Aviation Management Courses
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Aviation Management Courses
Have you done one of these degrees or courses in aviation management. If so which ones do you think are the best, and have they helped you with your career in the management field of aviation.
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I don't know about other aviation companies, but Ansett and Air New Zealand both considered aviation to be totally different to any other business from a management perspective.
They were wrong.
Aviation management is no different to management of any other business. If you're serious about it, go and study for a MBA.
Good Luck.
They were wrong.
Aviation management is no different to management of any other business. If you're serious about it, go and study for a MBA.
Good Luck.
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Feeton Terrafirma
Thanks for the reply. You don't think that there are speacialist areas in aviation that should be incorporated in a management degree if that is your field. ie specifics relating to aircraft, airports, leasing, the list is endless.
Thanks for the reply. You don't think that there are speacialist areas in aviation that should be incorporated in a management degree if that is your field. ie specifics relating to aircraft, airports, leasing, the list is endless.
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Java,
Recently finished a Master of Science in Air Transport Management from London's City University. Totally enjoyed the experience. Even though it was my second degree, entry is possible via an experenced based assessment process.
The problem for Aussies is that you must attend the Uni for 3 days of classes/workshops per module. Around 10 modules including subjects such as Airline Economics, Quality Management, Marketing, Aircraft Design, Airport Strategic Planning, Route negotiation and Law, Avionics and IT, amongst others to choose from.
Cost is comparable to an MBA and the teaching staff are not drawn only from the university faculty. They include guest lecturers.... ex. BA CEO for Airline Economics, a current aviation lawer for the Law module etc.
Most seem to take around 2 or so years to complete the degree and some of the modules are offered in Dubai to make it easier for international students to attend.
Two things you can be assured of if you take such a task on. You'll need to be "head down and tail up" for the workload (which can be difficult if you have not engaged in any previous tertiary studies) and the cost can be significant. All universities charge fees now.... some more than others.
The completion of such studies can be personally rewarding, however in aviation they may not be financially rewarding. I have found resistence to the fact that I have 2 degrees when I apply for a line pilot position.
Good luck.....
Recently finished a Master of Science in Air Transport Management from London's City University. Totally enjoyed the experience. Even though it was my second degree, entry is possible via an experenced based assessment process.
The problem for Aussies is that you must attend the Uni for 3 days of classes/workshops per module. Around 10 modules including subjects such as Airline Economics, Quality Management, Marketing, Aircraft Design, Airport Strategic Planning, Route negotiation and Law, Avionics and IT, amongst others to choose from.
Cost is comparable to an MBA and the teaching staff are not drawn only from the university faculty. They include guest lecturers.... ex. BA CEO for Airline Economics, a current aviation lawer for the Law module etc.
Most seem to take around 2 or so years to complete the degree and some of the modules are offered in Dubai to make it easier for international students to attend.
Two things you can be assured of if you take such a task on. You'll need to be "head down and tail up" for the workload (which can be difficult if you have not engaged in any previous tertiary studies) and the cost can be significant. All universities charge fees now.... some more than others.
The completion of such studies can be personally rewarding, however in aviation they may not be financially rewarding. I have found resistence to the fact that I have 2 degrees when I apply for a line pilot position.
Good luck.....
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Clive
Thanks for the reply. Why not look for aviation management and administration positions, instead of line flying. I know flying is great, but wouldn't there be better security and better chances of work in an airline at present in the aviation management and administration roles? Fly on the weekends?
cheers
Java
Thanks for the reply. Why not look for aviation management and administration positions, instead of line flying. I know flying is great, but wouldn't there be better security and better chances of work in an airline at present in the aviation management and administration roles? Fly on the weekends?
cheers
Java
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Fair questions Java,
Sadly the market is flooded with middle and even upper level aviation management folk at the moment and I must admit that during my 20 year aviation career I have seen many more "management" positions come and go than "pilot" positions, so I would have to take you to task on the "security" aspect of such a role change.
As an optimist I believe that the aviation industry will recover over the next year or so (failing another Osama trick or further corporate governance cockups) into an environment where pilots will be a sought after commodity. All of my tertiary studies have to date been for personal goal attainments and self actualization however I will certainly heed your advice and keep all options open as we all watch this industry with disbelief and amazement.
It take balls to be involved with aviation at the moment.... but sadly none of them are crystal !!
again.... good luck with your quest.
Sadly the market is flooded with middle and even upper level aviation management folk at the moment and I must admit that during my 20 year aviation career I have seen many more "management" positions come and go than "pilot" positions, so I would have to take you to task on the "security" aspect of such a role change.
As an optimist I believe that the aviation industry will recover over the next year or so (failing another Osama trick or further corporate governance cockups) into an environment where pilots will be a sought after commodity. All of my tertiary studies have to date been for personal goal attainments and self actualization however I will certainly heed your advice and keep all options open as we all watch this industry with disbelief and amazement.
It take balls to be involved with aviation at the moment.... but sadly none of them are crystal !!
again.... good luck with your quest.
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I have an undergraduate degree and a post-graduate M.Bus. (not an MBA...!!) I agree with the previous comment that aviation (air transport) management is just another form of management and general knowledge is often more useful than specific knowledge. The best reason for doing a degree in aviation management is that the subjects might be more interesting to an aviation enthusiast and thus more 'do-able'.
Like others, I did my study for self-interest and personal development, not for career progression. Am just a bog line pilot. Though in my arrogant moments, I observe the antics of most contemporary airline management with bemused disbelief.
Which, brings us back to the beginning. I suspect that one of the reasons why Flight Operations Management is so poorly handled is because of a lack of general management knowledge. Too much time is spent on the technical and daily aspects of running an airline, with insufficient time spent on the bigger picture - which is organisational management. How many FOP's departments do you know that have inadequate project and development capabilities? How many have endemic ill-will as the trademark industrial relations stance?
For what it's worth - I would recommend that you steer clear of specific airline transport management related degrees until you have a general management qualification as a foundation. Broaden your horizons, learn real management theory and hopefully become one of the leaders of the future this industry needs.
Like others, I did my study for self-interest and personal development, not for career progression. Am just a bog line pilot. Though in my arrogant moments, I observe the antics of most contemporary airline management with bemused disbelief.
Which, brings us back to the beginning. I suspect that one of the reasons why Flight Operations Management is so poorly handled is because of a lack of general management knowledge. Too much time is spent on the technical and daily aspects of running an airline, with insufficient time spent on the bigger picture - which is organisational management. How many FOP's departments do you know that have inadequate project and development capabilities? How many have endemic ill-will as the trademark industrial relations stance?
For what it's worth - I would recommend that you steer clear of specific airline transport management related degrees until you have a general management qualification as a foundation. Broaden your horizons, learn real management theory and hopefully become one of the leaders of the future this industry needs.
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Feeton, HIALS and others.
You are absolutely correct, Aviation Management is no different to any other.
Do an MBA or similar and get some real broad "big picture" training.
Why do you think big companies like BHP et al sent their senior and very senior guys, some of whom had been with the company since they joined the mail room, to fast track MBA courses. The results were stunning.
The much vaunted "aviation" idiosyncracies are either only that, or so minor that an intelligent person can pick up on it in a few seconds.
I recently spent a couple of hours in a room with 14 Barristers and it only took me about 20 minutes to get ALL of the relevant fundamental aviation specific issues across, with the rest of the time spent on Q & A.
They now know more about the industry big picture than most with so called "Aviation Management" experience.
It's simple, whilst not making a judgement on which is better than what, you have to decide where you want to sit in the aircraft, down the back making the airline decisions and writing the cheques or up the front executing the results and hoping the GIB gets it right.
Mr Dixon started life as a copy boy, but management skills are what put him there today.
The choice is yours, the long term career risks for both paths are equal, if not in favour for the management route.
In the real world, there are few things more useless than a highly expensive 'Pilots qualification' without a job attached or medicalled out
You are absolutely correct, Aviation Management is no different to any other.
Do an MBA or similar and get some real broad "big picture" training.
Why do you think big companies like BHP et al sent their senior and very senior guys, some of whom had been with the company since they joined the mail room, to fast track MBA courses. The results were stunning.
The much vaunted "aviation" idiosyncracies are either only that, or so minor that an intelligent person can pick up on it in a few seconds.
I recently spent a couple of hours in a room with 14 Barristers and it only took me about 20 minutes to get ALL of the relevant fundamental aviation specific issues across, with the rest of the time spent on Q & A.
They now know more about the industry big picture than most with so called "Aviation Management" experience.
It's simple, whilst not making a judgement on which is better than what, you have to decide where you want to sit in the aircraft, down the back making the airline decisions and writing the cheques or up the front executing the results and hoping the GIB gets it right.
Mr Dixon started life as a copy boy, but management skills are what put him there today.
The choice is yours, the long term career risks for both paths are equal, if not in favour for the management route.
In the real world, there are few things more useless than a highly expensive 'Pilots qualification' without a job attached or medicalled out
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Giday Java,
I'm pleased to see so many people in agreement with my views here. You ask about aviation specific skills in management? Yes there are some technical skills required, but as a manager you employ the technicians to handle those skills. You wont learn aircraft maintenance or landing techniques for heavies at an aviation management school any more than you will at a general management school. To run an aviation business you will need to understand maintenance planning, crew rostering, and dozens of management skills, which incidentally are pretty much the same as the specific skills you need in any business.
I'm currently studying an MBA at the Uni of Liverpool (UK) whilst resident in Melbourne. Isn't the Internet wonderful?
Good Luck mate.
I'm pleased to see so many people in agreement with my views here. You ask about aviation specific skills in management? Yes there are some technical skills required, but as a manager you employ the technicians to handle those skills. You wont learn aircraft maintenance or landing techniques for heavies at an aviation management school any more than you will at a general management school. To run an aviation business you will need to understand maintenance planning, crew rostering, and dozens of management skills, which incidentally are pretty much the same as the specific skills you need in any business.
I'm currently studying an MBA at the Uni of Liverpool (UK) whilst resident in Melbourne. Isn't the Internet wonderful?
Good Luck mate.
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Gaunty,
Sage words indeed.... it's been a while since I've posted any comments in this forum. I think some of my previous postings have effected my prospects for jobs. You and I have certainly locked horns in the past.... but only because I have enjoyed an educated stouch with you.
Java,
Take note of Gaunty's advice. I intend to undertake an MBA when I am somewhat settled. Not only because I have been bitten by the bug.... but I would like to broaden my knowledge, which has to date been limited to the aviation industry.
Feeton Terraferma,
I'd be grateful for a contact or some info on the MBA you are doing as I'm sure I will not get the chance to attend another uni (in person) for some time, but I would dearly love to undertake a worthwhile MBA.
Again... goodluck to Java as you try to sort out the best path to take.
Sage words indeed.... it's been a while since I've posted any comments in this forum. I think some of my previous postings have effected my prospects for jobs. You and I have certainly locked horns in the past.... but only because I have enjoyed an educated stouch with you.
Java,
Take note of Gaunty's advice. I intend to undertake an MBA when I am somewhat settled. Not only because I have been bitten by the bug.... but I would like to broaden my knowledge, which has to date been limited to the aviation industry.
Feeton Terraferma,
I'd be grateful for a contact or some info on the MBA you are doing as I'm sure I will not get the chance to attend another uni (in person) for some time, but I would dearly love to undertake a worthwhile MBA.
Again... goodluck to Java as you try to sort out the best path to take.
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Clive
Love an educated stoush.
I'm sorry to hear that you think comments on here have cruelled the odd job prospect.
For my part I wouldn't be all that keen to work for someone who actually operated that way anyway. But we all have mortgages eh.
When I went to school as a boy we lived in a free and vigorous democracy for which WW11 had only recently been fought with the loss of 50,000,000 lives and probably more injured or maimed.
But you get that when we forget that.
Distance Learning ??
Have a look at the Herriot Watt Business School MBA in Edinburgh.
Herriot-Watt MBA
I am trying to rearrange my life (once again) to finish this project.
Those 14 Barristers were easy pickings! But it would have been many heaps easier had I been able to add MBA. Wouldn't have changed the tenor or content of my message any, just added more credibility. People out of that environment aren't always capable of recognising others achievements, unless they have a bunch of letters like theirs. Sorta mine are bigger than yours so my opinion on a subject about which I know nought is worth more than yours. Fortunately the majority (in this case 13/14) of the truly intelligent don't operate that way and don't have to hide behind them.
We're not gonna change that in a hurry so we might as well play the game.
Besides you wanna see the Herriot-Watt dress ups you get to wear.
You see it's not just how many letters and where from, but my robes and hat up are much groovier than yours. 
just like pilots really without the BIG watch.
and here's another interesting site.
All Business Schools
Seriously, .............. do it.
Love an educated stoush.
I'm sorry to hear that you think comments on here have cruelled the odd job prospect.
For my part I wouldn't be all that keen to work for someone who actually operated that way anyway. But we all have mortgages eh.
When I went to school as a boy we lived in a free and vigorous democracy for which WW11 had only recently been fought with the loss of 50,000,000 lives and probably more injured or maimed.
But you get that when we forget that.
Distance Learning ??
Have a look at the Herriot Watt Business School MBA in Edinburgh.
Herriot-Watt MBA
I am trying to rearrange my life (once again) to finish this project.
Those 14 Barristers were easy pickings! But it would have been many heaps easier had I been able to add MBA. Wouldn't have changed the tenor or content of my message any, just added more credibility. People out of that environment aren't always capable of recognising others achievements, unless they have a bunch of letters like theirs. Sorta mine are bigger than yours so my opinion on a subject about which I know nought is worth more than yours. Fortunately the majority (in this case 13/14) of the truly intelligent don't operate that way and don't have to hide behind them.
We're not gonna change that in a hurry so we might as well play the game.
Besides you wanna see the Herriot-Watt dress ups you get to wear.
You see it's not just how many letters and where from, but my robes and hat up are much groovier than yours. just like pilots really without the BIG watch.and here's another interesting site.
All Business Schools
Seriously, .............. do it.
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At age 55 I did a Master of Aviation Management with Griffith University at the Gold Coast. It was all done over the Internet. I had never been to University before and found it a great experience.
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I fly
I'm not far off 55 and considering a masters too. What led you to Griffith Uni? Did you compare distance schools before settling on Griffith? A mate told me U West Sydney is the best - any opinions/facts, etc on UWS? And who knows anything about the U NSW Aviation School?
I'm not far off 55 and considering a masters too. What led you to Griffith Uni? Did you compare distance schools before settling on Griffith? A mate told me U West Sydney is the best - any opinions/facts, etc on UWS? And who knows anything about the U NSW Aviation School?
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For a young person entering the industry the Aviation Degree course has a lot of merit. Each course lays out a foundation for future development with an aviation emphasis. It doesn’t really matter much what your management course is based on, whether it be aviation, government or peanut farming. The end result is the same – a skill in the fundamentals of management. Having learned the fundamentals as they relate to aviation, the graduate may apply the lessons learned to any other career path. The course also teaches other skills including writing, computing and research.
A late entrant would probably do better to pursue an MBA. If one has developed the wherewithal from an aviation career then the lessons learned in the course would no doubt be better understood by relating back to previous experiences. I would imagine that such experienced people would bring somewhat of a ‘think-tank’ approach to the class and this in itself could lead to greater development. Late entrants would no doubt be settled into aviation for the duration and pursuing an MBA in some unrelated field would serve little purpose.
In my own case I completed the Bachelor of Aviation Studies with UWS. It was not until I was well in to the course that the Griffith University offered the MBA to aviation students.
A late entrant would probably do better to pursue an MBA. If one has developed the wherewithal from an aviation career then the lessons learned in the course would no doubt be better understood by relating back to previous experiences. I would imagine that such experienced people would bring somewhat of a ‘think-tank’ approach to the class and this in itself could lead to greater development. Late entrants would no doubt be settled into aviation for the duration and pursuing an MBA in some unrelated field would serve little purpose.
In my own case I completed the Bachelor of Aviation Studies with UWS. It was not until I was well in to the course that the Griffith University offered the MBA to aviation students.
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Southern Cross University
Im currently studying a Bachelor of Aviation at Southern Cross University's Coffs Harbour Campus. Its only fairly new, and theres not many people on it yet. I would have to say its the best thing ive ever done. The whole course focuses on the managment and operational aspects of the airline industry, whereas i am led to believe that the first year of griffith's is essentially a science course. Im not saying its better, but if you are looking for a course focused on management with a slant on aviation, i would reccommend giving SCU a look.
