Flight information coordinators and radio operators transmit weather and flight information between ground station personnel and flight personnel. They use VHF radios, computer data lines, and telephones to send and receive messages between the ground and aircraft in flight. To communicate with other ground personnel, flight information coordinators may also use handheld portable radios.
Flight information coordinators who work for an airline determine flight times of airplanes. Using weather charts and computers, they collect information on weather conditions, flight plans, delays, and stopovers. They transmit this information to the airline flight operations personnel, who make certain that people are available to load, unload, and service aircraft on arrival. Flight information coordinators may also transmit information on aircraft identity and type, flight location, and time of arrival and departure to air traffic control centers.
Flight information radio operators who work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are called flight service station specialists. The FAA employs about half of the total number of flight information radio operators. Most of the other workers in this field are employed by private airlines. Some may work for the armed services in civilian communications operations. A few works for private companies that handle communications for the airlines.
Education and Training
Most airlines and the FAA prefer to hire flight information coordinators and radio operators who are college graduates. Courses in communications, computers, and management are helpful. In addition, airlines often require experience as a ticket agent or gate agent.
Most workers also need 1 year of training in air communications to learn the necessary codes and symbols used in communications. Such training can be obtained on the job at some companies and organizations or in classes at technical schools.
Radio operators must have at least a third-class Federal Communications Com-mission (FCC) radio-telephone operator's license. However, most employers prefer those who have a second-class license. Radio operators must have excellent hearing and the ability to speak clearly.
Those wishing to become FAA flight service station specialists must also pass a written examination. They need 3 years of experience in air communications, traffic control, or flying to qualify for the FAA job. Permanent FAA positions are made on the basis of a federal civil service examination. All flight information coordinators, radio operators, and flight service station specialists serve probationary periods before they become full-time employees.
Getting the Job
School placement offices usually offer helpful job information. You can also apply directly to airlines for jobs. Both state and private employment agencies list these positions. State offices can give you information about civil service tests and jobs. It is also wise to check the help-wanted sections of newspapers and job banks on the Internet.
Employment Outlook
Flight information coordinators and radio operators may go on to become supervisors. Those who have advanced training may transfer into higher-paying jobs such as airport traffic controller, airline dispatcher, or meteorologist.
The employment outlook is poor. Competition is expected to remain extremely keen because there are more qualified applicants than the number of job openings. In addition, job turnover is low, and advances in computerized communication allow workers to handle more communication tasks.
Working Conditions
Jobs for flight information coordinators and radio operators are concentrated in cities where there are airports. A 40-hour workweek is the norm. Because airlines operate around the clock, schedules may be irregular. The workweek may include weekends, holidays, and night shifts.
While the job requires little physical movement, it can be very exhausting. It entails long periods of sitting in quiet surroundings and demands constant mental alertness and concentration. Some radio operators and flight information coordinators belong to labor unions.
Earnings and Benefits
Beginning salaries for flight information coordinators range from about $21,000 to $23,000 a year. Beginning radio operators working for the FAA earn starting salaries ranging from about $16,000 to $19,000 a year. Experienced FAA radio operators may earn about $25,000 to about $30,000 a year.
Most airline radio operators and flight information coordinators receive reduced airfares for themselves and their immediate families or, in some cases, free travel on their company's flights. The amount of the reduction often depends on the length of the employee's service. Paid vacations generally range from 2 to 4 weeks each year. Other benefits include paid sick leave, retirement pensions, and life insurance.
FAA flight service station specialists receive 13 to 26 days of paid vacation and 13 days of sick leave each year. They also receive life insurance and retirement and health benefits.
