Aviation Career!
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Aviation Career!
Hi All,
I am only 17 years old however i wish to pursue a career in aviation. I have done research into a number of different areas including ATC, Dispatch and others. I am interested in ATC however at the moment it would be very difficult as the only college is in Bournemouth. To become a dispatcher I do not know if you need any qualifications etc to do this career.
I have 12 GCSEs all C's and currently studying A Levels. I do wish to go into aviation at the end of this, but I would like some research from other people.
Any information on dispatching would be much appricated. Other fields of aviation I already have research on.
Thanks
Chris
I am only 17 years old however i wish to pursue a career in aviation. I have done research into a number of different areas including ATC, Dispatch and others. I am interested in ATC however at the moment it would be very difficult as the only college is in Bournemouth. To become a dispatcher I do not know if you need any qualifications etc to do this career.
I have 12 GCSEs all C's and currently studying A Levels. I do wish to go into aviation at the end of this, but I would like some research from other people.
Any information on dispatching would be much appricated. Other fields of aviation I already have research on.
Thanks
Chris
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Hi Chris
At the moment you don't need any formal qualifications to be a dispatcher in the UK (I assume by dispatch you mean Turnaround Co-ordinator rather than the American version of a dispatcher, which is a very different job?) However the City and Guilds Aviation Studies qualifications would look good on your CV, and would teach you some of the basics, so I would suggest you do some research in that direction.
Once you have that, or even while you are studying, look at applying to airport handling agents as either check-in or loading staff, then work your way to dispatch from there. That seems to be one of the most common routes into the job these days.
I'll warn you now, the hours are awful and the money is crap, but in other ways it's probably the best job I've ever had. You're not stuck behind a desk and no two days are ever the same!
Hope this helps.
At the moment you don't need any formal qualifications to be a dispatcher in the UK (I assume by dispatch you mean Turnaround Co-ordinator rather than the American version of a dispatcher, which is a very different job?) However the City and Guilds Aviation Studies qualifications would look good on your CV, and would teach you some of the basics, so I would suggest you do some research in that direction.
Once you have that, or even while you are studying, look at applying to airport handling agents as either check-in or loading staff, then work your way to dispatch from there. That seems to be one of the most common routes into the job these days.
I'll warn you now, the hours are awful and the money is crap, but in other ways it's probably the best job I've ever had. You're not stuck behind a desk and no two days are ever the same!
Hope this helps.
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Thank you very much for the information you have provided me with. Yes it was Turnaround Co-ordinator I am interested in. I take it you had or have still got a career in this area. I am very keen in aviation and I know the money is not so good but it looks and sounds a top quality job.
Like you said no 2 days are the same and I will look into the City and Guilds Aviation Studies. Do you know of where they do this course or is it within the airport?
As I am 18 in November of this year, I will look into a part time job at my local airport which is Cardiff, and when I finish my A Levels I will look into it further.
Thank you very much for your help, feel free to reply back it would be much appriated.
Chris.
Like you said no 2 days are the same and I will look into the City and Guilds Aviation Studies. Do you know of where they do this course or is it within the airport?
As I am 18 in November of this year, I will look into a part time job at my local airport which is Cardiff, and when I finish my A Levels I will look into it further.
Thank you very much for your help, feel free to reply back it would be much appriated.
Chris.
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Thank you for the information. I will take into consideration City and Guilds Aviation Studies after my A Levels. When I am 18 in November I will look into getting a part time job at my local airport which is Cardiff. For the City and Guilds is it at a specific college or do they offer it at the airport?
Thanks
Chris.
Thanks
Chris.
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Go for it
Many people move into aviation after years of doing other things and they never look back. Those who do it the other way around, leave aviation and look for something else often lament their choice.
I've been involved in it in various forms since 17yrs old and yes there are ups n downs but as one ppruner has said, no 2days are ever the same.
You will never find someone who has trodden the path and gotten away unscathed from either job loss, cut backs, takeovers, slowdowns and the like..But there are ups, n peaks, n highs n takeovers again and hopefully the good memories outweigh the bad..
And like the saying goes, without the bitter, the sweet aint so sweet..
DOG
I've been involved in it in various forms since 17yrs old and yes there are ups n downs but as one ppruner has said, no 2days are ever the same.
You will never find someone who has trodden the path and gotten away unscathed from either job loss, cut backs, takeovers, slowdowns and the like..But there are ups, n peaks, n highs n takeovers again and hopefully the good memories outweigh the bad..
And like the saying goes, without the bitter, the sweet aint so sweet..
DOG
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Look at your options
Hi Chris
My advice would be look at your options carefully. Aviation as most would agree is enjoyable and can be a great job but the hours are long and the money can be awful depending at what area you are in. The more "skills" you have, the better chance you have of success.
I personally would say do a degree first as a back up, it does not have to be anything fancy but it does help in the long run. Although, dont be fooled, it wont help with the first job(s) as you almost always will start at the bottom. However, it can help you move up the ladder if that is what you want.
I am not saying that is the only way to go, I know a lot of mates who never did my route and are still as successful but many of my past colleagues and I all agreed that the more qualifications, the easier your progression can be.
In my first job I earnt £3,000 more that my colleagues who started on the same date due to my so called qualifications but at the same time I had no more knowledge than they did! The payrise was for the fact I had a degree. Companies especially the airlines (where in my experience the rewards are bigger at present) are into qualifications now and with the more general skills you come with the more use you are to them in different areas of the business. I am not saying I agree with the principle it is however for many companies a part of their selection process and thus a reality.
Plus, another piece of advice is keep your options open. When I first started out (only been in the industry 6 years), I also was set on being a
air traffic controller. However, although making it through the selection process, I was no longer sure if the lifestyle element of the job was for me. I walked away and to be honest have never looked back.
I ended up working for an airline within the commercial department, again after 2 years decided I did not like the type of work and moved into operations with an airline. Since then, I have gone from strength to strength doing a job I enjoy and importantly for me getting a decent lifestyle and package as part of the deal. I get to travel abroad and
get to meet and socialise with like minded people.
Overall, just keep you options open and do your research. In the early days have fun and look at getting as much generalised experience as you can.
good luck
Wheety
My advice would be look at your options carefully. Aviation as most would agree is enjoyable and can be a great job but the hours are long and the money can be awful depending at what area you are in. The more "skills" you have, the better chance you have of success.
I personally would say do a degree first as a back up, it does not have to be anything fancy but it does help in the long run. Although, dont be fooled, it wont help with the first job(s) as you almost always will start at the bottom. However, it can help you move up the ladder if that is what you want.
I am not saying that is the only way to go, I know a lot of mates who never did my route and are still as successful but many of my past colleagues and I all agreed that the more qualifications, the easier your progression can be.
In my first job I earnt £3,000 more that my colleagues who started on the same date due to my so called qualifications but at the same time I had no more knowledge than they did! The payrise was for the fact I had a degree. Companies especially the airlines (where in my experience the rewards are bigger at present) are into qualifications now and with the more general skills you come with the more use you are to them in different areas of the business. I am not saying I agree with the principle it is however for many companies a part of their selection process and thus a reality.
Plus, another piece of advice is keep your options open. When I first started out (only been in the industry 6 years), I also was set on being a
air traffic controller. However, although making it through the selection process, I was no longer sure if the lifestyle element of the job was for me. I walked away and to be honest have never looked back.
I ended up working for an airline within the commercial department, again after 2 years decided I did not like the type of work and moved into operations with an airline. Since then, I have gone from strength to strength doing a job I enjoy and importantly for me getting a decent lifestyle and package as part of the deal. I get to travel abroad and
get to meet and socialise with like minded people.
Overall, just keep you options open and do your research. In the early days have fun and look at getting as much generalised experience as you can.
good luck
Wheety
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I joined the RAF, initially as an Airframes Mech, but rightly or worngly remustered (changed trades) to Flight Ops Assisstant/Assistant Air Traffic Controller (what i initially wanted to do but was persueded by the careers office i would be more suited to engineering & better paid, in hidsight they are probably right but nver the less Came top of the class at trade training enjoyed my time working in Station Ops (Airport Ops to Civies), ATC (least favourite role) and on a Sqn in ops - (equivelent of Airline ops) getting paid to watch planes all day. Particularly enjoyed the Sqn Ops job, when i left it took me Nearly 3 Years to find a decent Ops Officer role at Manchester Airport - I do enjoy the job when i get to do it (bit quiet at the moment) i especially like playing Dot to Dot (manually flight planning when Auto route doesn't work or to find a better route than given by the computer), i have been lucky with the company i work for as i know other ops guys n gals who work in a poorer environment,( no names but a well know, and unliked private jet charter company). I also get to look out of the window and watch the Planes Take off (if their using the right runway). So in summary if you have a passion for aviation and find the right role you will never look back. Good Luck
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Thank you all so much for your interest.
I hve a strong interest in aviation, I always wanted to be a pilot but its kinda gone down the drain now sadly. I have researched into ATC and it is one of my strong career choices. However anything in aviation work I think I would enjoy. Dispatch is also a strong choice, I watch Airline on t.v and the dispatching team make the job look amazing. I have done research into this however I could not find much information. What other airport/airline jobs are there that are fun, decent lifestyle etc etc.
Thanks
Chris.
I hve a strong interest in aviation, I always wanted to be a pilot but its kinda gone down the drain now sadly. I have researched into ATC and it is one of my strong career choices. However anything in aviation work I think I would enjoy. Dispatch is also a strong choice, I watch Airline on t.v and the dispatching team make the job look amazing. I have done research into this however I could not find much information. What other airport/airline jobs are there that are fun, decent lifestyle etc etc.
Thanks
Chris.
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Thanks paddy, I am really really interested in Dispatch now. I am only 17 nearly 18 but I cant wait to get stuck into airport work. Only problem is that my local airport is Cardiff and they are a relatively small airport compared to some so it would be very difficult to get a placement of work at this airport. So which is better, working in the airport on check in or whatever until Dispatch or getting a City and Guilds of Aviation?
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris
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Chris
I did a Btec national diploma (which was city guilds i beileve) in airline and airfield operations, which i finished a year ago. I beileve this course is offered by very few colleges, mine, East Surrey College and one in manchester, but i had herd rumors the course had been stopped in manchester.
After college i started working at Gatwick as a check-in agent ( a job which college organised for us ) and within six months i got a job as operations assistant.
I did a Btec national diploma (which was city guilds i beileve) in airline and airfield operations, which i finished a year ago. I beileve this course is offered by very few colleges, mine, East Surrey College and one in manchester, but i had herd rumors the course had been stopped in manchester.
After college i started working at Gatwick as a check-in agent ( a job which college organised for us ) and within six months i got a job as operations assistant.
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The Aviation industry has changed an awful lot since Dada, Waco and myself began our careers (many many years ago) and no matter how much Dada knocks anyone who has the aviation bug you can be damned sure that he's still interested. After all Dada, why are you still lurking around pprune when you could be painting the porch (read that as Porsche).
My advice to anyone thinking of starting a career is to choose your options very very carefully before making any long term decisions.
The TV show Airline is all very well and portrays efficiency at it's best as almost everyone works for the same company. What it doesn't show you is a true dispatcher (Red Cap) at work coordinating the turnround of 3 to 5 aircraft (Some crews speak very little english) at one time and creating manual weight and balance charts for the crew to calculate the stab trim to enable the aircraft to rotate. These days weight & balance is computerised but you can bet you'll be coordinating more than one a/c at any one time.
If you're still keen to give our profession a go I would suggest that you get a short term job with Servisair (affectionately known as Circusair) as a Dispatcher/Red Cap if such a job still exists. From there you can go almost anywhere.
Who knows, one day you may see the light and become a Crew Scheduler.
Good luck!!!
My advice to anyone thinking of starting a career is to choose your options very very carefully before making any long term decisions.
The TV show Airline is all very well and portrays efficiency at it's best as almost everyone works for the same company. What it doesn't show you is a true dispatcher (Red Cap) at work coordinating the turnround of 3 to 5 aircraft (Some crews speak very little english) at one time and creating manual weight and balance charts for the crew to calculate the stab trim to enable the aircraft to rotate. These days weight & balance is computerised but you can bet you'll be coordinating more than one a/c at any one time.
If you're still keen to give our profession a go I would suggest that you get a short term job with Servisair (affectionately known as Circusair) as a Dispatcher/Red Cap if such a job still exists. From there you can go almost anywhere.
Who knows, one day you may see the light and become a Crew Scheduler.
Good luck!!!
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this is true...airline portrays it very differentley from being a real dispatcher. making sure that A/C turns around ontime can be very difficult, especially as most turmaround times are around 25 mins, thats 25 mins to get pax offloaded, get refulled, catering, cleaning of A/C get pax onboard, and make sure specials are on board on time.. ok so alot of this is due to the groundstaff, such as offloading pax, loading pax onboard.
However it is a ver enjoyable job, and i love every minute of it.....
However it is a ver enjoyable job, and i love every minute of it.....
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another dispatch option
Hiya
Just to put in my 2 cents in... even though most of the dispatcher seems to be license holders, most seem to have moved into the ground dispatch side of dispatch, which while is quite exciting, i must admit isn't the same as flight dispatch, namely the route planning, flight plan creation, performance calculation, aerodrome compatibility, emergency response, inflight assistance.
Most of them would remember doing this while getting their FAA dispatch license, but obtaining a job in this is a bit more difficult as its even more closed and not widely publicised. but its something that one should look into as its fun as well in its way....
Just another option... you could get into this by completing the jeppesen flight operations management course in UK (same one used to get the FAA license in US) its basically the same ATPL course offered to pilots without the flying bit.
but again getting into this side of dispatch is difficult but one wort obtaining.
Cheers
Just to put in my 2 cents in... even though most of the dispatcher seems to be license holders, most seem to have moved into the ground dispatch side of dispatch, which while is quite exciting, i must admit isn't the same as flight dispatch, namely the route planning, flight plan creation, performance calculation, aerodrome compatibility, emergency response, inflight assistance.
Most of them would remember doing this while getting their FAA dispatch license, but obtaining a job in this is a bit more difficult as its even more closed and not widely publicised. but its something that one should look into as its fun as well in its way....
Just another option... you could get into this by completing the jeppesen flight operations management course in UK (same one used to get the FAA license in US) its basically the same ATPL course offered to pilots without the flying bit.
but again getting into this side of dispatch is difficult but one wort obtaining.
Cheers
Polite warning to a couple of posters on this thread - please let's not have a return to the "bad old days" of personal attacks on FOC&D, or I may have to wield the "moderators button of doom" again.
Genghis,
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Genghis,
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I know where Chris is coming from.
He has been bitten by the bug and wants in.
The sad fact is that the industry has only started to shrink and as MOL said last month, only a few will survive.
On the other hand , handling companies are going through staff like smarties and are churning out some of the worst trained clueless staff that I have ever seen.
I have left the ground / flight ops game after 24 years, 1 air force and 5 airlines and have seen the industry go down the toilet.
Pay has remained at the same level for ops controllers for the last 10 years , and the last thing that airlines want is a licenced work force able to stand its ground and demand better pay and working conditions.
Chav air is here to stay and from what I have seen , staff would rather stab each other in the back than stand up for pay and conditions.
He has been bitten by the bug and wants in.
The sad fact is that the industry has only started to shrink and as MOL said last month, only a few will survive.
On the other hand , handling companies are going through staff like smarties and are churning out some of the worst trained clueless staff that I have ever seen.
I have left the ground / flight ops game after 24 years, 1 air force and 5 airlines and have seen the industry go down the toilet.
Pay has remained at the same level for ops controllers for the last 10 years , and the last thing that airlines want is a licenced work force able to stand its ground and demand better pay and working conditions.
Chav air is here to stay and from what I have seen , staff would rather stab each other in the back than stand up for pay and conditions.