Because aviation directors are usually pilots, they will need to complete the requirements for their specific fields. Most airlines hire college graduates with flight experience to qualify for a pilot's license. Completing an FAA approved flight program is essential for receiving a pilot's license. Once a pilot receives a license, they then may progress to receive ratings to fly on instruments as well as other types of aircraft.
After starting as a first officer and receiving a flight engineer license, the pilot continues to progress to the level of captain. For passenger pilots, the applicant must also qualify for an airline transport pilot's license. Captains must have at least 1,500 hours of flight experience, be 23 years of age, pass written exams and have ratings on night and instrument flying. The license is valid as long as the pilot is able to pass the flight physical.
If the applicant has already progressed to the captain level, the odds improve that they will be prepared for the aviation director position.
Positions that do not require a background as a pilot may include roles that are more technical and have a greater focus on logistics and business. These positions may require the applicant have experience in planning and development, as well as experience managing airports, including supervising staff. Some positions will require that the applicant have a Bachelor's degree in business administration, aviation management, civil engineering, accounting, finance or a related field.
Almost all aviation jobs, and especially aviation management jobs, will require the applicant pass a Federal Bureau of Investigation background check, given the level of security required for all airports and airspace in the United States.
Job Skills
The aviation director is one of the key aviation jobs. The aviation director is responsible for scheduling maintenance of airplanes in compliance with policies and procedures outlined by the manufacturer and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as complying with any inspections as required by special FAA bulletins or manufacturer announcements.
In addition, the aviation director may need to be familiar with managing an operating budget as well as a capital budget for sourcing, buying, and installing equipment. For those who have aviation careers with experience managing a large hub airport or government facility is a definite plus. Also, understanding financial management systems such as SAP is helpful, as well as managing monetary controls.
aviation directors also may have long-range facility planning responsibilities as well as master planning responsibilities for the organization, including flight scheduling and providing advice for purchasing of airline equipment.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for aviation director positions mirrors other aviation jobs and aviation management jobs. Positions are projected to grow at a rate of 13% between 2006 to 2016. However, growth with smaller regional airlines and shipping companies will be faster than commercial airlines. In addition, smaller airports and shipping facilities may have greater growth than major hubs, as cities begin to enforce noise abatement and flight control programs to reduce congestion.
Aviation director positions will continue to be a promotional path for aviation careers. While the number of pilots available for an aviation director position may be declining, other highly skilled applicants holding other aviation management jobs may be excellent candidates for this position.
Finding the Perfect Position
Many organizations post aviation jobs online, as well as through recruiters. Some online services may have multiple organizations posting positions for consideration. Some of the online services will post positions in different countries. If being an Ex-US aviation director is important to you, then consider one of the online services.
Many company websites also post all positions for qualified applicants. Before posting for any position, consider the position carefully and compare your skill sets with the requirements before posting for the position.
Aviation directors are paid more than pilots are, especially after 2001. Competition for positions is very fierce. If you possess specialized skills that an airline or airport needs, it will help set your candidacy apart from other applicants.
Because the aviation director position is usually a promotional position for pilots and others in aviation management jobs within an organization, it is important to network with other organizations within your industry. For those with aviation careers in freight shipping, creating a network with employees holding aviation jobs in other companies may let you know of a position before it is widely posted.
Salary Range
Salaries vary widely depending on the size and type of airline or facility. Small regional carriers and small airfreight companies may pay less than larger organizations. Aviation directors earn on average slightly more than $161,000 annually. Salaries also vary by the region of the country, as well as the size of the airport.
