Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/3/2005

Question
Hello Mr. NewMyer -

My name is Jason and I'm writing for a little advice in my recent decision to make a career move.  Let me start off by giving you a little background on my situation.  About three years ago I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Instructional Technology & Telecommunications.  I then started a career in software training and system conversions where I'm now in charge of all aspects of training for the fourth largest company in our industry.  

I've always been interested in Aviation or at least as long as I can remember. I was talked out of pursuing it in college and now I'm starting to regret it.  About a year a go I took an intro flight and with out a doubt, it turned my world upside down. I truly fell in love!  I'm currently about three flights (and of course the practical tests!) away from my private certificate.

Now that you know a little about my past and know that you are asleep on to my goals and my question.  

I want to fly!  But... I don't just want to fly I want to teach others about it as well.  The only part of my job I actually enjoy now is the teaching aspect. My question to you is what should I do?  Am I crazy?  Should I get my masters on top of certificates and ratings?  Also, I would like to find a good job with an airline or large FBO so that I can start to network and learn about the industry.  Do you think there are any jobs in the industry (outside of flying and teaching) at this time that I may qualify for?

Well... that's it for now.  Sorry to make this so long I'm just extremely driven towards this transition and I love to talk about it.  I hope I didn't put you to sleep and I truly appreciate any advice you can lend.

Thanks again and Have a great day!

Be safe!

Jason


Answer
Hi, Jason:

Thanks for your question via Allexperts.com.  I will try to assist!

As far as teaching others to fly, obviously, there are lots of jobs for flight instructors out there.  But, the key advancement and growth possibilities for someone with an interest to teach in aviation are with either universities/community colleges what offer aviation (such as the one I work for) or with private flight training and simulation companies (Flight Safety International, CAE SimuFlite International, etc).  Of course, another route is to work on the flight training side of the flight operations portion of an airline or other large flight-oriented entity.  There is a lot of flight training out there that is hidden from view, but, it is going on every day and all airlines and other large aircraft operating entities have such departments.

As far as connecting to a university or community college, a key recommendation would be to join the University Aviation Association or UAA.  Let me be your referring person for that membership, if you will.  You can go to their website and download their member application at www.uaa.aero   The professional memberships go for about $55 a year and, for that, you gain access to their website (which contains their membership lists) and their six times-per-year newsletter, which contains job annoucements.

As far as connecting with a major FBO (go with a chain such as Million Air or Piedmont or some other multi-location FBO) or an airline, right now, you have software skills and computer skills to offer.  The aviation industry has been driven to automation over time due to its reservation systems, and, is becoming even more automated in other areas since 9/11 as a cost-saving mechanism.  I am sure that someone with your skills would be welcome.  The problem is that, initially, such skills might drive you to the non-operational side of the airline or FBO if you are not careful, but, it would get you INSIDE the company.  From there, bidding internally to another job might be easier than trying to gain access from the outside.  I would check for jobs via Air Jobs Digest, a monthly, newspaper-format publication that lists lots of aviation jobs.  Subscriptions are available for about $50 for three months by contacting them at 1-800-AIR-JOBS

Also, these websites might help:

www.aviationemployment.com

www.avcrew.com

www.aeps.com

Or, check with the larger airline websites for job postings.  Every so often, www.jetblue.com has come good job listings and they are one airline that is doing fairly well.

As far as getting a master's is concerned, I think it might be a good idea IF you are thinking about going in an academic direction.  The academic world is driven by degrees and related qualifications.  If you decide to go in that direction, you might go for a degree in aviation education, workforce training or curriculum/instruction.

I think that the above answer addresses all that you asked me.  If you have additional questions, please ask another question via Allexperts.com

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu