Flight operations officer
Also known as: director of flight operations, aviation dispatch officer, air operations officer, flight operations officer, air operations supervisor, manager of flight operations
About this occupation
Flight operations officers compile flight information to expedite movement of aircraft between and through airports. They compile aircraft dispatch data such as scheduled arrival and departure times at checkpoints and scheduled stops, amount of fuel needed for flight, and maximum allowable gross take-off and landing weight.
Essential skills and knowledge
- deal with air traffic issues
- manage budgets
- implement airside safety procedures
- identify airport safety hazards
- air transport law
- ensure flights run to schedule
- work in shifts
- air traffic control operations
- manage aircraft support systems
- manage aviation planning
- coordinate flight schedules
- make time-critical decisions
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Airfield Operations Specialists (O*NET 53-2022.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
- Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
- Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.
- Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.
- Initiate or conduct airport-wide coordination of snow removal on runways and taxiways.
- Manage wildlife on and around airport grounds.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Enterprising
Top skills: Active Listening, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Coordination
US median pay: US$56,850 a year (2025), 15,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- Commercial Pilots
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Aviation Inspectors
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Flight Attendants
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.