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Aircraft Refueller

Aviation managers oversee the day-to-day operations of airlines, airports, or other aviation businesses. Future Growth Very Strong Some of the tasks airport managers need to complete include planning budgets, managing vendor contracts, managing weather-related delays, handling customer complaints and ensuring Federal and State compliance as well as oversees the maintenance, scheduling and safety procedure of the aviation department are done efficiently.

Alternatively, it may also entail being a manager at an aircraft manufacturing firm, an airport or any organisation in the aviation business. As a result, the role of one aviation manager may differ substantially from that of another.

In an airport setting, an aviation manager is an airport staff in charge of monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulatory framework and requirements. A part of an aviation manager's role is making sure that an airport or its departments function effectively and safely and managing airport or department employees. Regardless of where you work, an aviation manager typically reports to senior executives and corporates, which may entail preparing reports.

The airport operations manager works in airports and airfields, coordinating with air traffic controllers, pilots, terminal agents, ground crews and other airport staff to ensure that all aircraft are operating smoothly and in compliance with Federal regulations. This job requires at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management or a relevant degree field. This position also requires five to 10 years of experience in an aviation-related position.

Opportunities
(Source: NBAA)

ANZSCO ID: 139999

Alternative names: Airport Manager, Airport Operations Manager,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Thorough knowledge of operations, repairs and navigation of aircrafts and air fact engines are necessary of an aviation manager. He must be familiar with all law, rules and regulations as well as safety requirements regarding aircraft procedures and management. In order to manage the aviation department, an aviation manager must possess supervisory and managerial techniques. He must be able to communicate with others effectively and must maintain good customer and top management relations.

To become an aviation manager, you would need:

Interpersonal skills: In order to build a network and establish connections with industry professionals and key stakeholders, it's essential that an aviation manager is great at interacting with people. They work with people for the majority of the day, and developing interpersonal skills, like compassion and empathy, can help them succeed.
Excellent communication skills: Working as an aviation manager requires confidence and the ability to convey clear directions to others. This entails communicating both in verbal and written forms.
Active listening abilities: Strong active listening skills help aviation managers understand the needs of their customers and stakeholders and provide the best solutions for all parties. They may use active listening to respond to questions, hear instructions and listen to stakeholders' concerns.
Research abilities: Quality research and a deep understanding of the industry is essential for aviation managers to be successful. Consider researching the regulatory framework, the aviation industry's procedures and industry trends in your organisation.
Dependability: Dependability shows others that you're accountable and they can depend on you to complete your tasks. Your dependability can help you provide your customers with confidence, and it can help you manage your team effectively.
Adaptability and flexibility: Because market conditions and the aviation industry trends are constantly changing, your ability to react promptly is crucial.
Proactivity: An aviation manager is proactive in proposing concrete and effective solutions to customers. To create effective plans, it's critical that you're able to tackle any scenario proactively.
Strong customer service: The ability to prioritise your client's needs and respond to their inquiries contributes to the development of good client relationships and the enhancement of your organisational reputation.
Industry knowledge: It's essential that you remain current on the latest industry trends and market changes to take the best course of action for your organisation. It's also important that you possess knowledge of all regulatory requirements relating to airline and airport operations.
Decisiveness: In high-pressure situations, it's critical that you're able to think logically and be decisive in your decision-making process. This can help you make confident choices during the workday.
Problem-solving abilities: When you have a good grasp of industry-specific facts, problem-solving at work becomes much easier. It might also be beneficial to see how others tackle difficulties at work by noticing their tactics and inquiring about their method.
Time management skills: Being able to manage your time well enables you to spend your time efficiently and successfully to attain your goals.

Aviation Manager
(Source: Aviation for Aviators)

Duties and Tasks

As an aviation manager, you might:

the selection and assignment of staff to ensure equal employment opportunities in hiring and promotions
coordination of all activities of the aviation department such as work assignments, and directing of aviation staff subordinates
evaluation and verification of employee performance through thorough reviews of completed work assignments and techniques
identification of staff development and training needs of aviation personnel
assurance that proper labor relations and conditions are followed
assisting and supervising the preparation of budgets
maintenance of records and reports relative to the aviation department
oversee compliance with state and federal aviation rules and regulations
ensure that an airport or its departments run efficiently and safely
maintaining aircraft maintenance and service records
plan flight schedules
review aircraft accident reports and address the problems related to airport or airline operations
deal with the operational aspects of emergencies that might arise at airports or with aircraft
provides advisory service to governing bodies if necessary; direction and participation of public information programs concerning aviation programs
develop and maintain relationships with regulators, government bodies, and other airline industry representatives.
working closely with emergency responders to monitor the weather and anticipate issues in aviation activities
preparing accident and financial reports to present to senior management and executives

Did You Know?

How many airports are there in Australia?

Australia has 613 airports, including all the International Airports, Private Airports, Domestic Airports, and Military Airports.

(Source: Travel Triangle)

Which airports receive maximum traffic in Australia?

The airports which receive maximum traffic in Australia are:

1. Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney
2. Melbourne Airport
3. Brisbane Airport
4. Perth Airport
5. Adelaide Airport
6. Gold Coast Airport
7. Cairns Airport

Working conditions

Professionals in top management roles such as these may expect to work long hours since the aviation manager is responsible for the entire success or failure of the business.

Aviation managers usually work a typical 40 hours a week and may need to work the occasional overtime if required. They work conveniently in office environment found in airbase facilities. Some travel may also be necessary of them.

As airports, airlines and other aviation businesses are often 24/7 operations, you are likely to work on a shift system, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. In emergencies. you may be required to work or be on call, for long periods of time.

You would usually work in an office at an airport and would spend time inside airport terminal buildings, hangars and warehouses. You may also spend some time outdoors in all weathers.

(Source: Aviation Schools Online)

Tools and technologies

Airport management systems, as airport software is often called, serve to optimize all these operations: passenger processing, baggage tagging and handling, arrival/departure operations, departure control systems, information distribution, and air traffic control (ATC). Airport software can also include other solutions, like CRMs and environmental management systems.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an aviation manager, you would need to obtain a degree in aviation administration, aviation management, public administration, business administration, finance or a related field. English, mathematics and physics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.

Airport manager positions are typically required to have previous experience in airport security and management.

An aviation manager must have a bachelor’s degree with a specialty in relation to aviation procedures. They must also have at least seven years of extensive experience in the field of aviation or related industry in order to gain familiarly with the field’s practices procedures and concepts. Some employers may require at least four year of fulltime experience as a certified flight instructor, airport manager or air traffic controller as an alternative. Most importantly, an aviation manager must possess a current pilot’s license.

Employment Opportunities

As more people fly for both business and pleasure, the number of flights per day to and from all airports, and for many airlines, will continue to increase. This will result in larger airports becoming busier, and extended hours of operation for smaller airports. Many airports are also being upgraded and extended to accommodate additional flights and larger aircraft.

All of these factors will result in increased demand for professional aviation managers across the industry.

However, increased costs faced by airlines, and resulting cost-cutting, will put increased pressure on the number of job opportunities for aviation managers in the immediate future.

Aircraft Refuellers drive tanker trucks filled with aviation fuel to waiting aircraft, attach a fuel hoses to aircraft fuel tanks and fill tanks with fuel. FutureGrowthModerate Airport refuellers work as part of the airport ground crew, fuelling all aircraft according to each airline's needs. These individuals need to have a good understanding of all the mechanics involved in the fuelling process, so a background in mechanics is helpful.

Aircraft refuelers are responsible for ensuring that aircraft have the fuel they need to complete their journeys. This is a critical job with many safety implications—if an airplane doesn’t have enough fuel, it can’t take off or it must do so under dangerous conditions.

ANZSCO ID: 733112

Alternative names: Aircraft Refueler,

Specialisations: Royal Australian Airforce Refueller,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

a mechanical background
tanker or truck-driving experience
experience handling chemicals, fuels and dangerous goods.
ability to use and maintain refuelling equipment
knowledge of different types of fuel
knowledge of the safety rules and regulations that apply when working at an airport.
quick-thinking and able to make good judgements
able to work well under pressure
accurate, methodical and patient in their work
able to work independently and in a team
safety-conscious
good communicators

Aircraft refuellers need to have a good level of fitness and strength because they work with hoses that weigh between 10 and 15 kilograms.

Aircraft refuellers also need to be in good health, without any heart conditions. They must pass an annual medical examination.

Aircraft Refueller
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

Follow schedules that say what time the aircraft to be refuelled will arrive
Check and maintain the vehicles that transport fuel
Fill aircraft with fuel from vehicles - monitoring fuel levels in aircraft tanks during refuelling and communicating with pilots about any problems
Regularly check fuels for contaminants such as water
Follow strict safety procedures when filling aircraft and transporting fuel
Communicate with pilots and airport ground crew.
Manoeuvres vehicles into position for replenishing of tanks
Attaches hosing couplings and operates truck pump to fill aircraft tanks
Makes regular quality checks of vehicles to ensure they can be driven safely
Performing maintenance on aircraft fuel systems and components such as pumps, filters, valves, gauges, and hoses
Inspecting aircrafts for damage or defects and reporting findings to appropriate personnel
Cleaning fuel spills and other debris from aircraft using absorbent pads or brooms
Cleaning and maintaining all fueling equipment to ensure proper function and prevent leaks or rupture hazards
Observing the operation of aircraft during refueling to ensure safe operation of equipment and compliance with procedures
Keeping logs of fuel deliveries and usage to track aircraft fuel consumption and replenishments

Working conditions

Aircraft refuelers work primarily at airports and other locations where airplanes are parked or otherwise stationary. They may also be tasked with inspecting planes before they take off to ensure that they are safe to fly. Aircraft fuelers also require strength and stamina as they are standing and walking for most of their shift, working in all weather conditions.

usually work eight to 12-hour shifts during the day or at night
work at airports on the tarmac and runways, and in airport terminal buildings, hangars and freight buildings
work in most weather conditions, and often in noisy, hazardous situations
may travel locally between airports and bulk oil depots.

Tools and technologies

Aircraft Refuellers connect fuel hoses to aircraft fuel ports and refuel aircraft using hand pumps or mechanized equipment such as fuel trucks or aerial refueling systems

Aerial Refueling system
All Electric Aircraft Refueller deployed at Brisbane Airport
(Source: Viable Earth)

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an aircraft refueller you need to have:

a Class 4 or 5 (full) heavy vehicle driver's licence
a dangerous goods (D) endorsement on your driver's licence.
because aircraft refuellers work at airports they need to have security clearance, so they must not have any criminal convictions.

Once employed, aircraft refuellers must attend at least six weeks of on-the-job training. During this time they learn about fuel quality sampling, the correct amounts of fuel for specific aircraft, and fire and emergency drills.

Employment Opportunities

Low turnover among aircraft refuellers
Opportunities for aircraft refuellers are limited because:

people tend to stay in the role for a long time, meaning few vacancies arise
although tourism is growing, aircraft are becoming more fuel efficient, so the number of refueller positions remains stable.

Best opportunities at larger airports
Demand for aircraft refuellers at regional airports has declined, so you are more likely to secure work at the larger airports

It is a good idea to approach employers, such as oil companies, directly to register your interest. This is because vacancies only come up from time to time.

Aircraft refuellers at regional airports may work for small private companies.

Aircraft refuellers can also work for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Progression and specialisations
Aircraft refuellers may progress to work in supervisory or managerial roles, which can involve training new aircraft refuellers and doing administrative work.

They may also move into maintenance roles.