5 Tips for Surviving in the Aviation Industry

Maybe you’re new to aviation or maybe you’ve been in the industry for a while, but it's not what you expected. No matter if you're brand new or a veteran, these 5 tips could help you further your career. And they will apply to almost any position in the aviation industry.

"We need it yesterday," is a common phrase we hear from our clients when they call in for an exchange. And that’s because the pace of aviation can be rigorous. There's no time for procrastination. And no matter what position you hold, odds are, you're going to run into a tight deadline or two…bazillion. Which is why it's important to treat every situation with a sense of urgency.

But what makes aviation so demanding? Well, let’s think about it. Whether it be for personal use or for business, the point of flying is to reach our destination quickly. And this demand tends to trickle down the chain.

Everyone involved with each flight has the same goal. From the tourist starting their vacation, to the CEO with an important meeting, to the airline or charter company that knows more flights equals more money - everyone just wants to stay on schedule. But even the smallest bump in the road can set things back. So, no matter what area you work in, time is of the essence.

Never have the details mattered more. Aviation is all about paying attention to detail, and when you don't, there can be serious consequences. Imagine if you're a pilot, off by a few degrees or a maintenance tech, off by a few pounds, the fallout can be fatal. Check out this article by Aviation Week Network. This situation is a prime example of what can happen if you're not paying attention.

We’re referring to the phonetic alphabet. Or better known these days as the NATO Phonetic Alphabet. The phonetic alphabet has been in use since WWII and is used by militaries and air navigation all over the world. Especially good for talking over the phone or radio, this is a great tool that has been backed by years of research, used to promote clear and precise communication. Since the use of this alphabet is so popular in the industry, your peers will expect you to know it and use it.

It's common in niche industries like aviation to have a close community. Sometimes it seems like everyone knows everyone and as a newbie, this can make you feel like an outsider. That's why networking with your peers is so important. You can't be afraid to open yourself up. Building strong relationships is crucial for your success in any industry and especially aviation.

This tip is useful regardless of the industry you work in and should even go without saying. However, because it’s such a no-brainer, sometimes we forget how far a little kindness can go. As we concluded earlier, this industry can be demanding and it's important to be mindful of others and their situations. We all work in the same stressful, but rewarding industry and having compassion for others can help with building those strong relationships we talked about in tip #4.

Those are our 5 tips for surviving in aviation. We hope they bring value to your experience in the industry. Good luck out there!