Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/7/2006

Question
I have always had a love for aviation, but never made it a career. I joined the army to go to flight school, but a paperwork snafu delayed my entry into the program. When I got it straightened out, I had to retake the Class I physical and failed it (vision). I applied to the FAA and attended the Air Traffic Controller training program in Oklahoma City. I had to withdraw for medical reasons. I reapplied and was accepted again, only to have the government shut down in a budget squabble. By the time it ended, I was above the maximum age allowed to begin an ATC career. At that point I got on with life and went down a different career path.

Now I am 46 years old, hate what I do, and still have the aviation bug. Is there any area of aviation that I could get into at this age and support a family at the same time? I have 2.5 years of experience as a helicopter mechanic (Army), but do not have an A&P. Your opinion would certainly be appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi, Mike:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist!

Well, it certainly sounds like you have tried to get into aviation along the way....I admire your willingness to keep trying.  You asked if there is any area of aviation that you get into and support a family at the same time?  Part of this answer may depend on what you do now and whether or not there is anything from your current career that can be converted over to an aviation career.  So, think about that as I provide an overview of the U. S. civil aviation industry below:

Aviation and Aerospace Manufacturing=600,000 jobs

Airlines=675,000 jobs

General Aviation=638,000 jobs

Government (aviation related jobs at the federal, state and local level including airport operations, management and planning)=175,000 jobs

TOTAL=2,088,000 jobs nationwide

Remember that many of these jobs are in larger cities, but not all....and, remember that many of these jobs (not all) require special training or experience.  Now, we are back to what you do today and whether or not there is something parallel to what you do today in the aviation industry.  That is something that you need to do some research on....

You need to explore the following websites to see what you can find out about aviation employment and how it might relate to what you already know and do:

www.aviationemployment.com

www.avjobs.com

www.avcrew.com

www.aeps.com

www.boeing.com

www.southwest.com

www.jetblue.com

In addition, you can subscribe to a national aviation employment job listing called Air Jobs Digest....call 1-800-AIR-JOBS to order.  It costs around $55 for a three month subscription....just to check out the market.

The bottom line is that you have found out that one needs to go to a job every day that they enjoy....doing otherwise provides for a miserable existance.  And, you need to be able to provide for your family.

I wish you the best.  Follow up with another question on AllExperts.com 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