Air Operations

The services operate one of the largest fleets of aircraft in the world. Hundreds of transport, passenger, and combat airplanes and helicopters fly missions every day. Accurate flight information keeps operations safe and efficient. Flight operations specialists prepare and provide flight information for air and ground crews.

What They Do

Flight operations specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Help plan flight schedules and air crew assignments
• Keep flight logs on incoming and outgoing flights
• Keep air crew flying records and flight operations records
• Receive and post weather information and flight plan data
• Coordinate air crew needs, such as ground transportation
• Plan aircraft equipment needs for air evacuation and dangerous cargo flights
• Check military flight plans with civilian agencies

Branches of the Military

• Army
• Navy
• Air Force
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include general math and typing. Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to keep accurate records
• Interest in work involving computers
• Interest in work that helps others

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 14 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:

• Introduction to aviation operations
• Procedures for scheduling aircraft and assigning air crews
• Flight planning and airfield operations
• Preparing flight operations reports and records

Physical Demands

The ability to speak clearly and distinctly is required.

Work Environment

Flight operations specialists work indoors in flight control centers or air terminals.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian flight operations specialists work for commercial and private airlines and air transport companies. They perform duties similar to military flight operations specialists. 

A similar civilian occupation is that of an air traffic controller.

Opportunities

The services have about 8,000 flight operations specialists. Each year, they need new specialists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After training, new specialists keep logs and type schedules. With experience, they schedule air crews. In time, they may plan flight operations and supervise others.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.
 

Job Description Air Operations Analyst

Navy Flight Operations Careers

Job Description Air Operations Manager

Job Description Aviation Operations Specialist Careers

Courtesy: DoD, USAF (Photo)