In the coming years, electric- and hydrogen-powered airplanes and rotorcraft could require thousands of pilots, technicians, ground support personnel and other business aviation professionals. What skills will be needed for those roles and how can you prepare for a career in this innovative industry?
On one hand, experts say, AAM aircraft are just another mode of air transport that will require the same necessary roles as aircraft that are currently in service. On the other hand, AAM’s electric propulsion, unique short-range capabilities and a developing regulatory landscape will require many aviation professionals to develop new skill sets.
“Be prepared to re-train your brain a little bit,” said Kristen Costello, aviation regulatory affairs lead at Vermont-based BETA Technologies. “AAM relies on the fundamentals but requires some creativity. Understand what the regulatory environment is now and how it will be shaped – look into the future and consider what needs to happen with air traffic updates, for example.”
Traditional Roles, New Skills
Demand for many existing roles will continue – and even grow – with the launch of AAM. AAM isn’t expected to replace most traditional aviation sectors; instead, short-range, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flights could replace some modes of ground transportation. Some traditional roles might require new knowledge, skills and abilities.
“This [AAM industry] will fundamentally change how people travel to, through and beyond cities,” said Kevin Cox, CEO of VertiPorts by Atlantic. Cox runs Atlantic Aviation’s division focused on building a network of sustainable infrastructure to support eVTOL aircraft. “It’s important to understand that this form of transportation is additive to existing aviation markets. It will complement and create new market opportunities through the introduction of a truly transformative aircraft capable of quietly and efficiently entering city centers and communities, with a limited amount of infrastructure required to operate.”
AAM Type Ratings for Pilots
According to current FAA regulations, to fly most eVTOL aircraft for hire, U.S. pilots will need to hold a powered-lift category commercial rating and obtain a type rating for each powered-lift aircraft they intend to fly. As of this writing, college students can’t receive a powered-lift category rating as part of their curriculum because civil powered-lift aircraft are not yet certificated by the FAA. However, pilots interested in AAM careers can position themselves well by obtaining a traditional fixed wing or rotorcraft commercial rating. They also should be familiar with basic FAA regulations, including 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 194 – a Special Federal Aviation Regulation for pilot certification, training and operational requirements.
“This model could fundamentally change the pilot workforce and expand it dramatically by making the career attractive to more people.”
Bonny Simi President of Operations, Joby Aviation
Some aircraft manufacturers are creating their own pilot training opportunities. California-based Joby Aviation started the Joby Academy to provide free private-pilot ground school, initially to Joby Aviation employees but now to high school students and beyond. The academy currently trains with light-sport aircraft (LSAs). Eventually it will provide training from private pilot to commercial pilot and certified flight instructor, with transition training for the Joby aircraft, including achievement of a powered-lift type rating to fly it.
“Once the Joby aircraft is certified, our hope is these trainees will then stay with the company, building a balanced career,” said Bonny Simi, Joby Aviation president of operations. “This model could fundamentally change the pilot workforce and expand it dramatically by making the career attractive to more people.”
Most AAM commercial operations will be conducted under 14 CFR Part 135, on-demand and commuter operations, so being familiar with those regulations is also important. “In many ways, eVTOLs are just another aircraft. The fundamentals are critical. You can’t fly an eVTOL under Part 135 without knowing what Part 135 says,” said Heidi Williams, NBAA’s senior director, air traffic services and infrastructure.
Understanding the fundamentals also applies to airspace. “More and more as we see emerging technology evolve, it’s still the foundational elements of traditional airspace that are important – understanding air navigation providers, airspace structure and the basics of navigation. Understanding traditional airspace is absolutely foundational,” Williams said.
AAM and Maintenance Roles
Aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) must have know-ledge of airframe inspections and landing gear systems, for example, but will also need knowledge and skills related to electric propulsion systems.
The FAA’s recent rewrite of Part 147, Aircraft Maintenance Technician Schools, lays the groundwork for AMT students to learn about innovative technologies and receive credit toward their certification. The rule removed prescriptive curriculum requirements from the regulations, instead referring to the Airman Certification Standards required to obtain an AMT rating. Now, students no longer need to demonstrate dope and fabric skills but instead can learn about electric propulsion and other innovative technologies. Curricula can also be developed to meet specific workforce needs, meaning electric propulsion can be studied at schools in eVTOL manufacturers’ backyards to meet their workforce needs.
Other AAM Roles
Schedulers, dispatchers and managers will hold similar roles as in the current business aviation industry, but thinking outside the traditional box will be necessary. In the future, a scheduler or dispatcher might manage 15 flights in an hour instead of 15 flights in a day.
People considering AAM safety roles should understand the fundamentals of a safety management system (SMS). While an AAM safety professional’s role will appear very similar to traditional aviation safety roles, the business model of some AAM companies might require a broader perspective.
Another AAM career option: Focusing on how FAA rules and policies are developed and implemented. “Regulatory development is critical to this new industry,” said Costello. “If you find regulatory structures and language interesting, focus on that. You don’t have to be a lawyer to work in regulatory affairs positions. There are roles in AAM for regulatory experts outside of the legal space.”
Expertise in sustainability issues is core to the AAM industry. “We have experienced exponential growth in air travel over the last five years. We will have to come up with creative solutions from a sustainability standpoint to maintain and foster that growth. That’s the exciting challenge the next generation of aviation professionals gets to help us solve,” said Williams.
How to Join the AAM Space
To gain a toehold in AAM, experts recommend actively networking with current AAM professionals and seeking opportunities to learn about new technologies. NBAA is continuously offering AAM-related conferences, events and webinars.
“We’re a small industry, all essentially startups, and that means every single person has a critical part to play in our companies’ successes,” said Costello. “We all wear a lot of hats in our companies but as an industry, we often work together.”
Consider applying for an AAM internship and build flexibility into your career path. “Be agile,” Costello said. “While the traditional aviation industry is pretty consistent and changes can occur slowly, AAM is the exact opposite.” Networking and knowing aviation fundamentals can help you land an exciting position in this nascent industry.
How AAM Will Create a Better Work/Life Balance for Pilots
The launch and expansion of short-range eVTOL aircraft will lead to a work/life balance largely unfamiliar to traditional aviators. Instead of commuting to a base and overnighting on layovers, pilots will live and work in one city, returning home each night.
“We are creating a work/life balance that will make the job of a pilot more attractive to pilots who wish to raise a family, fly during the day and be home every night for dinner. What an amazing shift in a pilot’s career!” said Joby Aviation President of Operations Bonny Simi.
This schedule will appeal to pilots beyond those with young families. For example, as Gen X’ers deal with the challenges of aging parents, some might choose a late career shift to AAM for a more family-friendly schedule.
The short-range, local nature of the industry will provide new options for existing aviation professionals and attract prospective employees from new pipelines.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.