Aviation and Airport Management Careers
Professional Membership, Study Programs and Certifications
Are you looking for a career change? Or are you a high school or college student deciding on a career? You may be interested in Aviation or Airport Management. There are requirements that you will need to fulfill. There are certifications that you will need to earn. However, careers in Aviation and Airport Management can be intellectually exciting and financially rewarding. In this issue, we will explore some pathways to a career in Aviation or Airport Management.
The first step is to become a member of the American Association of Airport Executives. There are several levels of membership. If you work at an airport or aviation authority, you may obtain Affiliate Membership. If you are an individual with an interest in aviation or airports you may obtain Associate Membership. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student you may become an Academic or Academic Graduate Member. If you are an individual employed with a government agency or Board charged with airport management responsibilities or an individual employed with a non-profit organization or educational institution with a direct interest in airport management you may become a Participating Member. If you are on active duty, you may become a Military Member.
The next step is to complete a study program and obtain Certification. There are several Certificate Programs. The Accredited Airport Executive designation is awarded to those who have demonstrated their ability to handle the responsibilities of airport management. Candidates must pass a multiple-choice exam, a writing requirement, and an oral interview to obtain the designation. The Certified Member designation is awarded to those who have diverse knowledge of the primary functions of how an airport operates. Candidates must pass a multiple-choice examination to receive the designation. The Airport Certified Employee Programs are designed to train candidates in various airport operations. Candidates must pass examinations to obtain the designations. We will examine the various areas later. The Airport Rescue Firefighter credentials are designed to provide Firefighting professionals enhanced knowledge of Airport Firefighting operations as well as general airport operations and administration. The Airport Security Coordinator credential provides candidates information about tools that can make an airport function safely and efficiently. Candidates must pass an examination to obtain the designation. The International Aerodrome Certified Employee certification provides training on topics such as Safety Management Systems, Aerodrome Key Elements, Airfield Physical Characteristics and Aerodrome Operations and Maintenance. Candidates must pass an examination to obtain the designation.
There are several Airport Certified Employee or ACE Certifications. These include the Airport Finance certification, Communications Center Operations certification, Safety Management Systems certification, Planning and Environmental certification, Trusted Agent certification, Law Enforcement Officer certification, Airport Security certification, Airfield Operations certification and Airfield Lightning Maintenance certification. The Airport Finance certification is the first comprehensive program that has been designed for airport personnel responsible for financial operations. The program incorporates generally accepted financial practices, research from aviation organization and federal regulations and policy. Candidates will understand the intricacies of airport management and operations as well as the relationship to the fiscal environment. Candidates will learn how to strategically plan, budget and allocate funds. To earn this certification candidates would need to pay the program fee and enroll in either a self-study program or review course. Candidates would need to pass an exam to obtain the certification.
The Airport Trusted Agent certification is designed for airport professionals working at the airport Credentialing Office. Candidates are trained to understand the complexities that have been continuously added to the requirements for vetting, issuing, tracking and auditing airport credentials. These requirements are based on Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations– 1542 series, and TSA Security Directives.
As you can sense an airport management career can be intellectually stimulating and professionally fulfilling.
