Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/10/2011

Question
hi i am in yr 11 and have always wanted to become a pilot.  i am also an air cadet for the 13 - 18 yrs old. i am totally confused as to what subjects to take.  as i just read your answer that pilots jobs are very 'unstable' i.e. one could be out of a job and not find a suitable one in the same field for a while.  some other pilots who i have been speaking with have also said the same thing.  but i really love flying.  so what is the other option so that i can fly and also have another job as a back-up but, in the airline business. like maybe on the airfield or control tower.  is it possible?

Answer
Hi, Zulfeqar:

Nice to hear from you, I will try to assist you with your quesitons.

First of all, I did not mean to say that ALL pilot jobs are not stable---I only meant to say that pilots can be less stable, particularly early in your career and/or depending on which company you are working for......some companies, on the other hand, are very stable, which makes your pilot job stable.  It is important for you to do research into your various employment optiosn and choose the option that appears to be most stable to you.

With regard to your main question:  About having a "back up" job in aviation.  First of all, it is an excellent idea to have a back up job in aviation for one key reason:  If you ever lose your medical approval to fly, you will have to do something else anyway!  In other words, it is not just about the economic stability of the company you are working for, it is about your ability to pass a stringent medical examination each year!

Another way to look at "back up" positions is this:  Pilots only make up a small percentage of the total people working in aviation/aerospace.  In the USA, pilots make up 10 to 15% of the total aviation/aerospace workforce---the rest of the workforce are working in such jobs as:

1. aerospace engineers,
2. aviation mechanics/technicians,
3. air traffic controllers,
4. airport managers,
5. aviation marketing specialists,
6. flight instructors,
7. airline customer service agents,
8. flight attendants, and many other career fields in aviation.  

So, it takes many different types of employees to make the aviation industry work.  So, to answer your question, yes, it is possible to gain one of these non-flying jobs.

For any of the jobs, it will be important to have the right mix of education and experience.  For now, make sure that your studies are focused on mathematics, sciences, geography and communications.  Do not forget that English is the language of international Air Traffic Control, so, it is important to be able to communicate well in the English language if you plan to be an airline pilot in the future.  Later, as you consider university studies, make sure you consider whether or not to enter an aviation or aeronautical field such as aviation flight or aeronautical engineering.

I wish you the best wishes in your pursuit of an aviation career.  Please send along another question via AllExperts.com if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois Universtity Carbondale