Summary
An airport operations manager is in charge of assessing, evaluating, coordinating and overseeing the daily airport operations. He must also make sure that the airport complies with the aviation regulations and procedures.
Duties
Airport operations managers are expected to interact directly with pilots, air traffic control tower personnel, tenants, emergency crews and the public. This position requires that the manager government ordinances and laws to ensure smooth operations. Managers must also perform security and safety inspections. Airport operations managers must maintain a detailed record of all operations. It is also their function to enforce airfield driver safety regulations. Airport operations manager must also ensure that programs are comply with regulatory agencies. They must also execute modifications or improvements related to the airfield daily operations. Lastly, part of an airport operations manager’s is to monitor skill level of staff and determine their training needs.
Education and Training Requirements
A minimum requirement for an airport operations manager position is a bachelor’s degree in business administration, although bigger airports may prefer a master’s degree. Having a degree in a related field to aviation or business administration will also qualify a candidate for the position. Medium-size municipal airports require a minimum of up to six years of related aviation experience.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements
Airport operations managers are expected to have the following: knowledge of airport emergency operations and security regulations; excellent communication skills; knowledge of essential management skills and principles as applied to airport operations; computer skills; knowledge of weather conditions Knowledge of management principles and practices as applied to airport operations; excellent oral and written skills; good ability to plan and carry out airport operations, maintenance, and development programs; capacity to choose, assess and train operations staff; ability to establish and maintain work relationships with government officials and agencies, tenants, employees and the general public.
Working Conditions
The duties of this position are performed in an office in an airport building. The level of noise in the work environment may range from quiet to loud. In performing the duties of this position, the employee will be required to sit, stand, and walk; reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. Occasionally, he may be asked to stoop, kneel, or crouch and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Salary
The average salary of an airport operations manager is $57,000, which can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
