Path to Airline/Airport Management?

[Flying Saluki]

Hello,

I have a question about pursuing a career in airline or airport management. I was told by an aviation college that I would need to be a licensed pilot and have experience actually flying in order to have a better chance of getting a management job. I had never heard this before, and am wondering if it's true or just the college trying to get me to spend 60,000 on flight training with them. The reason I ask is because I have some medical issues that will disqualify me from even getting a PPL.

Thanks!

It depends on the kind of management you want to get into. An airline is composed of a number of departments (flight operations, maintenance, customer service, inflight), all of which need a management team. To become a member of management of any one of these sectors, you are likely going to need experience that field. So, for example, if you want to be a member of the maintenance management team, you're first going to have to get experience in that field, which mean you will more than likely need to get an FAA Aircraft Mechanic certificate, enter that field, and work your way up into management.

The other part of airline management is the executive leadership. These are the people who actually "run" the airline. If that is where you want to go, then a degree in business seems to be a good way to start. But you will still have to start at the bottom and work up. Airlines are a customer service business, so I would daresay that starting in the entry level of positions in the customer service department; i.e. ramp or ticket agent, is a good place to start, and work your way up from there.

 

[jskibo]

....then there's always TSA

 

[PhilosopherPilot]

If you want to be a mgmt pilot, being an intern is a great way to "look behind the curtain."

The big question I would ask is, why do you want to be in management vs fly the line? The life of a line pilot is far less stressful, on the whole, than any of the higher level management jobs. Since I commute to my job, from July 1 to Dec 23 I had been home a grand total of 14 days, and that includes 1/2 days where I have to commute up to NY on Sunday. Sure, I had days off on most weekends, but travel to family or other weekend trips prevented much home time. Of course, it is my choice to commute to an office job, but many pilot managers do it. It's not uncommon at all. I'm on a plane right now with 6 going from NY back to MCO.

As a line pilot when you are off, you are off. As management you are always "on," particularly if you are Flight Ops or Safety. The phone rings or texts or emails all day, 24/7. It will drive your spouse crazy.

So you have to look carefully at your motivation. Most of the guys in management are there because they want to drive change and make a difference of some type. I'd say the same is true of the union volunteers as well. Doing it for the schedule probably isn't going to make you happy, as most pilot types hate the office environment. Union work is every bit as hard, and just as demanding on time.

Good luck in your career choice! There are many different options and configurations. You'll find one that works for you.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

Good post by Philosopher pilot.