in this industry

Commercial Pilot

A commercial pilot is a skilled individual who is certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to fly single or multi-engine planes or aircraft.

Eligibility: Students who have passed their Class 12 exams with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are eligible for this licence training. Applicants are also eligible to receive pilot training after completion of graduation. Interested candidates have to qualify for any of the following entrance tests: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test (AME CET), Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) Entrance Test, or Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) exam. The entrance exam is followed by a medical examination to check if they are physically fit to fly an aeroplane. The applicant goes through Ground Training, Simulator Training, and Flying Training programme before obtaining the CPL (Commercial Pilot Training) licence.

Ground Staff

These are personnel who are assigned to aid passengers on the premises of the airport before and after boarding the flight. They are responsible for handling passengers' grievances, assisting them in checking in baggage and more

Eligibility: Students who have passed their Class 12 examination are eligible for being ground staff at the airport. Applicants can pursue being a ground staff after graduation.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) is responsible to check, handle, and maintain the electronic and structural components of the plane or helicopter.

Eligibility: To become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), students can pass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or opt for a diploma in engineering after Class 10. Interested candidates have to qualify for AME CET to pursue courses in aviation. The course options include B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology), diploma, and licence courses for AME certification. IIA CET entrance exam serves as a gateway for admissions and training in AME. Interested applicants can also pursue this course after graduation.

Aircraft Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Management (ATM) comes under the authority of the Directorate of Airspace and Air Navigation Services Standards in DGCA. The air traffic manager is responsible for handling the traffic of the entire Indian airspace except for specific military areas. Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is a part of management of the air traffic involving direct aircraft on the ground and through controlled airspace and can provide advisory services to aircraft in non-controlled airspace.

Eligibility: This post involves a three-step process. Interested candidates are expected to successfully complete their bachelor's with a good score as required in the field of Maths, Physics or Engineering. Further, the candidate has to qualify for the Airports Authority of India (AAI) recruitment exam for the position of ATC. Once the candidate is done with his/ her exams they can undergo training for being certified as an air traffic controller.

Flight Dispatcher

A Flight Dispatcher or ground pilot are expected to gather meteorological data to ensure safe and smooth take-offs and landings. They meticulously plan flight routes, manage fuel requirements, and follow safety protocols to ensure a smooth and secure flight experience for passengers and crew.

Eligibility: Students who have completed their Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry or Maths have to qualify for DGCA exams to obtain a certificate of flight dispatcher. The exam is followed by on-the-job training and they have to conduct the duties as a flight dispatcher under the supervision of a DGCA instructor. Applicants can also pursue their careers as flight dispatchers after graduation.

Cabin Crew

The cabin crew takes care of the passengers on board during the flight. They have a diverse range of responsibilities from welcoming passengers to the flight, introducing them to safety instructions, to helping them exit the flight safely.

Eligibility: Aspiring cabin crew candidates who have successfully completed a minimum of Class 12 exams are eligible to pursue a career in this field. The height requirement may vary depending on different airlines. The applicants undergo comprehensive training in emergency situation handling, passenger psychology, technical training, etc after their selection by the airline company. After successfully completing the course, they receive a certificate in Cabin Crew. Applicants also join as a cabin crew after their graduation.

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These careers have been thriving since the beginning. But careers in aviation are just not about pilots and cabin crew now. The industry has opened up a wide array of job roles for people who want to plan a career in this industry. Here is a list of a few such career options:

Drone operator

A drone operator operates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using remote controls or automated software. They conduct safety tests, oversee vehicle performance, and assess drone systems. Their role ensures safe and efficient drone operation.

Eligibility: Airbus, a multinational aerospace company has introduced a drone pilot training programme. Applicants from the age group of 18 to 65 years who have successfully completed their Class 10 exams are eligible for this course. Drone pilots flight planning, and ATC procedures and regulations specific to their area of operations, among other crucial aspects.

Airport Manager

The airport manager is responsible for the smooth functioning of all departments of the airport. They ensure proper security facilities and maximum customer satisfaction.

Eligibility: There are BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and certificate courses available for this programme. Students who successfully completed their Class 12 are eligible for the BBA programme. They can either enrol themselves in college or can also give the AME CET exam for BBA.

These entrance exams or training programmes only give aspiring students the license or certificate to be part of the aviation industry. After attaining the license these applicants have to apply for jobs in the relevant positions as per the advertisement or vacancy put out by the aviation company newspapers, the company’s website or various other job portals.

Apart from these, the industry has opened up new dimensions with which you can be associated with aviation.

Aviation Lawyer

Aviation law experts offer crucial legal advice on various aspects of the aviation industry. They help with employment issues for both flight and ground crew and provide support during accidents and other problems. These professionals also assist with aircraft financing and leasing and handle necessary paperwork like registrations and leases. By helping airlines and aviation companies follow the rules, these experts keep everyone safe and the industry running smoothly. Reputed law colleges like the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, (NALSAR) are providing Master in Aviation Law and Air Transport Management to create resources with knowledge of legal aspects of the civil aviation industry.

Aviation Medicine

Aviation medicine focuses on the health and safety of pilots and passengers. It ensures pilots are fit to fly by monitoring their physical and mental health and preventing and managing medical issues that may arise during flights. Colleges like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) provide MD (Degree Doctor of Medicine) in Aerospace Medicine after which the medical student can opt for a career in civil/ military or clinical aviation medicine.

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Aviation Journalism

Aviation journalism involves reporting news and information related to the aviation industry. Journalists cover topics such as airline updates, safety measures, new technologies, and trends in the aviation world for the public and aviation enthusiasts.

These new horizons of the aviation industry guarantee that the aviation industry has promising opportunities for everyone. Though it witnessed a dip during the pandemic, things seem to look bright for this lucrative sector. The industry in India offers a diverse range of traditional careers that have been foundational for decades. And now the rapidly evolving landscape presents new opportunities for aviation professionals to explore alternative paths and embrace emerging roles. The future of aviation in India is bright and has the potential for innovation.