Topic 18 my career plans

In an ever-growing and changing society we are all face with the difficult task of choosing sound career plans from among the thousands of alternatives. As the economy continues to expand, creating more and different kinds of jobs, this planning process becomes more difficult. There is almost endless list of careers directly associated with civil aviation. Civil aviation is my future. After graduating from the Academy I might work as an airline/flight dispatcher.

Dispatchers (sometimes called flight superintendents) are employed by the airlines to co-ordinate airline flight schedules and to make sure that all regulations of the government and the airline company are observed. A flight dispatcher is a person responsible for planning and monitoring the progress of an aircraft journey. In airline operations, depending on the type of certification the airline has, and depending on where the airline is based, both the pilot in command and the dispatcher are legally responsible for the safety of a flight. A dispatcher may have the authority to delay, divert or cancel a flight at any time, and a flight might not be able to be released without the signature of both the pilot in command and the dispatcher – again depending on the jurisdiction.

After checking on weather conditions, the dispatcher makes a preliminary decision as to whether a flight can leave safely and on time. If any change takes place from the scheduled departure time, the dispatcher must arrange for passengers and crew to be notified.

In preparing for the flight, the dispatcher confers with the captain about the quantity of fuel the aeroplane needs, the best route and altitude for its flight, and the alternate airports that may be used if bad weather prevents landing at the scheduled airport. The dispatcher and the captain must agree on all details of the flight before the aeroplane is allowed to leave the airport. In some instances, the dispatcher also keeps records of matters involving the company, such as the availability of the aircraft and equipment.

Topic 19 careers in civil aviation

There is almost endless list of careers directly associated with civil aviation. And the list grows longer day by day. I'd like to speak about the most popular aviation jobs: pilots, co-pilots, flight engineers, flight attendants, air traffic controllers.

Pilots and co-pilots are skilled, highly trained professionals who have been carefully selected for their ability to fly safely. They transport passengers and cargo. The pilot is in charge of the aeroplane, and supervises all other crew members. The co-pilot assists the captain in air-to-ground communications, monitoring flight and engine instruments, and in operating the aeroplane's controls.

Flight engineers are members of flight crews who make sure the mechanical and electrical devices aboard aeroplanes work properly. Flight engineers assist the pilot and co-pilot in making pre-flight checks of instruments and equipment. Flight engineers watch instruments and operate controls to regulate the performance of the engines, air conditioning, and other equipment. They also keep records of engine performance and fuel consumption.

Flight attendants are aboard almost all commercial passenger aeroplanes to help make the passengers' flights safe, comfortable and enjoyable. They are responsible to the captain. As passengers come aboard, flight attendants greet them, check their tickets, and assist them with their coats and small luggage. Flight attendants use the public address system to instruct passengers in the use of emergency equipment. They are ready to answer any passenger questions and serve cocktails and precooked meals.

Air traffic controllers are the guardians of the airways. They coordinate flights to prevent accidents and minimize delays in tak-offs and landings. Some regulate airport traffic; other regulate flights between airports. Airport traffic controllers work in a tower near the runway to keep track of aeroplanes that are on the ground and in the air nearby. They radio pilots to give them permission to taxi, take off, or land. After an aeroplane takes off, airport controllers notify air route controllers to take charge. Route controllers communicate with pilots by radio and use radar and other electronic equipment to help keep aeroplanes on course. They also warn pilots about nearby aeroplanes and other possible hazards. As the flight progresses, one air route controller after another takes charge until the aeroplanes have safely arrived at their destinations and airport traffic controllers are again in charge.