Skies have always been intoxicating. If your child has ever yearned to touch the skies as his/her career, a job in aviation is a perfect way out. Moreover, a shortage in the number of mechanics and pilots have opened vistas of learning in this area. There are numerous fields to explore that may cater to your child’s unique interests and talents:
- Commercial Pilot
The pilot shortage now is a recurrent story for nearly the past decade. As the ‘Continental Express Crash’ in 2009 rocked the world, a new mandate was proposed; making it compulsory for first officers for commercial airlines to possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. As a result, the time for the course and cost of the education increased which resulted in the decrease of commercial airline pilots; thus, opening job opportunities.
One aspiring to become an airline pilot needs to have a bachelor’s degree, commercial pilot’s license, and Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and must undergo on-the-job training which comprises of six to eight weeks of ground schooling and 25 hours of flight time. The median wage for commercial pilots is $ 73,280 (Approx. Rs 50 lakh, *conversion date: as of August 2018), while the top 10% earn $ 1,34,990 (Approx. Rs 90 lakh).
- Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic or Technician
Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians look after the repairs and maintenance of aircraft. They are responsible for evaluating flight data, diagnosing problems, repairing and replacing components as needed, and inspecting completed work.
If you wish for a career in this field, you must attend the Aviation Maintenance Technician School. Aspirants will have the opportunity to choose from different certificates and licenses, which will eventually determine his or her technical or mechanical position. The average annual wage for them is $ 55,210 (Approx. Rs 38 lakh).
- Commercial Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers coordinate air traffic. They give instructions for landing, take-offs and provide essential information to pilots and respond to emergencies. Additionally, they are responsible for efficient and timely dispatches, and weather updates.
Professionals from this field typically complete the course offered by Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. They are also required to pass their Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. This career is lucrative and thus very competitive. The median wage is $ 1,71,340 (Approx. Rs 1 crore).
- Aerospace Program Manager
An aspirant must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in aviation management. It is highly acknowledgeable if an aspirant possesses certification from the American Association of Airport Executives or National Business Aviation Association. As a program manager, one is responsible for ensuring that the airport or airlines are abiding by rules and regulations. It’s a management related work, and a professional in this field also must look after hiring and maintaining all-around efficiency. The managers enjoy a median salary of $ 1,01,098 (Approx. Rs 69 lakh).
- Aviation Safety Inspector
In most cases, aviation safety inspectors have prior experience as a pilot, navigator, repairman, or as other aviation professionals. These inspectors oversee operations of aircraft, cross-examine airmen for certification and conduct training programs.
These professionals who specialise in airworthiness also evaluate repairing facilities and mechanics. An associate degree can get you this job, but former experience in the field of aviation stands crucial. Their typical annual earning is between $ 40,000 to $ 60,000 (Approx. Rs 27.5 lakh to Rs 41 lakh).
- Flight Instructor
If you wish to become a flight instructor, you must have pilot training and instructor certification. These professionals are responsible for providing lessons both in the air and on the ground. Flight instructors enjoy an annual salary of $ 1,15,119 (Approx. Rs 79 lakh).
A List of Average Costs While Perusing Various Types of Pilot Training:
Getting hold of a pilot’s license previously used to cost $ 500 to $ 600 (Approx. Rs 34,445 to Rs 41,334), which now costs approximately $ 15,000 to $ 20,000 (Approx. Rs 10 lakh to Rs 13 lakh). A list of average cost is given below:
- Sport Pilot License: $ 3,000 to $ 5,000 (Approx. Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh)
- Private Pilot License: $ 6,500 to $ 12,000 (Approx. Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 8.2 lakh)
- Private and Commercial License: $10,000 to $ 16,000 (Approx. Rs 6.8 lakh to Rs 11 lakh)
- Private + Instrument + Commercial license: $ 18,000 to $ 24,000 (Approx. Rs 12 lakh to Rs 16.5 lakh)
- Private + Instrument + Commercial + ATP license: $ 30,000 plus (Approx. Rs 20 lakh)
A career as an avionics equipment mechanic or technician will cost an average of $ 20,000 to $ 80,000 (Approx. Rs 13.7 lakh to Rs 55 lakh). While an aspirant as a commercial air traffic controller has to bear a 2-year CTI associate degree, tuition fees, and residential fees for around $ 10,000 (Approx. Rs 6.8 lakh) for 60 credits. The cost of becoming an aerospace program manager is $ 3,300 to $ 30,000 (Approx. Rs 2.2 lakh to Rs 20.6 lakh) per year.
Child Education Plan for Your Aviation Expert
Your child may be excited to choose a career in aviation, but only you as a parent know what it takes to land a job in this field. Apart from taking several certifications and degrees, your child will need strong financial support, considering the fee structure in this lucrative field. Hence, it is essential to be financially prepared from the start, to pave a smooth path for your child when the time comes.
Opting for child savings or investment plans can help you in this regard. These children education plans are a combination of investment and insurance, providing your child with all-round financial protection even during an unfortunate event like your untimely demise.
These plans allow you to manage your investment by investing according to your risk-appetite in debt and equity funds. Moreover, the best plan for child enables you to withdraw a part of your money after a few years (starting from sixth policy year) as per your child’s educational needs, thus, providing support at every milestone of your child’s
education.
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