The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees all aspects of flight and space travel and technology in the country. The FAA forms and enforces nearly every law and rule on air travel, from pilots to traffic controllers to even FAA carry on regulations.

Anyone looking for jobs in aviation or aeronautics must acquire some form of FAA-recognized license or certification. It's imperative that such people undergo Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) education and training to receive such certification. Depending on the job desired and school attended, the education and training can include:

1. Education in flight school to become a licensed commercial or private pilot.

2. Skill enhancement for aviation maintenance.

3. Certification for FAA jobs in air traffic control.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Train at recognized flight schools to receive a pilot license under FAA regulations

Anyone operating an aircraft under FAA aircraft registration must be a licensed pilot recognized by the FAA. The pilot is in charge of the whole flight, so must be knowledgeable on all info regarding the FAA rules and regulations, which will be learned from the very beginning of flight school.

I recommend: Airline Transport Professionals, based in Florida, has 25 flight training centers across the country. The Premier Flight Academy offers training programs for completing a private or commercial pilot license and includes an FAA certified international pilot training course. Best Aviation provides a comprehensive list of flight schools across North America and the world.

Receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) education and training for aviation maintenance jobs

People who service and maintain aircraft must adhere to strict FAA regulations, especially when it comes to commercial airlines. Aviation technicians must receive FAA certification following their training. A school providing both an aviation maintenance program and preparation for FAA certification is vital.

I recommend: The Aviation Institute of Maintenance has nine nationwide schools offering associate degrees in aviation maintenance and preparation for FAA testing into the maintenance fields. The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics has a 21-month degree program with FAA certification, and it allows students to train on actual aircraft.

Learn training and FAA regulations for careers in air traffic control

The FAA is essentially the traffic police force of the skies. For people pursuing jobs in air traffic control, the skills they must learn include operating FAA radar and knowing the FAA's rules on flight patterns for various aircraft. The FAA sponsors a Collegiate Training Initiative with 14 colleges to aid in this training.

I recommend: The Pan Am International Flight Academy includes courses in air traffic control, safety management and quality assurance with their programs meeting FAA standards. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management and is one of the few traffic control schools under the FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative. The FAA itself provides a list of all schools under its training initiative.

If your business is ready to take to the skies, you'll find great resources from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The organization's website has information about regulations, employment, safety and data and statistics. There also are FAA regional offices, so you can visit in person as needed. Use the information to conceive business opportunities for your company.

The FAA manages all aspects of flight in the United States. There are FAA aircraft registration guidelines, FAA carry-on restrictions and other guidelines you might use in your business plan. To make sure you have a complete understanding of FAA regulations and policies, keep the following things in mind:

1. The list of FAA regulations, policies, guidelines and information is long. Take the time to study it.

2. Study the list of FAA jobs listing. The openings might offer your company business opportunities for training. Or see if there are areas in which you might supply personnel or expertise.

3. The FAA manages a wealth of data. Information on items such as aircraft registration policies or research findings could offer chances for business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review FAA regulations online and request paper copies

Federal Aviation Administration policies and regulations cover a wide range of activities related to flight. Closely study the categories that apply to your business interests.

I recommend: For access to all regulations and policies, check the Federal Aviation Administration website. For documents and additional information, also check the FAA online library.

Use FAA jobs listings to fill openings and find employee training

The Federal Aviation Administration offers openings in two categories: 'FAA Career Opportunities' and 'Executive Opportunities.' Read over the posted job listings for ways your company can fill FAA needs. Propose training programs or personnel with special expertise to fill openings.

I recommend: You can find career opportunities at the FAA website. At the JSfirm website you can search for career opportunities and jobs throughout the aviation industry by job, geographic location and other parameters.

Stay up-to-date on FAA aircraft registration rules and guidelines

In addition to rules, regulations and information for airlines, the FAA provides guidelines and data for private pilots and related businesses. You can also find the latest news, data and statistics, information on airports and research findings.

I recommend: For information about aircraft registration and certification, check the Federal Aviation Administration website or visit the FAA regional office near you. You can also find guidelines on safety and equipment. The Research Development and Human Factors Laboratory provides research findings about the effects of flight on people.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Note that FAA job vacancies are posted directly on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's USAJobs website. You might find it quicker and easier to access that online catalog of job opportunities.

Every industry flies by its own set of acronyms and jargon, and the Federal Aviation Administration and the rest of the aerospace industry aren't excluded. Whether you work within the industry or as a contractor or subcontractor, you've got to understand Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) key terms to get any business done. This guide covers various terms relevant to those working in or with the FAA: N-Numbers, Flight Standards Information Management System, NOTAM, FAA Safety Team, National Airspace System (NAS) and International Civil Aviation Organization.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

N-Numbers

An N-Number, another name for an aircraft registration number, consists of a group of ordered alphanumeric characters. The Convention on International Civil Aviation requires registration of all aircraft with a national authority such as the FAA in the United States.

I recommend: Learn about how to select and change an aircraft N-Number from the FAA.

Flight Standards Information Management System (FAA Order 8900.1)

The Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) serves as the single-source, online repository of policy and guidance available for all employees of the FAA.

I recommend: Besides going to the FAA directly, you can find updates and supplements to the FAA Order 8900.1 at Ask Bob.

NOTAM

Of prime importance to pilots, dispatchers and air- traffic controllers, NOTAM stands for Notices to Airmen, and NOTAMs are used to alert pilots to hazardous conditions or information about any aeronautical facility, service or procedure affecting flight operations. The U.S. NOTAM System processes, stores and distributes all NOTAMs.

I recommend: For a brief explanation of different types of NOTAMs, visit Integrated Publishing.

FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam)

FAASTeam is an organization within the FAA set up to reduce the number of aviation-related accidents in the U.S. via training, outreach and education. All eight FAA Flight Standards regions have their own Regional FAASTeam Offices.

I recommend: Learn all about awards, events, programs and training opportunities from the FAASTeam.

National Airspace System (NAS)

An airspace network comprised of thousands of people, procedures, services, airports and other landing areas, aeronautical charts, air navigation facilities and equipment, the U.S. NAS represents one of the most complex aviation systems in the world. It's organized to permit and promote safe and expedient air travel in the U.S. and over large portions of surrounding oceans.

I recommend: Read the summary or click on the PDF document to read the Department of Transportation Inspector General audit of the NAS in 2008 to learn more about different components of the NAS and how they function.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

A United Nations agency, the ICAO codifies the principles and techniques of international civil air navigation and fosters uniformity in regulations, standards, procedures and organization to promote the safety and growth of international air navigation. The ICAO is divided into seven regions, with the U.S. falling into the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACC) Region. Each region is permitted to conduct activities as long as they don't conflict with worldwide ICAO activities.

I recommend: Explore the ICAO to learn more about the organization, its history and the latest news and information available.