Aviation and Trucking Careers

The future for those interested in truck driving or aviation mechanics appears bright. The Department of Labor has predicted decent growth and favorable job prospects in the fields of aviation and trucking for the next decade. If you would like to enter either of these exciting fields, attending truck driving schools or airplane mechanic training programs is helpful. A truck driving program will help you obtain your CDL (commercial driver's license) and give you valuable behind-the-wheel trucking experience. For aviation mechanics, the typical educational path involves the completion of FAA-certified coursework at a trade school. A summary of the aviation and truck-driving fields follows.

About the Fields

Truck drivers transport all kinds of products, from cars to livestock. Trucking is crucial aspect of commerce, as it is the only form of transportation capable of door-to-door delivery of goods. Truck drivers must be safe and experienced drivers, so truck driving schools tend to stress these attributes. In addition to performing regular truck safety and maintenance checks, drivers must also maintain a log of all of their activities.

The goal of an airplane mechanic is to ensure that aircraft are kept in peak operating condition. Aircraft mechanics handle repairs, complete scheduled maintenance, and perform inspections required by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Some aircraft mechanics specialize in preventive plane maintenance, while others focus on repair work.

Career Possibilities

The truck-driving field offers two primary career possibilities: heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers and light or delivery services drivers. Truck driving schools can prepare you for either career. Drivers may work for a transportation company that supplies their trucks or they can go into business for themselves if they have their own trucks.

An airplane mechanic, on the other hand, has many more career choices. Avionics technicians, aircraft service technicians, and aircraft repair mechanics are a few popular aviation career options. Aircraft mechanics have many opportunities to specialize. For example, an aviation mechanic may concentrate on aircraft diagnostic technology or aerospace products and parts.

Education and Credentialing

Truck drivers must obtain their CDL in order to drive legally, but the requirements to qualify for a CDL will vary by state. Some states require drivers to attend certified truck driving schools, while others only require a written test, a driving test, and a clean driving record. Most vocational and technical schools offer certifications in truck driving that take an average of four weeks to complete.

Although it's possible to become an FAA-certified airplane mechanic through on-the-job training, most mechanics learn their profession by attending one of 170 FAA-certified trade schools. Roughly one-third of these institutions offer two-year and four-year degrees in aviation maintenance management, avionics, or aviation technology. Certified schools provide students with 1,900 classroom hours, which typically takes 18-24 months to complete. Courses usually focus on electronics, mechanical drawing, computer science, math, and physics.

Additional Info

Trucking and aviation have much to offer candidates with the right qualifications and education. However, if you're unsure whether truck driving or aircraft maintenance is for you, there are a plethora of other fields that might be a better fit. Read our other career field descriptions to investigate alternative job and educational possibilities.

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