Aircraft Service Attendant

Your Fit

Income

$42K

Preparation

Some

Growth

4.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Aircraft Service Attendant?

An Aircraft Service Attendant is responsible for performing a range of duties to ensure aircraft are ready for flight, including cleaning, refueling, and conducting minor maintenance. They play a crucial role in maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and efficiency of aircraft operations.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Aircraft Service Attendant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Aircraft Service Attendant earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$37K per year	$42K per year	$47K per year	$56K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.96K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Aircraft Service Attendant do?

Work environment

Aircraft Service Attendants work at airports, often outdoors on the tarmac, in all types of weather conditions. The job can be physically demanding and may involve working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to align with flight schedules.

Quick task list

Refuels aircraft and checks fluid levels.
Cleans the interior and exterior of aircraft.
Assists with minor maintenance and repairs.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations.
Loads and unloads cargo or baggage.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Aircraft Refueling: Specializing in safely refueling various types of aircraft.
Aircraft Cleaning and Detailing: Focusing on interior and exterior cleaning to maintain presentation and hygiene standards.
Ground Equipment Operation: Operating ground support equipment like tugs, belt loaders, and de-icers.
Minor Maintenance Assistance: Assisting with basic maintenance tasks under the supervision of certified technicians.
Cargo Handling: Specializing in the loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring proper weight distribution and security.

Description

Aircraft Service Attendants are vital to the smooth and safe operation of air travel. They ensure that aircraft are clean, fueled, and ready for their next flight, contributing significantly to passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency. The role requires attentiveness to detail, as well as adherence to strict safety standards and procedures, especially when handling fuel and maintenance equipment.

Physical fitness is important, as attendants often perform tasks that require lifting, bending, and working in confined spaces. The ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure is essential, as aircraft turnaround times can be tight. Attendants also need to communicate effectively with other airport personnel, such as pilots, maintenance technicians, and ground crew, to ensure that all tasks are completed accurately and on time.

While the work can be challenging and demanding, it offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic airport environment. For those interested in aviation, it provides a close-up view of aircraft operations and can serve as a stepping stone to other roles in the industry.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the safety and efficiency of air travel.
Working in a fast-paced and dynamic aviation environment.
The physical aspect of the job, which can be rewarding for those who enjoy active work.

You might make a good Aircraft Service Attendant if you are...

Interested in aviation and aircraft operations.
Physically fit and enjoy working with your hands.
Attentive to detail and committed to safety standards.
Able to work effectively under pressure and in a team.
Comfortable working in various outdoor conditions.

Pros:

Working in the exciting field of aviation.
Opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development.
Potential pathways to other aviation careers.

Cons:

Physically demanding work with exposure to the elements.
Irregular hours that may include nights and weekends.
High-responsibility role, particularly when handling fuel and equipment.

How to become an Aircraft Service Attendant

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Most of the training is provided on the job, and no formal higher education is necessary, although courses or certifications in aviation maintenance can be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical education to build stamina and physical fitness.
Shop classes or technical education for basic maintenance skills.
Science courses, especially physics, to understand basic aviation principles.
Mathematics for calculating fuel loads and weight distribution.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining aviation or aerospace clubs.
Participating in team sports or physical fitness activities.
Volunteering or internships at local airports or with aviation organizations.

Preparation after high school

On-the-job training in aircraft servicing and ground operations.
Short courses or certifications in aviation maintenance or ground equipment operation.
Seeking entry-level positions at airports to gain practical experience.

More resources

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Provides resources and regulations on aviation safety.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) - Offers information and resources for aviation enthusiasts and professionals.
National Air Transportation Association (NATA) - Represents the interests of aviation service companies and provides training resources.
Aviation JobNet - A platform for exploring various careers in the aviation industry.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.