Careers in Aviation: Bursting Common Myths and Notions

Online, August 10, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Indian Aviation Industry is on a constant rise since last decade. It is the 9th largest aviation market of the world counting with its private airlines accounting for more than 75 per cent of the sector of the domestic aviation market (as of 2006). The damages caused by Recession and policies have been more than compensated with a compounded annual growth rate of 18 per cent. What still remain, however, are some myths and wrong notions that people attach to aviation industry. StudyPlaces talks about some common wrong notions that prevent people from considering careers in animation industry.

Safety matters: Will my workplace offer me security?
Let's begin with a fact: by a law of Indian Government, any verbal or physical abuse to a crew member or ground staff member is a criminal offence. The law is not just written but also exercised without any reservations. While a colleague can lose his/her job if found guilty, misbehaving passengers can face huge fine including imprisonment in extreme cases. For the people in ground job, they get secure GPS cabs for shifts between 10 AM to 6 PM. As a matter of fact, you cannot get down anywhere but at your home from office cab. Taking a drop at any other location requires prior approval from the senior team.

Rigorous timings: Is it Airlines or Army?
Before we take up Aviation timings, the fact is that every industry is 24 by 7. From Railway and Defence to Media, Entertainment and Corporates, every one works irrespective of times. The difference however is that in Aviation, you are paid much higher for your time and your company takes more care of your health and well being. A compulsory rule makes it necessary to take a minimum 2 hour rest between two flights. However, Airline companies often give up to 4 hours of rest, except in case of contingencies like bad weather and flight diversions. Your maximum permitted work duration is 11 hours each day (includes reporting time, flight to and fro distance and report-out time). If you have already worked for maximum hours, you are free to sit in the passenger seat till your flight reaches at ground.
Healthy, Wealthy, Flying!
If Airlines don't take care of their employee's health, then how do these Air Hostesses and cabin crew manage to look so attractive and pleasingly fit? The myth of aviation jobs affecting health is quite baseless on logical grounds. All national and international Airlines provide free food and drinks to their employees at appropriate times. In fact, all the employees have compulsory Health insurance. In case of any medical emergencies, there are first aid and medical services available on ground as well as in flight. Cabin crew and ground members also get all their medical bills reimbursed from their employer. Not to miss, there are sick leaves too!

Will my flight of dreams crash as I grow old?
Probably be the biggest apprehension is a sense of future insecurity. What will I do after this job? What happens when I cross 30? Will my company still keep me on board?
Now ask another question: Why is it that you find older Air Hostesses in Air India and younger ones in Kingfisher and Deccan? Because Indian Airlines is decades old, and therefore you see those Air Hostesses and cabin crew members who have been with it since years. We will probably see similar situation in Kingfisher and others, which are relatively younger airlines. The sole requisite for maintaining your job is to look young, look fit and maintain all necessary requisites. Then you will be working like before, even if you are 55, as in case of international airlines.
For others, including guys, there are umpteen career options inside aviation industry. In an attempt to retain their employees, airlines conduct interviews for positions like Airport Manager, security in charge, HR executive, Base manager, ticketing officer and many more. All you need to do is clear the interview and get the job.
A number of lucrative career avenues also exist outside Aviation Industry. Courtesy their pleasing personality, grooming and knowledge of make-up cabin crew members often land up into modelling jobs. Another famous career option is to go for an MBA. An MBA when seen with your global experience in Aviation often opens many job opportunities across industries like aviation, hospitality, ITES, entertainment, ITES and many more. Some people even go for their entrepreneurial ventures with their years of working and huge savings.
To conclude, a career in Aviation is not just rewarding and glamorous, but also safe and full of opportunities.
(With inputs from Akhil Mehra (Flight Steward) and Sakshi Dabas (Air Hostess) working with a leading Airline company.)
Best of Luck!
Team StudyPlaces

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