Types of career

Job Title
Aerodrome Manager (licensed aerodrome)

Function
Safely and effectively manage day to day operation at a CAA licensed aerodrome

Brief Description
As an Aerodrome Manager your role would be to ensure the airfield is compliant with CAA licensing regulations to accept aviation traffic.You would also hold overall responsibility for management of aerodrome operations in all areas such as:

• Safety Management Systems
• Events
• Flight safety
• Airfield maintenance
• Employee wellbeing and management
• Interoperability of fixed based operators
• Customer service
• Business administration

Key Skills

• Adaptability
• Communication
• Ability to manage a dynamic environment
• Multitasking
• Knowledge of CAA licensing requirements

Entry Routes

• Entry routes may include a variety of the following:
• Previous management experience
• Previous experience working in an aerodrome environment
• Internal promotion
• CAAi courses in aerodrome management

Day in the Life
Being an Aerodrome Manager is a hugely rewarding and varied job role – dealing with different things every day, no two days are the same! An example day might include:

• Checking the opening up of the airfield has been carried out correctly (i.e fuel checks, runway condition)
• Liaising with operations staff, maintenance team, radio operators and brief them on the day ahead
• Administrative tasks – licensing paperwork and emails for example
• Planning for the following year’s events calendar.
• Communicating with stakeholders (customers, staff, local community)
• Ensuring the airfield is meeting the criteria of its Licence (see CAP 168, Licensing of Aerodromes for more info)

Fun Fact
Being an aerodrome manager enables you lots of influence over how the airfield is run, and a lot of freedom in how you spend your days at work.

Job Title
Aerodrome Manager (unlicensed aerodrome)

Function
Safely and effectively manage day to day operation at an unlicensed aerodrome

Brief Description
As an Aerodrome Manager of an unlicensed site, you would hold overall responsibility for management of aerodrome operations in all areas such as:

• Events
• Flight safety
• Airfield maintenance
• Employee wellbeing and management
• Interoperability of fixed based operators
• Customer service
• Business administration

Key Skills

• Adaptability
• Communication
• Management
• Knowledge of GA sector

Entry Routes
Either via school, college or unit

Day in the Life
Customer Service agents can start early shift as early as 0400. You will be processing customer in via self service bag drop and check-in machines. You may be boarding flights or assisting with transfer passengers

Fun Fact
You will see and meet people from all over the world

Job Title
Aerodrome Operations staff

Function
Assist with the daily operation of the airfield

Brief Description
Airfield operations staff often have a very varied role and no two days are the same. Duties will likely include:

• Customer service
• Assisting air traffic services
• Administration
• Manning phonelines
• Organising aviation events
• Liaison with fixed based operators at the aerodrome.
• Depending on the complextiy of the airfield, the role could also include:
• Daily airfield checks
• Being part of the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) and/or Air Traffic Services (ATS)
• Raising NOTAMS (for more on NOTAMS see https://www.nats.aero/do-it-online/ais/)

Key Skills

• Customer service
• Flexibility
• Multitasking
• IT
• Information retention

Entry Routes

• Experience in other roles at a GA airfield
• CAAi courses in aerodrome management

Day in the Life
The job will vary slightly depending on whether the aerodrome is licensed or not. Either way, your day is likely to include:

• Opening up the airfield ready for the day
• Choosing the runway direction that aircraft will land on
• Carrying out checks on the fuel to make sure it is not contaminated
• Making sure everything is ready to accept customers.
• Assisting customers (taking payments and answering phones)
• Carrying out various administrative tasks such as replying to emails or producing documents
• Manning the ‘Air Ground’ radio

Fun Fact
Working in ops means you often get the opportunity to go flying with the many pilots you will get to know!

Job Title
Aerodrome Estate Manager/staff

Function
Maintain airfield grounds/facilities

Brief Description
Depending on how an airfield is operated, this role includes tasks such as:

• Daily runway inspection
• Fuel and apron checks
• Grass cutting and runway maintenance
• Wildlife control
• Pest control
• General airfield repairs

Key Skills

• Practical
• Happy to work outside in all weathers
• Competent working with machinery such as tractors/mowers and power tools.

Entry Routes

• Experience in other roles at a GA airfield
• Previous maintenance experience
• Member of the flying club
• Customer of the aerodrome

Day in the Life
This role will never be the same each day as there are many tasks that are seasonal. Tasks include:

• Fuel dip
• Checking the runway/taxiway for signs of wildlife such as moles
• Cut a section of the grass in the tractor.
• Paint the concrete runway numbers
• Sweep leaves out of hangars.
• Carry out some general small repairs to buildings

Fun Fact
This is a great role for plane spotting as you will be outside so much. You might get to see some pretty cool aircraft during your day – from Wildcat helicopters to vintage bi planes!

Job Title
Air Ground Communication Services (AGCS) Operator

Function
Speaking to aircraft on the ground and in the air to provide information when arriving and departing

Brief Description
An AGCS is an information only service. An AGCS Operator provides details such as runway direction and windspeed. Ultimately, it is at the pilot’s discretion how they operate the aircraft.

Key Skills

• Communication
• Confidence with speaking into a radio
• Information retention
• Ability to remain calm when busy
• Good concentration

Entry Routes

Radio operators certificate of competence qualification is required

Day in the Life
Arriving at the radio desk, you’ll take note of the runway and circuit direction at the time, plus the pressure settings (given in HectoPascals). This information will generally be written on a whiteboard as the runway direction for take off and landing changes with the wind. Aircraft on the ground and in the air will contact you via “Airfield X Radio” and request some information from you or inform you of their intentions. Sometimes, an aircraft may have a difficulty in the air and you will be the first port of call – you’ll need to stay calm and help them!

Fun Fact
The radio operator at an aerodrome generally has the best seat in the house with views across the whole airfield

Job Title
Flight Information Service Officer (FISO)

Function
Providing information to aircraft that request/require it

Brief Description
As described by the CAA, a Flight Information Service (FIS) is “a service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights”.

Key Skills

• Communication
• Confidence with speaking into a radio
• Information retention
• Ability to remain calm when busy
• Good concentration

Entry Routes

Required qualifications in CAA examinations:

• Navigation
• Meteorology
• Air Law
• Licensing Policy
• AFISO Procedures
• Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence
• FISO’s also require a valid medical declaration and must be able to speak English clearly without accent or impedement

Day in the Life
A day in the life of an AFISO. This excitng work often starts with start of day checks in the visual control room (VCR) / control tower. Such checks can include checking radio frequencies, telephone lines, crash alarms and prepparing software and other systems for example. A weather observation is also recorded and made available to pilots. The day ahead is discussed so as to be preparred, this might including dicussiing any unserviceable equipment, staffing matters, refuelling requirements, ViP flight movements, non aviaiton activities, security matters, expected change in weather, liason with other aerodromes near by to name just a few. Once the airfield is open, the FISO will speak to aircraft over the radio a dn pass relivent aerodrome information to them to help them ahead of their flight. the FISO will also instruct the pilot when they can move (taxi) their aircraft from one place to another on the aerodorme.

Fun Fact
A aerodrome flight information service officer (AFISO) can seak to many pilots of many aircraft types include airliners, miltary fast jets and transport aircraft, hotair balloon and glider to name just a few

Job Title
Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) Firefighter

Function
Attending incidents/accidents at an aerodrome

Brief Description

RFFS crew can vary from voluntary part time ‘Initial Emergency Responders’ at small licensed aerodromes, right up to fully trained full time Airport Firefighters. Their primary function is:

• Respond to emergency incidents/accidents at aerodromes
• Extinguish fires
• Preserve life
• Gather evidence

Further reading can be found here CAP 699

Key Skills

• Communication
• Team work
• Calm under pressure
• Problem solving
• Good level of fitness

Entry Routes

• Previous experience as a firefighter, with conversion to airport firefighter.
• GA airfield experience working in other roles at the site.
• Relevant training course for the airport category will be required by an approved training provider.

Day in the Life
A day in the life of an AFISO. This excitng work often starts with start of day checks in the visual control room (VCR) / control tower. Such checks can include checking radio frequencies, telephone lines, crash alarms and prepparing software and other systems for example. A weather observation is also recorded and made available to pilots. The day ahead is discussed so as to be preparred, this might including dicussiing any unserviceable equipment, staffing matters, refuelling requirements, ViP flight movements, non aviaiton activities, security matters, expected change in weather, liason with other aerodromes near by to name just a few. Once the airfield is open, the FISO will speak to aircraft over the radio a dn pass relivent aerodrome information to them to help them ahead of their flight. the FISO will also instruct the pilot when they can move (taxi) their aircraft from one place to another on the aerodorme.

Fun Fact
A aerodrome flight information service officer (AFISO) can seak to many pilots of many aircraft types include airliners, miltary fast jets and transport aircraft, hotair balloon and glider to name just a few

Job Title
Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) Supervisor

Function
Supervisor of the RFFS team attending incidents/accidents at an aerodrome

Brief Description

An RFFS supervisor (also called Crew Commander, Manager or Watch Commander) will be responsible for the teams response to an incident/accident when it occurs, co ordinating a safe and effective response.

Key Skills

• Communication
• Team work
• Calm under pressure
• Problem solving
• Good level of fitness
• Ability to supervise and lead a team

Entry Routes

• Previous experience as a firefighter, with conversion to airport firefighter.
• GA airfield experience working in other roles at the site.
• Relevant training course for category will be required by an approved training provider.

Day in the Life
An RFFS supervisor role varies between different aerodromes as all are operated in different ways. A supervisor might have another role at the site, and in addition will organise RFFS crew training activities and keep good records. They may be involved in maintaining rescue and fire fighting equipment and organising multi crew training.

Fun Fact
Being part of an aerodrome RFFS requires an in depth knowledge of things like aviation fuel flash points, aircraft structure, and where things like master switches are located in an aircraft.

Job Title
Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) Manager

Function
Manager of the RFFS team attending incidents/accidents at an aerodrome

Brief Description

An aviation RFFS Manager is, alongside being a qualified RFFS fire fighter, responsible for the functioning of the entire activities and performance of the RFFS team at the aerodrome. They will be responsible for:

• Orchestrating training and development
• Recruitment
• Equipment maintenance
• Management of people within the team
• The role is also called Station Manager, Senior Airport Fire Officer or Fire Service Manager

Key Skills

• Organisation
• Administration
• Communication
• Good level of fitness
• Highly experienced in fire fighting
• Management skills
• Comfortable with responsibility

Entry Routes

• Previous experience as a fire fighter, with conversion to airport fire fighter.
• GA airfield experience working in other roles at the site.
• Previous experience in management roles within rescue and fire fighting

Day in the Life
As RFFS Manager role will vary between different aerodromes as they are all operated in different ways. As the person who has overall responsibility for the station, they will likely spend their days at work ensuring that paperwork and training is up to date, that the equipment and PPE is serviceable, checking in on the team to make sure they are happy with their roles and discussing any concerns they may have.

Fun Fact
The CAA has lots of really useful documentation on how to manage an airport fire station which you can find online under ‘CAP 699’ and ‘CAP 168’.

Job Title
Approved Training Organisation (ATO) Manager / Declared Training Organisation (DTO) Manager

Function
Providing a flight school environment for the purpose of facilitating pilot licence training

Brief Description

There are flying schools across the UK offering training to become pilots of a variety of aircraft. Managers of ATO’s and DTO’s will have varying duties depending on the type of operation. However, they are most likely to be involved in:

• Recruitment of Flight Instructors
• Booking in maintenance for training aircraft
• Organisation of the flight schedule
• Customer service
• Marketing
• Administration
• Management of the team

Key Skills

• Good knowlegde of the industry,
• Communication
• Organisation

Entry Routes

• Via other roles at the aerodrome or in industry
• Flight Instructor

Day in the Life
Running a flight school is a very dynamic job and no two days are the same. An ATO/DTO manager must ensure they adhere to CAA regulations, keeping approriate records and maintaining acceptable standards. An manager may be involved in:

• Ensuring the school is running efficiently – making sure there are enough aircraft and instructors available for students.
• Organising maintenance on flight school aircraft

Fun Fact
The CAA has lots of really useful documentation on how to manage an airport fire station which you can find online under ‘CAP 699’ and ‘CAP 168’.

Job Title
Airfield Ground Crew

Function
Assist with pre- and post-flight procedures for both passengers and aircraft

Brief Description

Airfield ground crew are an invaluable resource especially in historic/vintage aircraft operations.

Key Skills

• Communication
• Practically minded
• Willingness to work outside
• Organisation

Entry Routes

• Direct through the aerodrome

Day in the Life
A typical day will involve:

• Helping to pull the aircraft out of the hangar and onto their parking spot for the day
• Aircraft may need refuelling prior to flights starting
• As passengers turn up for their experience flights the ground crew will generally be involved in activities such as weighing them and getting paperwork filled out
• Facilitating briefings or aircraft and emergency procedures to passengers
• Enabling flights run to time
• Help to clean the aircraft at the end of a flying day
• Putting aircraft back into the hangar

Fun Fact
Some airfield ground crew get to work with some of the most iconic historic aircraft such as Spitfires and ex military fast jets.

Job Title
Aircraft Refueller

Function
Refeulling aircraft at an aerodrome that are based or visiting

Brief Description
Aircraft generally use Aviation fuels such as UL91, 100LL and Jet A1. Busier general aviation aerodromes may employ a refueller to carry out this task, instead of the pilot of the aircraft.

Key Skills

• Adherence to health and safety
• Willingness to work outside
• Customer service
• Knowledge and application of aviation marshalling may be required
• Knowledge of aircraft types

Entry Routes

Direct entry via the aerodrome

Day in the Life

A typical day will involve refuelling many different aircraft types safely and efficiently.

Fun Fact
The cost of a single “uplift” of a larger general aviation aircraft may run into the thousands

Job Title
GA Pilot

Function
Qualified to pilot a variety of general aviation aircraft

Brief Description
Flying qualifications come in a wide range of shapes and sizes from gaining a Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence (LAPL) to a Private Pilots Licence (PPL), gliding and hot air balloon licences. After qualifying, pilots can operate as an ‘Experience Flight’ pilot and take passengers for sight seeing rides.

Key Skills

• Relevant pilot qualification
• Customer service
• Calm under pressure
• Communication

Entry Routes

• Direct entry via the experience flight business at an aerodrome

Day in the Life
Although you can’t get paid for operating experience flights if you do not have a commercial flight licence, it is a great way to gain experience and build flying hours.

Fun Fact
Experience flights in light aircraft are really popular in the UK. Many airfields up and down the country offer flights to the general public in all sorts of different aircraft.

Job Title
Parachute Drop Pilot

Function
Safely and effectively manage day to day operation at an unlicensed aerodrome

Brief Description
As an Aerodrome Manager of an unlicensed site, you would hold overall responsibility for management of aerodrome operations in all areas such as:

• Events
• Flight safety
• Airfield maintenance
• Employee wellbeing and management
• Interoperability of fixed based operators
• Customer service
• Business administration

Key Skills

• Adaptability
• Communication
• Management
• Knowledge of GA sector

Entry Routes
Either via school, college or unit

Day in the Life
Customer Service agents can start early shift as early as 0400. You will be processing customer in via self service bag drop and check-in machines. You may be boarding flights or assisting with transfer passengers

Fun Fact
You will see and meet people from all over the world

Job Title
Flight Instructor (FI)

Function
Qualified to teach people to operate aircraft

Brief Description

A flight instructor will guide a student, sometimes from their very first experience flight, through to the point of being tested by a flight examiner to gain a pilot’s licence. In the UK there is a set syllabus to follow for licences such as the PPL, LAPL and NPPL.

Key Skills

• Good teaching skills
• Communication
• Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
• FI rating

Entry Routes
Must have been accepted by the CAA as being qualified as a flight instructor (i.e proof of completing the Flight Instructor course and satisfying the minimum hours requirement) Once a qualified FI, entry can be gained by applying to the Chief Flying Instructor at a flying club.

Day in the Life
Typically, a day as a flight instructor will involve:

• Check the flying schedule with the ops desk
• Check weather for the day
• Check for any NOTAMS
• Carry out the ‘A check’ on the aircraft or ask their student to do it. This includes checking the aircraft is servicable and has enough fuel (plus contingency) for the flight.
• Conduct a pre flight briefing with the student, covering all aspects of the lesson ahead.
• Providing the weather is suitable, the FI and student will then fly the practical part of the lesson – perhaps on navigation or steep turns.
• After a debrief and writing up of notes, the FI will then welcome the next student – commonly teaching 4 or 5 in a day.

Fun Fact
There are many different types of instructor – for example a Class Rating Instructor (CRI) or Type Rating Instructor (TRI) and even a Mountain Rating Instructor (MI) among others.

Job Title
Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) or Head of Training (HoT)

Function
A CFI / HoT is responsible for a team of instructors at a flying club

Brief Description

A CFI / HoT will generally be responsible for recruitment and appraisals of instructors at the flying club, ensuring that the licence syllabus is being appropriately followed and students are making good progess, whilst also ensuring that good standards and records are being maintained by the flying club.

Key Skills

• Good leadership skills
• Administration
• FI experience
• Communication

Entry Routes
Experience gained as an FI at a flying club

Day in the Life
A CFI / HoT will likely also be an FI too, so they may be teaching students at their flying club. They will also need some time for filling out paperwork and liaising with their flight instructors to ensure the club is operating smoothly.

Fun Fact
A CFI / HoT may work very closely with the flying club owner/s – meaning they may be influential in which aircraft are used for training, and how the flying club is run.

Job Title
Display Pilot/ Aerobatic Pilot

Function
Displaying aircraft at festivals/shows, or competing in aerobatic competitions.

Brief Description

A Display Pilot may be asked to attend anything from weddings to air shows around the country, showing off their aircraft to the crowd. Similarly aerobatic pilots may enter competitions, pushing their aircraft to the limits of what it can do and follow complex display patterns.

Key Skills

• Good level of flying skill
• Display authorisation/ aerobatic rating from the CAA
• Do not suffer from travel sickness!

Entry Routes
After gaining all the relevant qualifications, there are aerobatic and display associations that can be joined.
Sometimes pilots with the correct qualifications can just carry out displays at their own aerodromes for excited bystanders to watch.

Day in the Life
A day as a display pilot will likely involve:

• Conducting an ‘A check’ on the aircraft
• Checking weather and NOTAMs
• Running through display patterns, heights and manoeuvres.
• If carrying out the display as a formation, the pilots will have a briefing together and finalise their plan. They will then depart and travel to the location, perform
• the display and then head back to their home airfield.
• An aerobatic pilot who is actively involved in aerobatic competitions may enter into a UK association, or even travel around the world competing.

Fun Fact
A ‘Pitts Special’ or an ‘Extra 330LC’ are commonly used aircraft for aerobatics as they are light, powerful and very manoueverable. Look them up and see what you think!

Job Title
Aviation Equipment Supplier

Function
Providing aviation equipment for pilots and flying clubs. For example, working for Pooleys, Bose, Garmin, etc.

Brief Description
Pilots and flying schools require study materials, charts, logbooks and other equipment to carry out their operations. Suppliers manufacture and provide these.

Key Skills

• Administration
• Sales
• Customer service

Entry Routes

Direct entry to the equipment company

Day in the Life
A typical day may involve working in the company office or driving around the flying clubs in the UK speaking to customers and delivering products.

Fun Fact
Pilots have equipment which they must legally have on board the aircraft with them such as a chart (a map used to navigate in the air). The pilot must be carrying an up to date chart, of which a new one is created each calendar year.

Job Title
Aircraft Salesperson

Function
Facilitating sales of general aviation aircraft

Brief Description
Although private adverts can be made for the sale of aircraft, many prefer to use a recognised sales company as there may be extra assurances involved, especially for the more expensive types.

Key Skills

• Knowledge of aircraft types
• Sales
• Communication
• Customer service
• Organisation
• Trust
• Willingness to travel

Entry Routes
Direct entry into established company – likely after some experience in the sector

Day in the Life
A typical day may involve:

• Travelling to a customer who wishes to sell their aircraft
• Giving a light inspection and estimate of how much the aircraft is worth
• Photos and information gathering

Fun Fact
Aircraft are sometimes bought and sold from country to country and pilots will fly them to prospective buyers and then back to their home aerodrome – sometimes even as far away as America!

Job Title
Aircraft Insurance

Function
Helping customers to insure their aircraft

Brief Description
Aircraft owners, just as they would for a car, can insure their aircraft against accidental damage, fire, and accidents on the ground.

Key Skills

• Knowledge of aircraft types
• Sales
• Communication
• Customer service
• Organisation

Entry Routes

• Apprenticeships
• Qualifications with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
• University
• Direct entry into an established insurance business.

Day in the Life
A typical day may include:

• Liaising with customers on their insurance requirements
• Speaking to underwriters to get the best deal
• Administration

Fun Fact
If an aircraft is not to be flown for a prolonged period of time (say during maintenance) the owner can change the insurance status to ‘ground risk’ only, meaning the aircraft is covered for any damage whilst not being flown, but would not be insured for ‘flight risk’.

Job Title
Aviation Journalist

Function
Writing about general aviation matters

Brief Description
There is a good selection of both web based and physical magazines on general aviation matters, and a good readership from within the community. Being an aviation journalistmeans you can write about things of interest and emerging trends in the industry.

Key Skills

• Keen interest in general aviation
• Writing flair
• Communication
• Time management

Entry Routes

• Direct entry via magazine publisher or similar.
• Journalism qualifications.
• Time working at aerodromes/in aviation

Day in the Life
There are many interesting people in aviation to interview and report on – a day may involve travelling to see a pilot at their aerodrome and interview them about their expedition around the world for example!

Fun Fact
Many people have made themselves dual pilot and reporters in recent years with their own ‘You Tube’ channels showing their flying adventures.

Job Title
Aircraft Engineer

Function
An Aircraft Engineer or ‘technician’ is qualified to work on specific types of aircraft

Brief Description
An Aircraft Engineer will be authorised by the CAA to work on certain types of aircraft that need to be professionally maintained.

Key Skills

• Practical
• Methodical
• Attention to detail

Entry Routes

• Experience working with a qualified aircraft engineer
• CAA flight engineer examinations
• Learn more about engineer licences on the CAA Website

Day in the Life

Typically, aircraft arrive from other aerodromes for an ‘annual inspection’ or a ’50 hour’ check. The CAA provides a cheklist of all the areas that the engineer must examine on the aircraft to ensure its in good working order. Fault finding also features heavily in an engineer’s role. The engineer must order replacement parts and make sure the aircraft is fit to fly.

Fun Fact
Some light aircraft can be maintained by their owners. However, the work must be checked by a licensed engineer once the work has been done.

Job Title
Avionics Engineer

Function
Specialising in the repair and fitting of avionics equipment in aircraft

Brief Description
Installing, repairing and perhaps selling avionics equipment in General Aviation aircraft.

Key Skills

• Technically minded
• Attention to detail
• Methodical

Entry Routes
Depending on which type of aircraft you’d like to work on you’ll need to gain relevant experience as an apprentice and then prove your competence by completing a CAA exam.

Day in the Life
An avionics engineer will typically travel to various airfields across the country to repair or install instruments.

Fun Fact
Avionics suites in aircraft are ever improving and advancing making it an exciting industry to be involved in.

Job Title
GA aircraft construction

Function
Construction of light aircraft

Brief Description
Light aircraft are routinely built in the UK and around the world. Emergence of electric and hydrogen powered aircraft opens up a new opportunity to get involved in sustainable aviation manufacturing.

Key Skills

• Design
• Technical drawing
• Attention to detail
• Mathematics / engineering

Job Title
Aircraft Cleaner

Function
Cleaning/ polishing a variety of general aviation aircraft

Brief Description
Generally pilots will wash down their aicraft after flying, particularly if operating from a grass runway. Intermittently, or after the winter season, pilots may wish to invest in a professional clean and polish of their aircraft to prolong the life of the paintwork

Key Skills

• Willlingness to work in all weathers
• Customer service, attention to detail

Entry Routes
Direct entry into existing company or setting up a company

Day in the Life
An aircraft cleaner may travel around the U.K’s extensive selection of aerodromes offering their services to the based aircraft owners there, or they may simply base themselves at one particular airfield if it is large enough.

Fun Fact
Dead insects are the main bugbear for anyone cleaning aircraft, being surprisingly difficult to get off!

Job Title
Aircraft Cover Manufacturer

Function
Manufacturing aircraft covers for aircraft that are stored outside in the elements

Brief Description
Aircraft covers, for the main fuselage and the wings, help protect the aircraft from condensation, corrosion from the sun, and in icy conditions can reduce the time to de-ice the aeroplane before flight.

Key Skills

• Attention to detail
• Customer service
• Sales
• Willingness to travel

Entry Routes

Direct entry into existing company or setting up a company

Day in the Life

A typical day may involve:

• Ordering fabric
• Visiting a customer to measure up for some new covers
• Making the product in the workshop

Fun Fact
Most aircraft that are stored outside use covers

Job Title
Aircraft Painter / Upholsterer

Function
Specialising in the painting and upholstery of aircraft

Brief Description
Aircraft require respraying and paint repairs on a fairly regular basis to keep them in good condition. Light aircraft often have leather or soft fabric seats which need maintenance and repair, and even complete replacement.

Key Skills

• Upholstery
• Customer service
• Attention to detail

Entry Routes

Direct entry into existing company or setting up a company

Day in the Life

A day at work may involve visiting a customer to provide a quote for a full respray, or carrying out a small paintwork repair.

Fun Fact
Aircraft can be sprayed any colour, but the aircraft registration markings must be clearly visible on both the side and the underneath of the aircraft.

Job Title
Aviation Software Engineer

Function
Providing software solutions for the general aviation industry

Brief Description
General Aviation has access to an array of useful software to use in flight and on the ground, such as flight planning/ navigation aids.

Key Skills

• Computer / programming skills
• Aviation knowledge
• Problem solving

Entry Routes

• University degree in computer science
• Significant experience in IT industry