Michigan Occupational Information System
 #358 - AIRPORT MANAGER

Airport Managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of airport facilities and with the day-to-day operation of airports following governmental agency policies and regulations.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Airport Managers may:

Develop airport procedures

Prepare estimated budgets

Assure that the airport meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for continued certification

Inspect airport facilities such as runways, buildings, beacons, and vehicles to determine repair or replacement needs

Coordinate the activities of airport personnel involved in repairing or maintaining airport facilities

Approve or reject requests to purchase equipment and materials

Direct personnel investigating violations of airport regulations, review their reports, and take appropriate actions

Meet with government officials to discuss matters related to airport operation and facilities

Negotiate for the purchase or lease of property, and right-of-way over private land for development of the airport

Collect any fees paid to the airport authority, such as rent payments from concession stand operators

Speak at public meetings to promote good community relations and an understanding of airport operations

Plan and direct tours at airport facilities

Management functions are divided at large or international airports. Airport Managers may be designated according to activities directed as airport operations director, airport-property-and-development manager, airport-buildings-maintenance superintendent, or airport facilities repair-and-maintenance superintendent.

Equipment and materials used may include:

• Airport operation manuals

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

184.117-026 AIRPORT MANAGERS plan, direct, and coordinate activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of airport facilities and with the day-to-day operation of airports following governmental agency policies and regulations.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Airport Managers receive no direct supervision but must report to higher officials of county or city governments. They are responsible for directing the activities of all employees.

Airport Managers spend much of their time in offices which may be located in the passenger terminals of airports. Offices are usually well lighted and comfortable. They may go to ramp, cargo, and runway areas to inspect grounds and facilities and places where noise levels are high.

Most managers work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. They might need to work overtime attending meeting and public hearings.

Airport Managers usually are members of the American Association of Airport Executives. Members must pay annual dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving business contact with people

• Activities resulting in esteem from others

You Should Be Able To:

• Analyze problems logically and develop solutions

• Know the meanings/relationships of words and use language effectively

• Work with numbers to review budgets/materials/time schedules

• Make decisions based on personal judgment

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Deal with people and have agreeable working relationships

• Direct, control, and plan an entire activity

• See details/errors in numbers, spelling, and punctuation in written

documents

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If your monthly budget is $6,000 and $4,500 of that money is already accounted for, do you have enough money to renovate the control tower at a cost of $1,000?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Federal Aviation Agency guidelines are now requiring enroute traffic control centers with microwave landing systems.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining the need for additional equipment that might increase the safety of your airport.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the most needed equipment and reject the equipment that is less important as your budget dictates.

Airport Managers who are employed by a government agency must pass a civil service examination as well as a physical exam. Because most current managers also have training as pilots, obtaining a pilot's license may be viewed favorably by some employers.

In Michigan, Airport Managers must be licensed by the Michigan Aeronautics Commission. To become licensed, applicants must pass a written exam covering Michigan rules and laws on aviation. Airport Managers may also be certified by the American Association of Airport Executives as an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond High School) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1700 GOVERNMENT , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

069 GENERAL BUSINESS

Programs in General Business provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a large variety of leadership positions in business and commerce. This program is of special interest to those who wish a broad sampling of courses in business. Students planning to manage their own businesses, enter corporations which maintain their own training programs, or who are uncertain of their career plans in business may select this program. Individuals who teach Business at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Getting a part-time or summer job at an airport, preferably in the manager's office, would provide helpful experience. Postsecondary programs in general business may provide experience also. Leadership and public speaking skills could be useful.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Airport Manager employer

internships

volunteer work with a Airport Manager employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entry is by direct application through civil service offices or to owners of private airports. College placement offices and the American Association of Airport Executives may offer assistance in finding a job. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

American Association of Airport Executives (http://www.airportnet.org/depts/publicat/poshmpg.htm)  

Michigan Talent Bank

America’s Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

JobOptions

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

In general, the salary of an Airport Manager depends on the Manager's experience and education, the size and type of airport, and local civil service regulations.

Nationally, average annual salaries (1998) of Managers (Directors) and Assistant Managers of airports used by certified, scheduled airlines were (by size of airport (Hubs)):

Earnings of Airport Managers working at three government-operated airports in Michigan were (1999):

Some Airport Managers also receive a cost-of-living allowance or additional income from operating concessions (fuel, parts, food, etc) at the airport.

Airport Managers employed by publicly-owned airports usually receive health, accident and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; paid holidays; and retirement pensions. Most benefits are paid for, at least in part, by the employer. Some Managers may also receive housing, an automobile, an expense account, and dental and optical benefits.

Advancement to the position of Airport Manager at a large airport usually comes after 6 to 8 years of high level administrative experience in a large firm, a government agency, or city management. Managers of smaller airports who have done their job effectively may advance to the directorship of a larger metropolitan, then perhaps an international airport.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Air Transportation offers employment opportunities for persons of varying skills, training and experience. Although new airport development and expansion of existing facilities should provide some employment opportunities, many of these openings will be filled by experienced Airport Managers. Also, some small airports are either unmanned or have part-time managers. Opportunities will be best for those persons willing to relocate to openings.

In Michigan, there were approximately 250 Airport Managers licensed by the State of Michigan in mid 1998. They were employed by city, county, state, and regional governments and by privately owned airports. Most were employed by branches of city governments.

Employment of Airport Managers is expected to increase slowly through the year 2005. The demand for air transportation services is growing, however, since the total number of positions is rather small, competition will be keen. Most positions will be filled by experienced Airport Managers.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Airport Manager can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development