Expert: D. Norkus - 7/10/2006

Question
Hi, I am a merchant mariner(2nd mate) with 10 years at sea. I was recently diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve, due to which I may soon have to quit sailing.
       Please advise me of any job opportunities in the airline industry. I am a graduate and intend to pursue a course in air safety management. Your comments/ advice please. Thank you.

Answer
Anand-

If you have a medical condition that may prevent you from sailing, it may also disqualify you from some other airline jobs. There are probably many ground based, entry level airline positions that you would qualify for, but some carriers may have a pre-employment physical as part of their interview. I cannot comment ont that, you will have to check with the airline you want to apply with.

Jobs such as: baggage handler, provisioning/catering, ticket agent/customer service agent, cabin service/aircraft cleaner, skycap and airline administrative positions are the common jobs at the airport that you might consider. Go to these pages for jobs descriptions and more info:

http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/career1.htm
http://www.avjobs.com/careers/titlelist.asp
http://www.southwest.com/careers

Also, I suggest going to airline websites as each has a jobs/careers section where you can find out what positions they are hiring for and the requirements.

Additionally, you could work inside the airport at any number of concessions or for you could work airside for catering company, fueling company or as a contract service employee. Many airlines contract out ramp services, fueling and cleaning. Take some time to contact the airlines that fly in your city and ask them if they are hiring or if they use a contract service company for such jobs. To learn more about airline ground handling jobs see this link-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_Ground_Handling

That page also has links to the major contract service companies so you can see thier jobs pages.

Good Luck in your job search!