In today’s day and age, flying from one destination to another has become almost hassle-free: you arrive at the airport, check in your bags, then go through security and immigration, and that’s about it – you’re ready to board the aircraft!
During this seemingly simple process, you’re likely to encounter service staff, airline representatives, security and immigration officers. Following that, you are serviced by pilots and cabin crew who ensure a safe and pleasant flight to your destination.
However, what most people don’t think about is that there is so much more to this than meets the eye.
Many people believe that pilots are the only ones responsible for a successful flight operation. While it is true that pilots are remarkable at carrying out their tasks and responsibilities – and should not at all be discredited – there are many other people, hard at work behind the scenes, facilitating safe and efficient flight operations.
Here are some of the many heroes, often gone unnoticed, behind every flight you take:
1. Air Traffic Controllers
Source: battleforliberty.com
Air Traffic Control (ATC) is easily one of the most high-pressure jobs in the aviation industry. It’s no wonder that sites like Investopedia and CBS News have listed ATC as one of the top 10 highest paying jobs in the world!
A controller’s responsibilities include tracking flights (which can be in the hundreds, depending on how busy the airport is), issuing instructions to pilots, providing vital information and managing communications. All traffic in the sky is managed by controllers, and if it weren’t for them, collisions could occur. Controllers must direct aircraft efficiently to minimize delays, all the while maximizing safety. It is no easy feat to manage the flow of aircraft into and out of the airport airspace, as well as guide pilots during takeoff and landing. Controllers also have to monitor aircraft, as they travel through the skies.
2. Flight Dispatchers
Source: www.x1dispatch.com
Similar to ATC, dispatch requires efficient communication and planning. A flight dispatcher is in charge of weather monitoring, and flight planning (including diversions, flight cancellations and delays). Very aptly put by the Sheffield School of Aeronautics, most flight dispatchers have as much – if not more – knowledge than pilots, allowing them to come up with flight plans that are the best choice for weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other problems that may arise.
3. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and Technicians
Source: Dviation Group
AMEs are highly skilled, yet often overlooked. Keeping the aircraft in check via inspections, maintenance and repairs is a crucial part of ensuring successful flight operations. Without AMEs to look after and maintain the various components of an aircraft, the aircraft cannot be operational. Besides how exciting this job is, another plus is, it pays well – according to aviationcv.com, aircraft mechanic is one of the top 5 most high-paying jobs in the aviation industry!
Source: Dviation Group
If you enjoy hands-on tasks and love the idea of working with planes, this is definitely a profession you should explore! Aviation solutions provider, Dviation offers a variety of courses to help you pursue this career. And if you’ve already got a full-time job, don’t worry – their programs are developed with the working class in mind. They offer flexible training schedules across the ASEAN region, where you can upgrade and enhance your knowledge at your own pace and time.
4. Technical Services Engineer (TSE)
Source: www.aviationcv.com
This team of experts provides effective and efficient technical support to aircraft operations. Down to the smallest components, the Technical Services department is responsible for ensuring the reliability of the fleet, as required by the regulations.
TSEs are responsible for airline compliance with Airworthiness Directives and carrying out Service Bulletins as recommended by manufacturers. They liaise with manufacturers, suppliers and the aviation authority to facilitate analysis of engineering issues. They also provide AMEs with technical instructions such as inspection, modification and repair, which are beyond the scope of the aircraft manufacturer’s manuals and publications.
On top of this, TSEs evaluate and study the defects on an aircraft. After a defective component has been removed and replaced by an AME, the TSE – from the report – studies the cause of each defect to diagnose the issue so that such defects can be prevented in the future. The monitoring of aircraft components is made possible by reliability studies (differs between airlines). This helps TSEs understand when a component is due for replacement or overhaul. They also author the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), which is a list of equipment an aircraft must have onboard, for safe flying.
5. Trainers
Source: Dviation Group
Without trainers and instructors, the aviation industry will face an immense shortage of skilled and qualified personnel. Trainers are some of the most underrated people in the aviation industry. Their jobs are tremendously necessary, and require a high level of expertise.
At Dviation, their team of highly experienced experts carry out courses ranging from aircraft type training, to regulatory and organizational training. They also offer other courses, which include basic maintenance training, mandatory recurrent training and workshop-related training. With training partners located in Switzerland, Indonesia and Vietnam, all Dviation courses comply with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and DCAM (Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia) regulations – so you can be fully equipped with the required certifications.
For more information, visit www.dviation.com or email: [email protected]!