Expert: David A. NewMyer - 10/4/2005

Question
I have a ist degree in Real Estate management,and i want to start a career in aviation. What would be the best feild for me to get in.

Answer
Hi, Abigail:

Thanks for your question....I will try to assist!

A career in aviation can cover a lot....we are talking about an industry that covers airlines, aviation manufacturing, general aviation and government aviation.  It totals, as an industry, about 2.1 million jobs today.  A major consideration for you is whether or not you want to pursue a certificated position (one that carries with it the need to obtain Federal Aviation Administration certification).  These include pilot, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance and airline dispatch positions.  There are probably 250,000 working airline, general aviation, flight training and government pilots today.  There are about 400,000 working aircraft mechanics today....and, there are about 17,000 working air traffic controllers today.

Overall, the airline industry is the largest, but most volatile, single aviation industry segment in terms of employment at about 676,000 employees.  But, the carriers that are doing the best are the low cost carriers and the regional airlines....a number of the so-called legacy airlines (Northwest, Delta and United, for example) are in bankruptcy.

As far as a "best field" to get into, I think that such a decision depends a lot on what YOU want to do...what do you like to do, in what environment do you like to work and where do you want to live when you are not working?  These are all questions that will impact on your aviation career choice.

As far as degree programs, there is a Collegiate Aviation Guide available from the University Aviation Association that lists all of the universities that offer aviation and lists the degree programs that they offer.  This is available from the UAA by calling 334-844-2434 or by emailing them at uaa@auburn.edu or by going on their website at http://www.uaa.aero/

I hope that this helps.  Please follow up with more questions via All Experts.

Sincerely,

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