According to WAI, approximately 30,000 girls took part in the 185 events at airports, FBOs, and aviation museums in 33 countries, 43 states, and two U.S. territories.

• READ MORE: Frontier of Flight Museum Event to Celebrate Women in Aerospace

WAI boasts multiple chapters in the U.S., as well in Europe, Africa, and Asia, in addition to year-round virtual resources available for free through the Aviation for Girls (AFG) app.

The event is designed to appeal to girls ages 8-18 and show them what careers are available in aviation and meet women who hold these careers and can act as mentors. In addition to pilots, mechanics, and flight attendants, girls participating in the event have an opportunity to learn about engineering, dispatching, and the numerous technical applications that go along with aviation.

Participants had a chance to meet female role models, listen to career panels, and get up close with different aircraft. The events often also include age-appropriate, hands-on activities, such as scavenger hunts and model making.

“We know Girls in Aviation Day has been instrumental in introducing opportunities in aviation and STEM to thousands of participants all around the world,” said WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. 

The first WAI International Girls in Aviation Day was held in 2015 and featured 32 events. According to WAI, the day is made possible through the support of many, including the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, PPG Foundation, Emanuel Bachmann Foundation, Sporty’s Pilot Shop, and JCL Aviation Services.

The post International Girls in Aviation Day Puts Spotlight on Industry Careers appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Becoming an aerobatic or airshow pilot is a dream for many, but there are many steps to go through to achieve that goal.

Start With Primary Pilot Training

As with becoming any type of specialized pilot, the first step to becoming an airshow pilot is to become a private pilot. Such training teaches the basics of aircraft control, energy management, and aeronautical decision making.

Many airshow pilots also consider getting a commercial pilot certificate, regardless of whether they plan to fly in the events for a living. The additional training provides more expertise and aircraft control, and it builds upon the concepts learned during private pilot training to make an aviator more complete and well-rounded.

Specialized Aerobatic Training

After primary training, aerobatic pilots then need to go through aerobatic pilot training to hone their stunt skills.

A number of flight schools around the country provide acrobatic training in aircraft such as the Cessna Aerobat, Pitts Special, or American Champion Decathlon.

In addition to special training, aerobatic flight schools employ instructors with significant experience flying acrobatics. Real-world experience is a great benefit to help newer pilots learn the trade of aerobatic aviation.

To become a stunt pilot, one must complete at least 10 hours with an aerobatic instructor on top of the requirements to achieve an FAA pilot certificate. It is recommended that aerobatic training not be completed until a pilot receives their primary training and certification to make the process of becoming a stunt pilot easier.

It is important to note that one can become a stunt pilot with only an endorsement. This means that they fly with an instructor until it’s determined they are proficient to act as an aerobatic pilot by themselves. No additional FAA exam is required.

Maintaining proficiency as a stunt pilot is no easy feat.

After receiving their endorsement, a pilot should practice regularly to make sure their skills, decision making, and reaction times stay sharp. This is especially important for pilots performing at airshows or flying in formation with other aerobatic aircraft.

Career Opportunities for Aerobatic Pilots

Some stunt pilots are happy to fly only for themselves. They may enjoy the adrenaline of flying aerobatics or want access to a unique sector of aviation not available to all.

However, some decide to continue into a career as an aerobatic pilot. Many go on to fly as instructors or in fields such as aerial photography or film. Still others become test pilots, flying new or modified aircraft to ensure their performance and safety.

Again, flying in airshows is a top attraction for many stunt pilots. Some airshows are operated by volunteers flying antique or unique aircraft, while others are professional pilots who tour the country—or world—as part of an act. Major airshows across the country attract hundreds or thousands of paying viewers excited to witness a special facet of aviation.

Some stunt pilots are even sponsored by companies or branches of the military. Acrobatic flying can be such a spectacle that planes painted in certain colors can bring significant visibility in key demographics.

In addition, large companies and the military are among the few who have the resources to fund and maintain fleets of aerobatic aircraft, often jets, as they tour.

Resources to Start Training

There are a number of organizations that help pilots work toward acrobatic training and maintain proficiency as stunt pilots.

The International Aerobatic Club (IAC), for example, sponsors events and educational programs to help pilots attain and maintain their aerobatic proficiency. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is also a great place to make connections with pilots who have the knowledge and skills to help with aerobatic training.

Local pilots will know the best places to start aerobatic training. Participating in local IAC and EAA chapters, or stopping in at the local FBO, could help prospective pilots learn more about how and where to get started.

A great way to test out aerobatic flying is to visit a flight school with planes that can perform basic spins.

Every flight instructor in the U.S. is required to complete spins during their instructor training and thus have experience with the maneuver. Getting flight time practicing spins can help pilots decide whether acrobatic flight is a path they would like to pursue more in depth. If not, simply practicing spins can provide an adrenaline rush and help pilots hone their basic airmanship.

Ultimately, acrobatic flying is an exciting path to take. Whether you want to pursue acrobatics as a career or simply want to learn to improve your flying skills, there are resources across the country to help you pursue your passions.

Acrobatics help you learn energy management in new ways usually not accessible to standard category airplanes and can help you apply a wider variety of principles to your day-to-day flying.

The post How to Become an Aerobatic or Airshow Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Aerial photography pilots fly small aircraft and either take photos themselves or transport photographers who want to take photos from the air. Here are the four steps that you need to take to become an aerial photography pilot:

Get a Private Pilot License

The first step in becoming a pilot is obtaining your private pilot certificate. Your flight training for this license will teach you the basics of operating an airplane and allow you to fly fixed-wing aircraft recreationally.

You will need to be at least 17 years old and acquire an FAA medical certificate to get your private pilot license. The training can be completed in as little as two months if you work on it full time.  

Obtain a Commercial Pilot License

In order to obtain employment as a pilot, you will need a commercial pilot certificate. This will allow you to work in jobs like flight instruction, surveying, and aerial photography.

The FAA requires pilots to have at least 250 hours before earning this certificate, so it can take around a year even if you fly full time.

Acquire Additional Ratings and Gain Experience

Some aerial photography employers will hire you with only a commercial pilot certificate, but others may require additional training and ratings.

Common requirements include an instrument rating—which allows you to fly solely by referencing an aircraft’s instruments rather than the outside surroundings—or a multiengine rating. 

• READ MORE: Paul Bowen Aviation Photography

Most job postings will require applicants to have more than 250 hours of flight time, so you will likely need to build more flight time before applying to jobs.

Get Hired as an Aerial Photography Pilot

The final step is to apply to jobs and get hired as an aerial photography pilot.

There are many aerial photography companies across the country. They typically fly smaller aircraft, including ones commonly used in flight training like the Cessna 172.

As is the case with any pilot job, it is important to review each job posting carefully to ensure that you meet the requirements and follow the instructions.

FAQs

How much do aerial photography pilots make?

Aerial photography is an entry-level pilot job. Although the pay can range between employers, new pilots typically make between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. Those with more experience and flying hours can expect to be paid more.

Can a private pilot do aerial photography?

With a private pilot certificate, you can take photos when you fly as long as you do so safely and in accordance with the regulations. There are many pilots who take photos or videos of their flights using devices like mounted action cameras. Similarly, you could bring a friend or family member on board who takes pictures for personal use. However, you are not allowed to fly for commercial purposes or make money through flying.

How do I become an aerial survey pilot?

The job of an aerial survey pilot is similar to that of an aerial photography pilot. Rather than take photos or transport photographers, aerial survey pilots perform mapping and data collection tasks during their flights (or carry crewmembers who do so). Aerial surveying is also an entry-level job for pilots, and the requirements and pay are comparable to those of an aerial photography pilot.

The post How to Become an Aerial Photography Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Based in Wheeling, Illinois, Priester employs more than 200. George J. Priester Aviation is the larger corporate name for its family of aviation service companies, including Priester Aviation as its Midwest base, Mayo Aviation as its Rocky Mountain West base, and Hill Private Aviation as its Southeast base.

Priester Aviation Mission Statement

“To be the most trusted operating partner for aircraft owners, flight departments, and clients needing management support and/or charter services.”

Priester Aviation in the News

George J. Priester Aviation Unifies Customer-Focused Companies Under Legacy Brand
For nearly 80 years, the Priester family name has meant committed excellence in aviation services and customer-focused relationships.

Priester Aviation Openings on FindaPilot.com

• Challenger 604 PIC in Pontiac, Michigan
• Citation XLS+ PIC in Wheeling, Illinois

More Priester Aviation Resources:

• Career site 
• LinkedIn 
• X (Twitter) 
• Instagram 
• Facebook

More Help from FindaPilot.com

• Latest pilot job openings 
• Pilot directory 
• Sign-up page

The post Employer Profile: Priester Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The expansion includes additional heavy check maintenance work at the airline’s bases in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The additional headcount includes over 385 aviation maintenance technician (AMT) roles, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier said.

This announcement builds on American’s ongoing commitment to growing its aviation maintenance workforce. In 2023, the company added over 300 jobs to its Tulsa maintenance base with the help of a grant from the state of Oklahoma.

“American is excited to grow our talented Technical Operations workforce with more high-paying, skilled aviation maintenance positions,” said Greg Emerson, American’s vice president of base maintenance and facilities, in a press release. “It’s an opportunity to grow our maintenance capacity and capabilities in the near-term and preserve them over the long run by continuing to build our pipeline of future maintenance team members—which is important work American has been doing for some time.”

Job Openings Now Available

The new aviation maintenance positions are available for immediate application on the American Airlines careers website. The breakdown by location is as follows:

• Charlotte: 133 openings, including 122 AMTs
• Pittsburgh: 44 total openings, including 40 AMTs
• Tulsa: 321 total openings, including 227 AMTs

The airline’s mechanics are jointly represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) unions. In 2020, the airline and its mechanics signed a new $4.2 billion contract that will become amendable in March 2025.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.

The post American Adds Nearly 500 New Aircraft Maintenance Jobs appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Based in Lewisville, Texas, GMR employs nearly 36,000. Among the companies under the GMR umbrella are American Medical Response, Rural Metro Fire, Air Evac Lifeteam, Reach Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International, and Guardian Flight.

Global Medical Response Mission Statement

“Our mission is providing care to the world at a moment’s notice and is at the heart of everything we do.”

Global Medical Response in the News

GMR Mobilizes First Responders, Ambulances, Air Medical Aircraft and More as Hurricane Debby Makes Landfall
As part of American Medical Response’s FEMA contract, GMR deployed ground, air, and medical transportation assets to help coastal communities in Debby’s path in early August.

Global Medical Response Openings on FindaPilot.com

• Pilot for Beechjet 400 – San Antonio, Texas
• Pilot for King Air – Murrieta, Calif.
• Helicopter pilot – Oceanside, Calif.
• Helicopter pilot – Williams, Calif.

More Global Medical Response Resources:

• Career site 
• LinkedIn 
• X (Twitter) 
• Instagram 
• Facebook

More Help from FindaPilot.com

• Latest pilot job openings 
• Pilot directory 
• Sign-up page

The post Employer Profile: Global Medical Response appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The role of an A&P is a challenging one with diverse job opportunities. Although they will often have a specialization, A&Ps are certified to work on all parts of all types of aircraft, ranging from widebody commercial airliners to small two-seat helicopters.

A&Ps are also sometimes referred to as aircraft mechanics or aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). They can work for a variety of employers, ranging from flying schools to airlines to aircraft maintenance contractors.

Prospective A&Ps need to obtain a combination of training and skills before they can be certified by the FAA. Here are the four main steps to becoming an airframe and powerplant technician:

Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be an A&P, you must be at least 18 years old and be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Although you can obtain the technical skills required to be an A&P through training, you should also ensure that you have soft skills that will help you succeed in the field of aviation maintenance. These include strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Gain Formal Training or Experience

The FAA requires prospective A&Ps to meet either a training or experience requirement in order to be certified. There are three ways to meet this requirement:

• Completing the training requirement is the most common option, but also requires you to pay for the program. To meet this requirement, you will need to attend and graduate from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school.
• Those with experience in the military have the option of completing a Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course instead.
• Alternatively, you can complete 18 months of practical work experience with either airframes or powerplants, or 30 months of experience with both systems. Although this option may seem the most practical, entry-level apprenticeships can be hard to come by.

Pass the Required Tests

After meeting the training or experience requirement, a prospective A&P will need to complete the required FAA testing. First, there is a set of three knowledge tests. Once you pass these tests, there is an oral test and a practical test.

Get Certified by the FAA

After completing all the steps listed above, you can obtain your FAA certificate. The A&P certificate has no expiration date and does not require any medical testing.

The FAA certificate actually has two ratings—airframe and powerplant. Most mechanics will obtain both ratings, thereby earning the A&P designation.

FAQs

What is the salary for an airframe and powerplant technician?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for aircraft mechanics in 2023 was $75,400. The median annual pay for those working at airlines was $101,500.

Are airframe and powerplant mechanics in high demand?

Yes, there is high demand for A&Ps across the United States and around the world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 4 percent growth for aircraft and avionics mechanics through 2032 and aviation training company CAE projects a need for 138,000 AMTs by 2033.

How long does it take to become an airframe and powerplant technician?

The timing depends on which training or experience requirement you choose and how long it takes you to complete the testing. A&P school programs typically range in length from 14 to 24 months. 

The post How to Become an Airframe & Powerplant Technician appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

For many, aviation promises high-paying potential. While some traditional four-year colleges do offer training in aviation, many seek it from third-party companies and organizations that offer schooling for less time, less money, or both.

Here are some of the lucrative opportunities in the aviation industry that do not require a traditional degree:

Pilot

Especially since the post-pandemic travel rebound, airlines across the U.S. have dropped their requirement that pilots have college degrees. While some still list that a college education is preferred, pilots are in such high demand that airlines cannot afford to select only those applicants.

This has caused a spike in pilots starting their flight training with schools straight out of high school community college, or another career, as the removal of the higher education barrier represents a significant shift in how airlines preselect their pilots.

To be fair, many colleges and universities still prioritize pilot training as a part of their curriculums. However, these programs are far from the only opportunities to launch a flying career.

Ab initio flight schools, especially those with specialized career programs, have jumped at the opportunity to recruit a wider range of students and instructors, equally ensuring a steady flow of potential flight instructors to ensure proper long-term staffing.

Flight Attendant

Like pilots, flight attendants are often not required to have high school diplomas. A major benefit of becoming a flight attendant is receiving the same ability to travel for work without the same significant up-front investment required for pilots.

Flight attendants, instead of a college degree, are often asked to have experience working in customer service or hospitality careers. This might be an easy requirement for applicants who already have experience in restaurants, country clubs, shops, or even hotels—all common employment opportunities for young students and those just out of school.

Airlines often pay high premiums for applicants with special skills, such as the ability to speak languages besides English (or the native language of the airline’s home country). This allows an airline to fully staff international flights to a wider variety of countries while still providing high quality customer service.

While a college degree is certainly not required to become fluent in another language, and many speak such a language at home, there are those who still become fluent in a new tongue through formal education programs such as high school, college, or a program sponsored by an educational institution.

A&P Mechanic

Of all the other jobs on this list, an A&P mechanic might find the least benefit from a college degree.

Instead of formal education, mechanics instead must complete a training program on how to be a mechanic or finish a certain amount of practical on-the-job training. Mechanics may then go on to work for flight schools, charter companies, or even airlines depending on their level of experience.

Like with pilots, some formal educational institutions, particularly community colleges and aviation-specific universities, do offer degrees in becoming an aviation mechanic. However, many find it easiest to go through an independent curriculum or company training to become a mechanic.

Aircraft Dispatcher

Aviation dispatchers are perhaps the least-visible and least-appreciated members of the aviation community.

Dispatchers are responsible for ensuring the safe completion of flights from pushback to parking. They assist pilots with flight planning, check the weather, follow aircraft midflght to make necessary route changes, and complete administrative tasks such as briefing flight crews and preparing aircraft schedules.

Like mechanics, dispatchers must complete practical on-the-job training in preparation for written, oral, and practical tests. While many airlines prefer candidates with degrees in meteorology, air transportation, or the sciences, other types of experience from across the aviation industry can be just as valuable for hopeful aircraft dispatchers.

Becoming a dispatcher can be especially attractive for those who want to work closely with flight crews without actually flying for an airline. Being a dispatcher often ensures a more stable lifestyle with a consistent home life, as opposed to being on the road multiple times per month.

Ramp Agent

Becoming a ramp agent may be among the coolest aviation jobs out there.

Workers get close-up, hands-on experiences moving, loading, and unloading airplanes. Aircraft fuelers, meanwhile, work similar jobs by selling fuel to major airlines, charter companies, and private aircraft owners.

Many ramp agents work for major airlines in big hubs or for contractors at smaller outstations. Other agents work for FBOs, parking, fueling, and dispatching private jets transiting to and from far-off destinations. This provides the opportunity to work on a variety of aircraft types depending on where, and for which airline, a ramp agent or pilot works.

Ramp agents often see significant growth in the aviation industry. Working the ramp can be a launching point into a career as a pilot or dispatcher and is a great way to earn money while gaining experience handling and moving aircraft, meeting with flight crew, and learning the ins and outs of the aviation industry.

A college education is becoming less important for those interested in a career in aviation. From a basic ramp worker to an airline captain, people without formal postsecondary educations have a number of options and opportunities for advancement.

Even without a college degree, it is still possible to have a fruitful, vibrant career in aviation.

The post Aviation Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

While top executives can earn millions per year, frontline operational employees can also work in well-compensated roles, with some jobs offering six-figure annual salaries. Here are the highest-paying jobs in the aviation industry:

Airline Management

The top earners at a company are typically the senior executives, and airlines are no different.

The chief executive officers of major airlines in the United States made anywhere from $4.5 million to $34 million in 2023. These individuals typically reach their roles through other jobs in airline management.

Airlines have countless different roles in their corporate offices, ranging from revenue management to network planning to human resources. Entry-level jobs typically offer salaries under $75,000, but there is significant room for earnings growth if workers climb the corporate ladder.

Airport Management

Just like an airline, airports have teams of employees working behind the scenes in their management offices. There are people who oversee emergency preparedness, manage projects, and run the airport’s finances.

Airport executives can also be very well paid, with top executives earning hundreds of thousands—if not millions—per year. As is the case at the airlines, there is also significant earning potential between entry-level positions and senior management roles.

Pilots

Pilots are some of the most well-paid operational workers in the aviation industry. New pilots at a major airline can expect to make between $90,000 and $110,000 per year, depending on the airline.

Meanwhile, the most senior captains can earn over $500,000 at the largest airlines in the U.S.

Although regional airlines were once notorious for low pilot pay, they now offer significantly more generous compensation. A new first officer at a regional airline typically has an annual salary of $80,000 to $110,000, and senior captains can earn over $200,000 a year.

The salary of corporate pilots can vary greatly, from $40,000 to over $300,000 per year.

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineers play a crucial role in the aviation industry by designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Employers typically require a four-year college engineering degree, and many aerospace engineers pursue graduate education on top of that.

Companies that hire aerospace engineers include aircraft manufacturers, rocket companies, and parts manufacturers. The median pay for an aerospace engineer in America was approximately $130,000 per year, but salaries can far exceed that with some employers and positions.

Air Traffic Control

The job of an air traffic controller is a challenging and dynamic one.

These professionals are responsible for monitoring our airports and skies and managing the movement of aircraft. In the U.S., most civilian air traffic controllers (ATCs) are employed by the FAA.

After they complete their training and are assigned to an air traffic facility, controllers earn approximately $60,000 to $70,000 per year. The pay rates depend in part on the geographical area and associated cost of living.

Salaries increase as controllers progress throughout their practical training and move along in their careers, with the average salary for an ATC in 2023 being $137,380.

Exciting and Lucrative Industry

The aviation industry offers the opportunity to earn generous salaries while working in a dynamic and rewarding field.

While there are certainly jobs in the industry that have limited earning potential, others—like the ones discussed above—can lead to very well-paying careers. 

The post Highest Paying Jobs in Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Thermodynamics engineers apply these concepts to build and design aircraft and spacecraft. Here is what you need to know about becoming a thermodynamics engineer: 

What Is Thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is a branch of science that examines energy and the transfer and conversion of energy. Applications of thermodynamics are present throughout many areas of science and engineering, including biochemistry, applied physics, and mechanical engineering.

What Is a Thermodynamics Engineer?

Thermodynamics engineers use their knowledge of thermodynamics to help develop, construct, and test products.

A thermodynamic engineer can work in many different engineering fields. Although their expertise is vital in the world of aerospace engineering, they can also work in areas such as mechanical engineering or chemical engineering.

When it comes to aviation and aerospace, thermodynamics is used extensively in engine design and testing. Simply put, the concepts behind thermodynamics are what turns fuel into thrust in an aircraft or spacecraft engine.

Thermodynamics engineers can work for employers, such as aircraft manufacturers, rocket launch companies, and engine manufacturers. There are also many work opportunities outside of aviation and aerospace, such as in power generation and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system design.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Thermodynamics Engineer?

Jobs in thermodynamics engineering require a bachelor’s degree in engineering at a minimum.

Undergraduate engineering degrees are typically four-year programs, but it is not uncommon for students to take five or six years to finish, due to the heavy workload and opportunities for experiential learning opportunities.

Thermodynamics engineers will typically study one of the broader branches of engineering at school—such as aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering—before specializing in thermodynamics.

Aspiring thermodynamics engineers must also complete an engineering licensing program, which includes intensive exams and supervised work experience. As is the case with many engineering jobs, some employers will require or prefer candidates to have a master’s degree in engineering.

How Much Do Thermodynamics Engineers Make?

Being a thermodynamic engineer is a well-paying career. Thermodynamics engineers typically fall under one of the broader fields of engineering, most commonly aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these types of engineers enjoyed a median pay of approximately $100,000 in 2023. Aerospace engineers had a median annual salary of $130,720, chemical engineers $112,100, and mechanical engineers $99,510. 

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