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Fixed-Wing Pilots
Aviation jobs are extremely cyclical. The upside is apparent when there is a huge demand for air travel and the downside is shown when that demand ceases, as was seen after 9/11.
Even when airlines are having a down turn, exploration and natural resource companies can be extremely busy and hiring in the general aviation sector can be very robust.
Another area for aviation jobs is flying tourists into fishing and hunting camps. This is very prevalent in Canada, where the famed bush pilots reside. This opportunity tends to be seasonal.
Flight Instruction is another avenue for aviation jobs. Most Instructors do it for time-building which helps them prepare to move on to the next level.
It takes between eight to eighteen months of training to become a commercial pilot. The cost can be quite expensive rangeing from $30,000 to more than $65,000. Student loans may be available through some provincial departments and a few banks offer line-of-credit programs for students. There are also aviation scholarships available.
No matter what your flight school tells you, you will not be getting a job with Air Canada or West Jet as soon as you graduate. Most airlines won't even look at you until you have 2500-5000 hours under your belt. This is why you have to start off small and work your way up.
There are a few exceptions to this. There are countries that offer a cadet pilot program, where airlines actually train their upcoming pilots from scratch and them offer them a job as a second officer (cruise pilot). They then work their way up through the ranks until they become a Captain.
Typically, bush flying, instructing and flying for air taxi services are the common methods to develop this experience. If you are serious about an airline job, a University degree or College diploma will give graduates a significant advantage.
Several colleges offer aviation diploma programs, however, a practical diploma or degree in an applied discipline such as business, marketing or management, in combination with pilot ratings, is considered far more valuable and will have the added benefit of offering secondary job skills.
Flight Dispatcher
Another potential for aviation jobs is that of a flight dispatcher. Ever since the government introduced a formal training requirement for flight dispatchers, this position has become a recognized area of specialization and is often an entry level aviation job for pilots.
Salaries have been on the increase due to the cost of training and the well-paying opportunities in the airport service sector. Candidates should have a general understanding of aircraft, weather and regulations.
Attending a private-pilot ground school at any one of the many flight schools available across Canada will accomplish about 80 per cent of the knowledge requirement. Attention to detail and customer service skills will complete the requirements for this position.
Every air operator working under the commuter or airline sections of the Canadian Air Regulations requires a flight dispatcher. Most offer in-house training. Colleges are preparing on-line and classroom programs. Several flight schools, across Canada, are offering this training as well.
Salaries range from a low of $24K with averages closer to $45K. Management experience can allow for increased duties and salary.