Whether your future is paved with asphalt or is as blue as the sky, you seek a career that offers freedom and responsibility. If you're interested in a job on the go, you can't get moving any faster than aviation or trucking. Both aviation and truck driving schools can train you for positions that put you in the driver's seat.
The aviation and trucking industries offer a number of career choices. With training, you could enjoy one of these rewarding careers:
Aviation & Avionics Careers
Trucking & Transportation Careers
If you are interested in an aviation career, you will need the right training. All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a commercial pilot's license with an instrument rating issued by the FAA. Although some small airlines hire high school graduates, most airlines require at least 2 years of college from an aviation school and prefer to hire college graduates. Completing classes at a flight school approved by the FAA can reduce the amount of flight experience required for a pilot's license.
To qualify for FAA licensure, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience. Once trained, pilots are required to attend recurrent training and simulator checks once or twice a year throughout their career.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to drive large trucks. CDL training is offered by many private and public career schools. Some states require drivers to complete a training course in basic truck driving before getting their CDL.
The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), a nonprofit organization established by the trucking industry, certifies driver-training courses. Truck driving schools that meet industry standards and Federal Highway Administration guidelines receive PTDI certification.
Salary Range:
$13.16 - $28.92 hourly wage
Education Level (minimum):
High School Diploma and A & P Certificate
Growth Outlook (2002 - 2012):
10 - 20%
