Airport Jobs – Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Manager
Duties
An FBO manager oversees the company’s operation and supervises other employees. FBO managers have usually worked their way up from line person and already have several years of experience working in aviation. Their duties may include making up the employee scheduling, hiring, training, and terminating employees. An FBO manager may be responsible for arranging for fuel deliveries, equipment repairs, maintenance issues, and handling the day to day business of the company.
A fixed base operator (FBO) is a retail firm that sells general aviation products or services at an airport. The FBO may employ one or two people, or it may have as many as one hundred workers. One or more of the following services are offered: aircraft fueling; airframe, engine, and/or instrument repairs; avionics sales and service; aircraft modifications; flight training; ground school; aircraft rentals and sales; weather reporting, and air taxi service and charter flights.
Rewards
An FBO manager can move into a more senior management position, or to another management position elsewhere in the aviation industry.
Challenges
Managing others can be stressful. Those in management often have to tackle the most challenging work problems, whether it has to do with disgruntled customers, accounting issues, difficult employees, or office building problems. Night, weekend, or holiday shifts may be required.
Qualifications
FBO managers have usually worked their way up from line person and already have several years of experience working in aviation. They must be very familiar with most piston and jet engine aircraft, including the basic maintenance requirements for each. They must be able to work well under stress, have the ability to supervise others, and work as a team.
Requirements
At minimum, a high school degree or equivalent is required, but in many cases, an FBO will require applicants have a four-year college or a vocational degree in business, communications, or a similar field. Experience working in aviation is essential. If vehicles are driven, a valid driver’s license and clean driving record is necessary.
Training
The FBO will provide significant on-the-job training.
Salary and Benefits
$24,000-$65,000