The airplane, symbol of our mastery of the skies, is spanning oceans and
continents in ever-dwindling hours, bringing new hope to the people of the world,
new horizons to industry, and new careers to youth. For air transportation
has proved itself a vital factor in the social and economic life of modern
civilization. It is a rapidly expanding industry embracing many trades and
professions, an industry employing thousands of persons. For example, to keep
each airliner in the air today, over 100 workers are needed on the ground. Many
of these are engaged in office work.
This number, the reservations department, comprises a specialized group. It is
here that flight schedules, rates, reservations, and related subjects are
communicated directly to the public by telephone. The work is interesting but
requires tact, salesability, and a pleasant, well-modulated voice. Another
reservations job is at the ticket counter. Here, however, the duties include the
direct personal contact with the public. As in many departments, the work is
handled in ship, for around-the-clock service characterizes the industry.
The welfare of the passenger is of
paramount importance. To care for his needs, men known as transportation agents
are employed. Well often gained their experience in previous
jobs such as cargo agents, reservations representative, or similar work.
Through on-the-job training, they learn how to prepare flight movement reports
and coordinate the dispatching of passengers, mail, baggage, and freight.
Transportation agents also contribute to the safety of the airline operations by
determining the proper weight distribution of cargo. The operation of an airline
requires countless messages in order to coordinate all departments. This is
generally done by teletype and radio. Many of the teletypists are women, a large
number of whom obtain their training in commercial schools. Accuracy and speed,
as well as the knowledge of airline codes, is necessary. Although important,
their work does not require the extensive training demanded of the radio
operator. In addition to operating, he must be able to maintain and repair radio
and telephonic equipment. He must hold a radio telephone second-class license or
better issued by the Federal Communications Commission. The radio operator keeps
in close touch with planes in flight, advising them on such things as operational
details and weather conditions. Using weather balloons and various recording
devices, the United States Weather Bureau gathers nationwide climatic information
and sends it via teletype to airlines throughout the country. The information is
then charted, analyzed, and interpreted into weather forecasts by the airline's
meteorological departments. This work requires specialized college training and
unusual accuracy and judgments. But the key figure in all flight operations is
the flight superintendent. He is the man who decides whether
the planes will fly or not.
He releases all planes on his division, follows their progress in the air, and
keeps the captains or pilots advised of conditions affecting their flight. The
flight superintendent, together with the crew, is in detail. This exacting work
calls for a pilot who is also a qualified dispatcher certificated by the Civil
Aeronautics Authority. In addition, he must have an accurate knowledge of
communication facilities. His responsibility is great, for he coordinates all
flight operations to achieve these objectives, safe, swift, and dependable air
transportation. But the safety of operations also depends upon the proper
maintenance of planes. For this reason, many skilled mechanics must be employed.
Their work is highly specialized, and those who direct or supervise such work
must hold a federal government certificate and rating, depending upon the type of
work they do. For example, mechanics qualified to supervise work on general
maintenance, including dismantling, welding, or fabricating, must hold what is
called an A, or aircraft certificate. Others who supervise and approve engine
work only, are required by the Civil Aeronautics Authority to hold an E, or
engine certificate. But no matter what their chosen field may be, regular
apprenticeship courses or equivalent technical schooling is required. However,
planes need more than mechanical attention, for they must also be washed,
cleaned, and polished. This general utility work calls for no special training,
and is done by fleet service helpers. Thus, only through regular and thorough
maintenance can the airlines provide the service and schedules
upon which the passengers depend.
The arrival and departure of planes is regulated by dispatchers in the control
tower. These men serve as traffic coordinators, keeping congestion at the field
to a minimum. They are employed by the federal or local government, and must hold
a certificate which signifies their knowledge of air traffic regulations. For
those young men who enjoy working out of doors in all kinds of weather, there are
opportunities as ground crew members. Fast work in refueling and servicing of
planes is required. Ground crewmen, as well as cargo handlers, need little
training, but should be able to maintain simple records. Cargo handlers must know
how to load cargo properly, according to its destination. In other words, what
comes out first should be loaded last. Yes, there are many workers essential to
air transportation, but throughout this number, the flying crew is perhaps the
most colorful group of all. An important and familiar part of this crew is the
smiling hostess, or stewardess, who anticipates the needs of every passenger. A
hostess must be a person of charm, as well as capability. To qualify on most
airlines, she must be healthy, single, and between the ages of 21 and 28. She
must be between 5 feet 2 and 5 feet 6 inches in height, and of normal weight.
Girls who are accepted receive special training in the rudiments of flight
regulations, air routes, meteorology, and aeronautics. To be eligible, at least
one year of college or three years of equivalent business experience is
necessary. A knowledge of foreign languages is becoming a definite asset with
increasing worldwide air routes. When the passengers are aboard, the ground
crewmen clear away all service equipment in preparation for the takeoff. One by
one, the huge engines roar into action as another giant of the air prepares to
thunder down the runway. Many workers in all kinds of jobs have coordinated their
efforts to make this flight possible, but without the skill and intent but a
small number of all airline employees. Their qualifications are high. Perfect
health is essential. They must have hundreds of hours in the air and an intimate
knowledge of aeronautics and related subjects. The competition for this work is
extremely keen, and only those with unusual ability and experience can expect to
find employment. The majority of job opportunities are to be found in airline
passenger service. However, freight and air express services are expanding
rapidly to meet an increasing demand for swift transport of medicines, perishable
foods, furniture, and hundreds of other products. And in the future, this branch
of air transportation will offer employment possibilities for pilots as well as
many others. But opportunities in air transportation are not restricted to large
airline organizations. Many small companies and individuals maintain private
planes, providing transportation or feeder service between local points. In work
such as this, there are jobs for pilots, field managers and airport engineers,
mechanics and helpers, CAA control them. But the need of training and education
for the better positions and higher paying jobs cannot be overemphasized.
Colleges and specialized schools throughout the country maintain facilities for
teaching different phases of air transportation. The armed forces offer
exceptional opportunities for young men to acquire skill and experience in many
aviation jobs. Technical books, trade magazines, and government publications
provide current information and trends in air transportation.
And airlines from coast to coast maintain training programs for all types of work
vital to this expanding industry. But obtaining employment will not be easy.
Competition for jobs is great, and the total number employed is comparatively
small. However, the industry makes up for this by the variety of jobs it offers.
Individual qualifications are a deciding factor. And if you want to learn and
earn your living in a youthful and romantic industry, air transportation presents
a challenge and an opportunity for your life work.