Thiago EvangelistaUtah Valley UniversityUVSC 4700

vs.

Airline Pilot vs Airport Manager

Airline Pilot - Majors

Airport Manager

Entry Level: Aerial

Mapping Pilot

Entry Level: Airport

Assistant

Airline Pilot Career - Entry Level Job

Entry Level Job: Aerial Mapping Pilot- Precision fly assigned GPS-Grid routes- Responsible for aircraft and on-board equipment maintenance - Efficient airspace coordination with ATC- Compiling, coding, and verifying photogrammetry data

Education & Experience• High school diploma or GED required• Typically, minimum flight experience required• More complex mapping aircraft require higher experience

Minimum Qualifications – Sample (From: www.latestpilotjobs.com):

- 300 hours of total flight time- 50 hours of multi-engine time- Must possess a high school diploma or GED- Must hold Commercial ASEL + AMEL with Instrument Rating- CFI preferred- Must possess and be able to exercise privileges of at least Second Class Medical Certificate- Must be able to demonstrate Commercial Standard flying skills

Starting Salary & Pay Increase

Cessna 210

Piper Aztec

Learjet 35

$ 26,000

$ 35,000$ 50,000 +

Source: Various Job Postings

Domiciles & Work Schedule• No fixed domicile• Pilot is “on-the road” the entire rotation• Live out of a suitcase

Work Schedule & Time Off• Typical schedules are based on rotation (E.g. 8 days

on 6 days off)• Some require the pilot to be on-the-road the entire

mapping season• Work days depend on cloud coverage, sunset and

sunrise times, and other weather conditions

Benefits, Perks, & Quality of Life

• May vary considerably• Most employers offer basic health, vision, and dental

coverage

•Perks“Real” flying experience, minimum supervision,

freedom to make operational decisions

•Quality of LifeRotation schedules allow for personal life planningLong or short days are dictated by weatherExtended periods away from home

Upward Mobility & Progression

• Much movement within smaller aircraft and companies• Many consider it a time-building job

• Pilots who decide to pursue:

Chance to move up to twin aircraft Become a Chief PilotAfter experience, may find better paying survey jobs

on jet aircraftNot difficult to start your own aerial mapping business

Retirement• Unless you started your own mapping business you’re likely

to retire from a different field in aviation

Personal Input

• I have 2 years of aerial mapping experience and my personal thoughts are:Great time-building alternative to flight

instructingHands-on, real life experienceResponsible for tracking aircraft maintenanceSingle-pilot flying nationwideMapping flights are VFR. Ferry flights IFRStay for 2 to 6 weeks at different locations

anywhere in the US; this allows you time to explore new cities

Airline Pilot - Majors

INSPIRING

Description

• Fly passengers and/or cargo• Responsible for safe and efficient operation of complex aircraft• Ensuring the fuel levels balance safety with economy• Pre-flight checks and planning• Determines weather and conditions prior to each flight• Pre-flight checks on navigation, safety, and operating systems• En-route, perform regular checks on the aircraft's

performance and position, on weather conditions and air traffic

• Update aircraft logbook• Report any mechanical discrepancies found during flight

"Can you fly this plane and land it?“"Surely you can't be serious?“"I am serious. And don't call me Shirley."

- Airplane

Education• In today’s competitive market a Bachelor’s degree is essential

Experience• May vary considerably depending on the airline• Many chose to acquire it via the Regionals. Other routes are

available (E.g. cargo, charter, corporate…)• My air carrier of choice, Hawaiian Airlines, requires:

Airline Transport Pilot certification required with English proficient limitation

Instrument Rating required 1000 hours turbine as P.I.C. as defined by F.A.R. Part 1 (Preferred)

300 hours Multi-engine experience in large airline type equipment (preferred) Multi-engine Rating (preferred)

Must have Radiotelephone Operator Permit Must have 1st class FAA Medical Certificate Must be able to pass a U.S. Government Security Clearance Must have a valid Passport Must have a high school diploma or its

equivalent Two years of college desired, college graduate (preferred)

Annual Average Salary• Again, this area may vary considerably• As published by Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational

Outlook Handbook, and reported by CampusExplorer:

Starting Salary & Pay Increases

• First Officer Year One Hourly Rates:

• Alaska Airlines: $53• Delta Airlines: $68• United Airlines: $66• American Airlines: $40• Hawaiian Airlines: $36• Southwest Airlines: $57

Low! Even Legacy Airlines starting pay is very low

(From: Airline Pilot Central)

• Captain Year 10 Hourly Rates:

• Alaska Airlines: $193• Delta Airlines: $208• United Airlines: $201• American Airlines: $192• Hawaiian Airlines: $198• Southwest Airlines: $212

Progression is very good (From: Airline Pilot Central)

Note: First Officer second year hourly rates increase considerably for all of the air carriers above.

DomicilesAlaska Airlines: ANC, LAX, PDX, SEA

Delta Airlines: ATL, CVG, DTW, LAX, MSP, NYC, SEA, SLC

United Airlines: DEN, EWR, IAH, JFK, LAX, ORD, SEA, SFO, CLE, IAD, GUM

American Airlines: BOS, DCA, DFW, LAX, LGA, MIA, ORD, STL

Hawaiian Airlines: HNL, SEA

Southwest Airlines: BWI, DAL, DEN,HOU, LAS, MCO, MDW, OAK, PHX, ATL

Work Schedule vs. Time off• New hires on reserve get a set number of days off a month • Equipment, base location, and staffing levels play a role• Seniority dramatically improves a pilot’s schedule• Senior pilots may enjoy upwards of 20+ days off a month• Most airline pilots average approximately 14-15 days off a

month• Be ready to miss important dates and holidays with family• Extraordinarily flexible schedule• Unusual hours

GET THE SHIRT

Benefits & Perks• Major or legacy airlines offer attractive benefit packages• Health, vision, dental, disability , and life insurances• Financial benefits: 401k, profit-sharing, bonuses• Lifestyle: Paid vacation, personal time, holidays, education

programs, and various other employee discounts

•Perks:• Jumpseat • Worldwide travel for self, family, and friends • Reduced hotel rates• Flexible schedules that allow you to explore the world

Quality of Life

• It can be horrible or fantastic, it depends on:

Seniority Live at base as to avoid being a commuter Airline and pilot union labor contract Type of operations Important to research the conditions, bases, and expected

movement before signing up with a new airline

Upward Mobility & Progression

• It has been stagnant since 9/11• Signed into law in 2007, The Age 65 Rule slowed down

expected movement due to retirements• However:Massive retirement New FAA rest and duty rulesEconomic recoveryOptimistic industry forecast

Indications that relatively fast upward movement and exciting times are expected throughout

the next decade

Retirement• Not what it used to be• Deregulation, economic downturns, 9/11 events, and fierce

competition are to blame• Major airlines still offer attractive retirement packages• Regardless, a solid retirement plan is CRUCIAL

Personal Input

• I have Part 121 (Regional/Commuter) experience• I felt overworked, fatigued, and underpaid but

the experience gained was excellent• Working Hawaiian Airlines is my number one

choice• The inter-island flying (Boeing B717) would be a

“dream” job as it would allow me to be home with family every night; there are no overnights

Airport Manager Career – Entry Level Job

Entry Level Job: Airport Assistant- Daily airfield inspections- Administrative, secretarial, and clerical staff assistance- Snow removal- Participate in airport meetings- Technical and paraprofessional duties

Education & Experience• Associate’s degree in management or a related field• Aviation related experience• Word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications• Understanding the operating policies and procedures of an

airport• Organizational skills• Strong interest in airport management and aviation

Salary• According to the website Indeed, approximately $29,000 per

year• According to Career Center, as of May 2014, the Aspen/Pitkin

County airport was offering a starting salary of $32,600 per year

• Senior Airport Assistants may average $40,994.51 - $52,321.98 annually, as reported by www.agency.governmentjobs.com

Domiciles• This position is usually offered at medium to large airports• Nationwide opportunity, so take your pick:

Work Schedule vs. Time Off• It may vary, but mostly a Monday – Friday job• Schedule may change during:

Busy periods of the year, including holidaysOther major operational demands

• Not a very flexible schedule

Benefits, Perks & Quality of Life• Many Airport Assistant opportunities are local government

jobs• City or County• Only three states still manage airports: Hawaii, Rhode Island,

and Alaska• Expectedly, the benefits are above average:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, education incentive pay, medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability are offered by most by cities or counties

• Private airports offer less competitive benefit packages• Quality of life can be good, especially if you choseto work in the city that you want

Upward Mobility & Progression

Airport Assistant Senior Airport Assistant Airport Manager

Airport Board or City/County

Commissioner

Retirement

• Good retirement package, especially if working for a City or County managed airport

Personal Input

• Being an airport assistant seems to be the best way to learn and acquire the experience necessary to become an airport manager• Exciting and dynamic• Perfect plan B for myself

Airport Manager• Similar to managing a small city• Runs a smooth and efficient day-to-day operation• Coordination and supervision of airlines, general aviation, and

military tenants• Ensures enforcement of regulations that governs the airport• Promotes airport development and economic growth• Forecasts increased traffic and passenger volume• Determines staff requirements• Adheres and submits annual airport budget• Promotes the airport within the community it serves• Each airport is unique

Education & Experience• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Aviation

Management, Airport Administration, or other closely related field

• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) offers a highly desirable Certified Member Program (C.M.)

Experience• Required experience may vary, typically 3 to 7 years• Excellent oral and written communication aptitude• Problem solving skills• In-depth knowledge of applicable regulations and laws

Starting Salary & Pay Increases• According to the website PayScale, airport managers

average a salary of $52,226 per year• Pay increase can be expected up to 10 years• Additional experience will not considerably affect pay• Tops out at $93,656 annually• Depends on location

Domiciles• Opportunity to work in many airports around the U.S.• Privately, city, county, or state operated

Work Schedule vs. Time Off• It may vary, but mostly a predictable schedule• Schedule may change during:

Busy periods of the year, including holidaysAirport or city eventsSecurity issuesAircraft emergenciesOther major operational demands

• Not a very flexible schedule

Benefits, Perks & Quality of Life• City, county, or state managed airports will offer amazing

benefit packages that include:Vacation, sick leave, holidays, education incentive pay, medical,

dental, vision, life and long term disability are offered by most by cities or counties

• Private airports offer less competitive benefit packages• Good quality of life, especially if airport is locate in a preferred

area

Upward Mobility & Progression

• If desired, an airport manager or director may become an airport board or city/county commissioner

• This would mean reaching the top of an airport management organization chart

• Pay usually tops at 10 years

Retirement• Very good package as you are likely to retire

while working from local government• Good options from the private sector also

Personal Input

• Managing an airport sounds exciting but demanding• It attracts me because it is very dynamic• The somewhat regular schedule does not thrill me • The usually good benefit package that comes with

government jobs is an excellent added bonus