Expert: David A. NewMyer - 7/11/2004

Question
Dr. NewMyer:

Thanks for your response.  My professional goal is to go into aviation safety for an airline.  I have thought about getting my start at an aviation insurer and have looked at some.  Thus far, I've not been successful in landing an interview.  Perhaps, I can get to the airlines through the insurance industry.  As for the government, your assessment is correct regarding FAA requirements.  I do not have the $ to accumulate 1500 hours of flight time, though I am slowly working on it; with that kind of time, I'd probably fly for a living instead.

I think you are correct that the insurance industry might be a good bet.  I guess now I just need to convince someone within that sector of the industry of the same.

Thanks for your response.
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Followup To
Question -
Dear Dr. NewMyer:

I have a BA in Sociology and Criminal Justice, Commercial Pilot License and 41 credits of undergraduate aviation management course work.  I also have about 6 years work experience as an insurance liability claims examiner and I am presently in middle management within this industry.  

I wish to start a career in Aviation Safety.  I figure with the aviation knowledge that I have, along with my professional experience investigating accidents, I would be a good fit somewhere.  The problem: I cannot find the jobs.  It's the typical situation of employers looking for experienced people, but no one gives you the opportunity to gain the experience.

I've recently been accepted into a Masters program in Aviation Safety Management.  What is your thought; is this a good deicsion or a waste of money? I've even completed an internship at a large Class B airport--with all of this, I still cannot get in.  Is it me?

I look forward to your advice.
Answer -
Hi, Drew:

Good to hear from you....I will try to assist.

There is always a bit of a period of adjustment or transition when changing career fields....and, in fact, that is what you are doing in that your resume reflects insurance liability claims examiner work and your desire is to gain an position in the aviation industry.  It is not always easy to build the bridge from one industry to another, especially in the minds of those you are trying to convince to give you a chance.  The question I have for you is:  Where do you want to work within the aviation safety (government or private industry or either?) and where have you tried to interview?

Aviation safety is a TOUGH sector of aviation to gain entry to without a lot of operational experience.  In other words, the operational experience is viewed by those in government (FAA or NTSB) as a key aspect of your background when they interview you.  To qualify for an interview as a general avaition operations inspector at a FSDO office with the FAA , one is expected to have 1500 hours PIC flight time, if I am not mistaken.  So, operational experience is key if you wish to go in this direction.

Another thought is:  The Aviation Insurance Industry.  That is, working for a company like USAIG or another key player in the aviation insurance market might be a possibility for you.  Working in this segment of the aviation industry would take advantage of both your aviation background AND your insurance background.....

Whatever direction you go, I believe that more education is a good, positive thing.  Government entities usually give added service credit or other incentives to those with higher education levels, especially if the education relates at all to their daily jobs.  I know that this was the case for me when I worked in a state dept of transportation and completed an MS in Transportation...the results were a raise and a promotion.  

The MS in Aviation Safety Management is, to me, a good choice due to the fact that it relates to your apparent career goals and to your interests.  The key to any master's program is the faculty, their qualifications and their relationship to you as a student.  If it is an online program, such values are not added, so, I would be neutral on that form of a program.  It will result in a piece of paper, which is positive, but, the relationship building that is part of a typical graduate degree is normally not there (unless it is a hybrid program that requires some on-campus attendance).

I hope that this helps.  Let me know if you need anything else.

Sincerely,

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

Answer
Hi,

And, in addition, the M. S. degree should provide some additional help in convincing potential employers of your unique qualifications.

Do not forget to keep checking the websites of some of the new airlines out there like jetBlue Airways....they are doing a lot of hiring and may still need someone with your special characteristics.  Their website always seems to have interesting jobs on it.

Best of luck to you,

Dave NewMyer