Warbird Information Exchange

So, in reading through Abandoned and Little Known Airfields (airfields-freeman.com) I've come across a lot of references to people who were able to work at airports doing things like fueling and whatnot as teenagers/college students. I'm wondering, are there still jobs at small airports that someone without a degree in engineering can do, or has that become more advanced as aviation has developed?

The short answer is YES.

The long answer is that it depends. If you want to make lots of money, it's probably not your best bet, but it can be good for other reasons such as the friendships and contacts you make in the process. If you find a good FBO that also does maintenance, and you try hard to make yourself useful, you may also find it a good learning experience in the process. I tried for several years to find such a job and turned some down because of hours, schedule, etc... as (at least where I'm at) a lot of places are happy to hire line service folks for laaaate at night positions (I figure there's a high turnover there). Finally found a position last year that was pretty good, which partly let to the job I have now actually flying a few hangars down.

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

Greetings
I've worked at small airports (largest runway 3,000 ft) and now work at an airport that has a 6,000 ft runway that lands B-737's.
I do not understand the question in that is there jobs to be found at small airports, sure.
If you are looking for great pay at a small airport, forget it.
My first job as "lineman" was at the 3,000 ft runway airport, Lake Elmo Aero airport.
At 17 years old that job was great, fueling airplanes, pulling them in and out of the hangers by hand (I was 90 pounds soaking wet at the time)
cleaning the small FBO, scrubbing the bathrooms and toilets.
It was all part of the job, and I did not complain, I was working at an airport, doing something I loved, working around AIRPLANES.
I didn't love the cleaning bathroom stuff, but that was easy, I was an Army Brat and that was what we did around the house as "work".
My work as a lineman eventually led to being a Aircraft Mechanic helper/apprentice, I've now worked at my current location for 20 plus years and have been an A&P Mechanic for 6 years.
I don't know if this is the work you are looking for, but there is work out there without the college degree...
Out Here, Tom

Yes, believe me, you have no idea. Cleaning toilets would be bearable if it meant I'd be working around airplanes at some point in time as well!

I used to refuel aircraft for 6 months , got to know a lot of people.

Most of the operators are always welcome to have keen helpers around.

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Aussie expat lost in Indonesia