Simviation Forums

Howdy!

Here's the deal. In august of 2008 I'll be turning 18, and I'm probably going to leave my job at the library (I don't like it there..) for another job that actually pays well. Since I'm (obviously) into aviation, I was thinking maybe I could get a job at the airport. Not only would I love my job, but it might even get me started in my career (Yes, I do plan on being a pro pilot some day).

I have no idea whether it's possible to get a job at the airport at 18, or even younger. Nor do I know whether I need any certifications or licenses (non-piloting) in order to have a job there, or what qualifications I need.

Does anyone know anything at all about this? If you can tell me what you know or give me some tips, I'd REALLY appreciate it.

-Andy

---I'm in Palm Beach County, FL. Airports nearest to me are KLNA and KPBI.

It may sound like a great idea, nearer to aircraft, free spotting , but there are a few other things to think about. Firstly, you need a security clearance, not that hard to come by if your back ground and paperwork is in order. Generally a long wait to be cleared though. You mentioned being better paid, some of the lowest paid employees are airport workers. Just take a look at the discussions in the media about airport security workers and the low pay. These people are sitting checking baggage etc are the first line of defense and are getting minimum wage...............a good way to motivate security Do some good research before you jack in the library. Lastly, at the airport I work at, you could not pay me enough to be a baggage handler. All weathers,  humping and bumping over weight bags filled full of cr#p that people have bought on holiday and will then store in the garage/celler when they get home.

Matt

Matt would know the current situation better than me. I don't know what it's like now or in other countries but when I worked at Gatwick in the 1970s it was difficult to get skilled workers in any trade. They were queueing up for unskilled jobs at the airport like baggage handlers as the money was so much better.

I think it depends on how big the airport is. I have a friend who is only 18 and works at the FBO at the small local airfield. She does stuff like paperwork, answers phones, helps with fuel, monitors radios, even helps the mechanic out from time to time, and other general office duties. She does hold a private pilot's certificate, with a highschool diploma.

An elder in my family is actually a manager for the "gate gourmet" (i think thats what its called) in Atlanta. She over sees the preparing of the food.



Don't blame her for the quality, they don't cook it there, they just  package it.

All I know is that such jobs can be very hard to get. I tried to get on at the local FBO here, but like everything else in this bass ackwards town, you have to know someone and they have to know at least 6 generations of your family before you can even be considered.

Wow, not looking good

Don't be discouraged... what I would do is go to the nearest airport and talk to somebody who works there. They will know who's who and what's what, and if you don't get enough info, ask somebody else.

Also: go to Airnav.com; get the lists of businesses at each airport, and if they have email, send them a query, with a very brief description of your skills and any job experience (anything; shows you are willing to work)... or call them. Let them know you are out there and you are serious.

At smaller airports.. find the person in charge..  Give him a brief resume and then tell him; " Next time the grass needs mowed, or plane needs washed, or hangar needs painted, or windows need washed,  or gutters need cleaned, or trash needs taken out, or the office needs cleaned, or computer needs formatted, or your fat, ugly daughter needs a prom date..  you've got my number.

That'll get your foot in the door.. then it's up to you to make your presence valuable.

(you can leave out the daughter part)...

Lol. Lookin' better now  ;D

One thing is that I own a car and have to pay for gas and insurance, so I really need a source of steady income. I understand that these type of jobs are just doing anything that you're asked to do around the place, but is it a steady job that will be there for a while? I can't lose my car lol.

I worked at an FBO at a non-controlled airport and did not need a security pass.  If I were to work across town though, it would be a different situation.

First of all, you will learn an all true fact about aviation after working there a while:  Everyone working in aviation is crazy.  Not a sane soul in the house.

Second of all, you will see how a seemingly perfect job turns into a nightmare when an especially insane person enters the picture.

Third of all, its a love hate relationship, like cocaine.


Just drawing from my own experiences.

My limited experience is this, try a local small airstrip, with no large traffic, i tried to get work experience with a tour operator airside at Bristol airport, and i was declined due to new security proccedures and all the paperwork that ensued! Which is understandable, but rather annoying as it would have been valuable experience for me. But go for it, if you can get the work, good luck. Its all a bit hit and miss really in the aviation industry.

Hi Andy...

Well turning eighteen years old you must almost be finished High School and planning for College or University.
I certainly can see your point about making more money but I do not think you will make more money working at an airport unless you obtain an union job and that might just be a little difficult to do but not impossible.
At your age you should be asking yourself about further education and how to obtain it.

Thanks for chipping in, Doug

A range of jobs at an airport could get you between