Airline Training (Instructors) - An important factor in maintaining the airlines' excellent safety record is their considerable training effort. Several thousand people are employed to help keep up the proficiency of flight crews and ground personnel engaged in direct contact with the airplane, powerplants and flight techniques. Typical training jobs are ground school instructor, flight attendant instructor, and flight simulator/duplicator operator. The instructors direct the pre-service and in-service training programs of the airline. For example, they make certain that the pilots keep up their instrument flying proficiency rating. Flight simulators or duplicators must be supervised by an instructor. Educators are also employed as curriculum/program developers. Technical support is provided by craft workers who develop training aids for use by the instructors in the airlines' classrooms.

Flight Attendants- The chief responsibility of a flight attendant involves the safety of the passengers and their evacuation in case of emergency. The routine duties include the following:

A. Preflight Duties

1. Attends preflight briefings by the captain to learn about expected weather conditions, special passenger problems, etc.
2. Checks passenger cabin and galleys before passengers board to see that all supplies, safety equipment and food are on board and in place.
3. Greets and directs passengers to their seats, assists mothers with young children and the elderly or handicapped.
4. Helps passengers stow and luggage and coats.
5. Checks seat belts and observance of "No Smoking" signs.
6. Makes announcements over public address system regarding weather, altitude, estimated flight time, etc.
7. Demonstrates use of safety equipment.

B. Inflight Duties

1. Distributes reading material, pillows and blankets to passengers requesting them.
2. Serves refreshments and meals to passengers and crew.
3. Gives first aid to uncomfortable or ill passengers.
4. Answers passengers' questions and reassures the apprehensive traveler.
5. Takes special care of unaccompanied children.

C. Postflight Duties

1. Makes necessary reports such as minor medication give to passengers, lost and found articles, cabin and equipment conditions needing attention and numerous other mater that may require reporting.
2. If required by the airline, may do some tidying chores such as folding blankets, wiping off the buffets, straightening curtains, etc.

In addition to flight duties, flight attendants are sometimes called upon to make public called upon to make public relations appearances for the airlines during Career Days at high school, at United Givers Fund campaigns, at sales meetings, conventions and other goodwill occasions.

Flight Dispatcher- In cooperation with the pilot, the flight dispatcher furnishes a flight plan that enables the aircraft to arrive at its destination on schedule with the maximum payload and the least operating cost. The flight dispatcher considers enroute and destination weather, winds aloft, alternate destinations, fuel required, altitudes, and traffic flow. The dispatcher's signature, along with that of the pilot, releases the aircraft for flight. He or she maintains constant on all flights dispatched and is the go- between for the pilot and ground service personnel. She or he keeps all personnel concerned with the flight informed as to the status of the flight, and must be familiar with navigation facilities over airline routes and at airports as well as with takeoff, cruising and landing characteristics of all types of aircraft operated by the airline. Flight dispatchers must also take periodic flights riding in the cockpit with the flight crew to observe flight routes, conditions, and airports.

Engineer- In line with the engineering specialty, the engineer works closely with aircraft manufacturers during the development of new models of airliners, to make sure the requirements of the airline are met as to performance, aircraft accessories, cabin plan, interior decorations, extra equipment, etc. He or she also designs improvements to aircraft and to methods of servicing and overhauling them.

Meteorologist- The meteorologist analyzes weather data and prepares weather reports for the flight dispatcher, pilots, and other airline personnel concerned with weather information. The meteorologist assists the flight dispatcher in preparing flight plans.

Schedule Coordinator- The schedule coordinator keeps track of the whereabouts of aircraft and crews; receives and relays reports of delays due to weather and mechanical problems; notifies the right people regarding delays or changes; and gives orders for substitution of aircraft when required. He or she works with diversions of flights to alternate airports, weather factors affecting air traffic, seating arrangements of planes, turnarounds, estimated time of arrival, and unscheduled stops. She or he also works out aircraft availability, taking into consideration servicing and maintenance requirements with time frequencies varying from daily to yearly. The schedule coordinator handles crew scheduling by considering sick calls, vacations, days off, used-up flight hours, "deadheading" or commuting time, types of aircraft for which crew is trained, and seniority bids or choices of flights selected by crew members. All this work is in the interest of maintaining on-time, efficient service for passengers and shippers of air freight.

Station Manager or Agent (District Operations Manager)- The station manager or agent is responsible for all flight and ground operations such as aircraft handling, passenger services, and air cargo operations for the airline at a particular airport. At a small station, she or he may perform personally many of these services such as selling tickets, making public announcements, checking in baggage, moving portable stairs, preparing passenger and air cargo manifests, operating teletype machines and computer terminals, etc.

Reservations Sales Agent- The reservations sales agent handles telephone inquiries about complex flight schedules, fares, and connecting flights and reserves seats and cargo space for customers. He or she operates computerized reservations equipment, keeps records of reservations, and must be able to recommend services which fit customer's requirements and be familiar with routes and schedules of other airlines.

Ticket Agent- The ticket agent answers inquiries about flight schedules and fares, verifies reservations by phone, figures fares, writes tickets, and handles cash payments or credit card sales. In doing this highly visible public contact job, the ticket agent may check in passenger's baggage, if the agent works at the air terminal ticket counter. She or he uses telephone and reservation computer equipment.

Passenger Service Agent- The passenger service agent responds to abnormal conditions - passengers needing special assistance, oversold flights, missed connections, heavy passenger concentrations - to expedite loading and unloading of passengers. He or she may also perform the duties of ticket agent and supervise the ticket office.

Ground Attendant- The ground attendant assists passengers in the terminal with problems about flights such as: fares, lost baggage, missed connections, illness, and a need for wheelchairs. High public visibility is characteristic of the job.

Skycap- The skycap helps passengers with baggage, answers questions about departures, arrivals and terminal facilities. Skycaps assist passengers to and from taxis, buses and cars, and may check in baggage at the terminal entrance.

Air Freight/Cargo Agent- The air freight agent receives air freight shipments, supervises loading and unloading, and keeps records. He or she handles contacts with air freight forwarders and customers.

Sales Representative/Account Executive- The sales representative/account executive calls on prospective customers and explains the advantages of airline service for travel and shipment of cargo. This stimulates business, vacation, and educational travel. He or she keeps in touch with travel agencies, firms, and educational institutions with potential for airline services and with other airlines to increase interline sales. She or he may make hotel reservations for customers. A knowledge of flight and fare schedules is essential.

Cabin Maintenance Mechanic- (Not to be confused with Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic). The cabin maintenance mechanic cleans and paints interiors of aircraft during periodic major overhauls; removes and installs carpets, seats, curtains and bulkheads; and reupholsters seats. He or she overhauls and cleans electrical equipment in cabins, such as light, buffets and coffemakers.

Ramp Planner- The ramp planner keeps track of arriving aircraft and dispatches service units - cleaners, fuelers, baggage handlers, food service trucks, etc. They must know flight schedules.

Auto Mechanic- The auto mechanic services and repairs ground service equipment, such as portable stairs, fuel and food trucks, towing tractors, and employee buses.