Best Aviation Jobs SitesPilots Aviation jobs are very cyclical in the passenger airline industry, which is undergoing many difficulties and changes. Overall, the employment of aircraft pilots is projected to increase about 9 to 17 percent for all occupations through 2014. However, in the long run, demand for air travel pretty much grows in step the population and the economy. In the short run, aviation jobs for pilots are sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy and layoffs can occur at any time. After September 11, 2001, air travel was severely impacted and many major airlines were forced to reduce schedules, lay off pilots, and even declare bankruptcy. At the same time, hiring continued at regional and low-fare airlines, where job opportunities are expected to be better. Aviation jobs with air cargo carriers also should increase due to increasing security requirements for shipping freight on passenger airlines and growth in electronic commerce. Business and corporate travel also should provide some new jobs for pilots. Pilots who have logged the greatest number of flying hours using sophisticated equipment typically have the best prospects. Because of this, pilots with a military background often have an advantage. Aviation jobs for flight engineers are decreasing, as new planes requiring only two pilots replace older planes that required flight engineers. Mechanics and Service Technicians Aviation jobs for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians should be excellent for those who have completed aircraft mechanic training programs. Over the next decade passenger traffic is expected to increase as the result of an expanding economy and a growing population, and the need for aircraft mechanics and service technicians will grow accordingly. Also, the number of graduates from aircraft mechanic training programs currently falls short of employer needs, which means opportunities for graduates of mechanic training programs should be very good. Overall, the outlook for mechanics and service technician aviation jobs is expected to be better than it has been in the past. But prospects will be best for applicants with experience. Mechanics who keep abreast of technological advances in electronics, composite materials, and other areas will be in greatest demand. Flight Attendants In the long run, aviation jobs for flight attendanta should improve as the airline industry continues to recover from the effects of September 11, 2001 and the downturn in the economy. Employment of flight attendants is expected to grow about 9 to 15 percent through the year 2014. However, the demand will fluctuate with the demand for air travel, which is very cyclical in nature. Despite the improving outlook, competition will be high because these jobs usually attract more applicants than there are jobs, with only the most qualified eventually being hired. College graduates who have experience dealing with the public should have the best chance of being hired. Here are the top five online job sites for aviation jobs, as measured by the Alexa rating (the lower the rating, the more popular the site. See our Online Job Search page for a detailed explanation of Alexa ratings.
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