Career in Aviation – 6 Fields You Can Choose From

At some point or the other, we’ve all wished we could fly. Now, while we may not sprout wings and take flight, thanks to science and technology and the Wright brothers, we can traverse the skies. The aviation industry has made some fantastic progress over the years in helping humans fly better and more comfortably. Designing and developing new aircrafts, managing manufacturing and operations, and flying or repairing aircrafts are all activities in the aviation sector. As an ever-growing business, there are numerous opportunities to be found throughout the industry, as well as a variety of benefits. Whether you want to work as a cabin crew member or want to seek Commercial Pilot training, a career in aviation is both financially and personally rewarding! 

If you would like to be part of this industry, and realise your dream to fly, here are a few career options you can consider.

1. Pilot

If there is any career that gets close enough to flying, it’s that of a pilot. As a pilot, you would learn how to fly and control various aircraft. In order to become a licensed pilot, you will have to enrol for a Student Pilot License.

Career Path: You need to complete your Class 12 with physics and mathematics as your subjects. You would also need a fitness clearance certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). After which, you can join flying schools like Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udaan Akademi (Rae Bareli), Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy (Hyderabad), etc. Once you complete your studies there, you obtain a student’s license. On completing certain hours of flying, you can apply for a Private Pilot License and eventually a Commercial Pilot License. 

Note: You would need to have a perfect 6/6 vision to become a pilot.

Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary of a Pilot is around Rs. 18L.P.A which is around 1.5L per month.

Interested in being a Pilot? Click here to find out more about this career path!

Explore a day in the life of Flight attendant/Cabin Crew Pooja Tandon, to see if you are the right fit

2. Aeronautical Engineer

Most of us have been on aeroplanes, but who builds them? The aeronautical engineers! If you would like to build your own aeroplane someday, consider a career in aeronautical engineering!

Career Path: You would need at least 50% marks with physics and mathematics in Class 12 and have to clear the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE). You can then pursue a three/four-year BTech in Aeronautical Engineering from top institutes like Manipal Institute of Technology (Manipal), Amity University (Noida), etc.

Average Salary: According to Payscale, the average base salary of an Aeronautical Engineer is around Rs. 7L.P.A which is about Rs. 58k per year.

Interested in being an Aeronautical Engineer? Click here to find out more about this career path!

3. Avionics Technician

A lot of equipment goes into building an aeroplane. As an avionics technician, you would deal with the electrical equipment needed to design aircraft.

Career Path: You will have to pursue a three-year BSc in Avionics from colleges like NIMS University (Jaipur), Mangalayatan University (Aligarh), etc., or pursue a four-year BTech in Avionics from Birla Institute of Technology (Hyderabad), Chandigarh University, etc. The requirement to sign up for this course is minimum 50% marks in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as your subjects. You will also need to clear a qualifying entrance exam like the JEE to get into this engineering course.

Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary of an Avionics Technician is around Rs. 4.2L.P.A which is about Rs. 35k per month.

Interested in being an Avionics Technician? Click here to find out more about this career path!

4. Air Traffic Controllers

Just like we have traffic police to control road traffic, routes in the sky need monitoring as well. It’s the job of air traffic controllers (ATCs) to monitor planes to ensure there are no accidents. To be an ATC, you should know about air navigation, how to interpret meteorological reports and multi-task the inflow of information as planes land and take off.

Career Path: You will need an engineering degree or a master’s in electronics, telecommunication or radio engineering is required. There is also an age limit of 21-27 years to become an ATC. Begin by taking the mandatory Civil ATC test covering 4 papers on engineering, general english, general knowledge and logical/numerical abilities. On qualifying, you sit for personal interviews and medical examinations that deem you fit for the role. Only once you clear these tests, will you be enrolled for a year-long course in aviation training.

Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary of an Air Traffic Controller is around Rs. 6.2L.P.A which is about Rs. 52k per month. 

Interested in being an Air Traffic Controller? Click here to find out more about this career path!

Take the Mentoria assessment test to channel your interest in aviation as a full-time career.

5. Flight Mechanic

All flights undergo extensive checks before they take off. This is to spot snags, if any, and to check flights to ensure a smooth and safe journey. It’s the job of a flight mechanic to conduct these tests.

Career Path: You must pursue a four-year BTech in Mechanical Engineering from colleges like Delhi Technological University, National Institute of Technology (Thiruchirapalli), etc. The requirement to sign up for this course is minimum 50% marks in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as your subjects. You will also have to clear the JEEs.

Average Salary; According to Glassdoor, the average base salary of an Aircaft Mechanic is around Rs. 4.4L.P.A which is about Rs. 36.6k per month.

Interested in being an Aircraft Mechanic? Click here to find out more about this career path!

6. Aircraft Interior Technician

Designing and maintaining an aircraft also includes taking care of what goes inside an aeroplane. This includes interiors, carpeting, soundproofing, shelves to make the space comfortable and safe for the crew as well as the passengers.

Career Path: You must pursue a two-year license programme regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The eligibility for this programme is class 12 with physics and mathematics as your subjects. Choose to focus on the installation of various in-house components during your course to become an Aircraft Interior Technician.

Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an Aircraft Interior Technician is Rs. 5L.P.A which is about Rs. 41.5k per months.

Interested in being an Aircraft Interior Technician? Click here to find out more about this career path!

We hope this post has shed light on the different opportunities you can pursue to fulfil your love for flying! If you have any further questions or you’re confused about which career you should pursue, feel free to get in touch with us. We’d be happy to help!

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