Reference Number: ST1007

Details of the apprenticeship standard and occupational profile:

This apprenticeship is for someone who wants to be an aviation flight operations coordinator.

This occupation is found in the Aviation sector, across a range of different types of organisations and employers such as those working to support both civilian and military aviation at locations that support flight operations. This occupation is found in diverse settings including general aviation (private and recreational), commercial aviation and military aviation. Consequently, those working in this occupation support a wide range of different aircraft and flight objectives. This in turn impacts the support needs of the flight. Aviation flight operations coordinators typically work in highly organised teams in a number of environments, on or off-site, which could include commercial airports, military bases, or aerodromes.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide the aircraft with the technical support required both prior to and during the flight. They do this by coordinating all aircraft technical and operational factors that are needed for a successful flight. They achieve this by assessing planned flights and a wide range of associated factors including the weather, overflight permits, route planning, aircraft performance, airport facilities, the recording of the aircraft’s technical condition, and fuel requirements. They take decisions that address these needs, putting in place the physical requirements (such as aviation systems and equipment), that ensure the aircraft is ready for flight. Once the aircraft is airborne, the aviation flight operation coordinator monitors progress, providing information needed to maintain the flight. Working with a range of internal and external stakeholders and agencies, Flight operation coordinators provide an efficient and effective service that meets customer needs and maintains operational and regulatory standards. This is very responsible work as it impacts the safety of the aircraft and all those on board or on the ground. It also can have a significant financial or operational impact on the organisation. Aviation flight operation coordinators therefore play a key role in delivering successful aviation operations.

Entry requirements:
Due to the nature of this role, a minimum age of 18 may be an employer requirement. The ability to converse clearly with service users is essential for this occupation, and in line with the “Code of Practice on the English Language requirements for public sector workers”, qualifications in English may be required by employers (for example, an organisation may require an English GCSE at grades A-C or equivalent). Any other entry requirements will be specified by an employer in the job advertisement and/or job description for the role.