Jobs With Aviation & Computers

Aviation is a field focused on flight and air transportation. While many people think of pilots when considering aviation careers, the industry also employs a wide variety of other professionals, including air traffic controllers, aeronautical engineers, statisticians, airport designers and computer programmers. In addition to detailed aeronautical knowledge, these professions also require individuals to work with computers.

Education

• An individual looking to begin a career in an aviation and computer-related field must first acquire a solid educational background. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, businesses often require individuals working as airline pilots, flight planners, avionics manufacturers and aeronautical engineers to hold four-year degrees. These individuals should have solid backgrounds in both aviation-related and computer-based topics such as flight theory, computer programming and mathematical science.

Training and Experience

• In addition to collegiate education, many aviation computer professionals must undergo rigorous and structured training. Pilots and avionics technicians must obtain certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration in order to perform their jobs. Additionally, some airlines and aircraft maintenance companies require aircraft mechanics to have experience and/or certifications on aircraft maintenance-related computer programs. While aeronautical engineers do not need FAA licenses, they must have experience using computer-aided design software as well as engineering-related computer programs.

Geography

• Jobs dealing with aviation and computers exist in a wide variety of locations, including large cities, small towns and rural areas. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states the majority of these jobs operate from large cities, in areas near airports. Additionally, travel is an important component of some aviation computer careers. Pilots must fly to a variety of different cities, while avionics technicians must often travel to speak with aircraft companies, flight schools and other clients.

Benefits

• Although aviation computer careers are very education and training-intensive, they also offer excellent salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aeronautical engineers earned median yearly incomes of $96,270 as of May 2009, while avionics technicians earned an average income of just over $57,000 as of 2008. While entry-level airline pilots often earn a starting salary of less than $20,000 as of 2010, experienced major airline pilots typically bring home six-figure salaries, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Considerations

• Because of the responsibilities of their positions, computer-related aviation professionals must often take recurrent training classes during the course of their careers. An airline pilot must take a recurrent "checkride" with an authorized check airman every six months in order to stay current to fly for her employer. If she fails her "checkride," she may be released from her position. Similar to airline pilots, avionics technicians must take recurrent training every 24 calendar months in order to maintain their licenses.