Function

• An airport manager oversees the general operations of an airport. The actual job description depends primarily on the size of the airport and the number of employees under the supervision of the airport manager. Airport managers must be knowledgeable of all Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulation, and is responsible for enforcing them. Supervision of the maintenance of the airport terminals, as well as the runways, falls within the job description as well. Safety and security is a No. 1 priority for the job.
  
  

Types

• A number of airport management training options are available. While it’s not mandatory that the airport manager be a licensed pilot, many are. The aviation management training path may evolve from this core knowledge of aviation and expand to airport terminal operations. An airport manager who receives an associate’s degree spends most of his classroom time learning how to manage an airport. The airport manager who earns a bachelor’s degree has the management classes as well as core liberal arts classes. Another aviation management option is to take the knowledge gained from a career in the military or in general aviation, and use it as a base for airport management training.
  
  

Time Frame

• It takes two years or four semesters totaling 60 hours of credit to complete an associate’s degree in airport management. A bachelor’s degree takes four years. Some schools offer summer sessions, which can make the training period shorter. If the trainee works a full-time job while taking classes, the time to complete aviation training may take longer.
  
  

Courses

• As part of the training to become an airport manager, the trainee must take courses in airport services and facilities. The airport manager trainee has classes in business administration specifically as it applies to airports. This includes the financial operations of an airport. He must also take classes in staff management and airport security. Coursework typically includes an internship that gives the trainee hands-on experience working with airport security, ground vehicles, communications systems and maintenance.
  
  

Salary

• Depending on the airport’s location and the job responsibilities, an airport manager may earn between $44,579 and $75,912, according to information published on PayScale in 2010. The airport manager’s salary may be higher if he has a benefits or bonus package as part of his compensation plan.