Non-Flying Jobs In General Aviation

General aviation – defined as all aviation not classified as military or airline – is by far the largest segment of the aviation industry. In terms of aircraft, there are about 221,000 general aviation aircraft compared to just under 19,000 airliners of all types in the United States. The airlines serve just 650 airports in the U.S., while general aviation serves over 5,300 airports in addition to those airports offering airline service.

Often overlooked as a source of employment , general aviation offers some of the most stimulating, challenging and rewarding jobs in the aviation community. Here is just a sample:

Fixed Base Operators

FBO’s, as they are called, are the one-stop-shop for the general aviation community. They are to GA what airport terminals are to airlines, offering parking, fuel, maintenance, passenger boarding and deplaning, auto parking, car rental, food and a host of additional services.

Most visible are the customer support people. They take fuel orders from pilots, arrange for maintenance and aircraft parking, receive payments for services and perform many courtesies such as making hotel and car reservations. Being a customer service representative is also a great networking opportunity for aspiring pilots, since CSRs talk with working pilots all day.

Nearly as visible are the line crew people. Line crews greet airplanes as they come in and guide them to parking. They also help aircraft depart the FBO’s parking ramp, all part of marshaling, or moving an aircraft on the ground safely.

Line crews fuel aircraft, a very important task with many safety ramifications. Improper fueling, say with jet fuel when the aircraft requires gasoline instead, can cause a serious accident. Moreover, fuelers must not damage the aircraft even in the slightest way while fuel is being added. Line crewmen work with customer service representatives to make sure proper services are rendered.

Some higher-end FBOs have the equivalent of a hotel concierge, called an owner representative. These specialized customer service people make sure that corporate jet passengers have a smooth, seamless experience at the airport including boarding, departure and return. They make sure the aircraft is clean, fully stocked with food and in perfect order. They arrange for ground transportation, baggage transfer and handle any support service requirements that may arise.

Larger FBOs are often part of a chain, and as such employees receive benefits such as 401K plans, health and dental insurance, paid vacation and sometimes an annual bonus.

Aircraft Management

Managing an airplane can be a logistically Herculean task, one which many aircraft owners prefer to delegate to professionals. Aircraft require frequent maintenance, periodic inspections, compliance with FAA airworthiness directives and manufacturers’ service bulletins, proper insurance, current registration and much more. Professional aircraft managers assure that the aircraft is legal and safe, and also often handle pilot recruitment, qualification and recurrent training.

Positions in this niche market require a high attention to detail, a commitment to safety, and tolerance for the enormous amount of paperwork it takes to keep an airplane flying.