From wing walkers to VIP handlers and skywriters (of ‘MARRY ME?’ fame), here are some of the air industry’s most unusual occupations – and a fun quiz to find out which one best suits your skills

Most of us are familiar with a few aviation professions. From the cabin crew who keep us comfortable and safe to the pilots who take us to our destination (and the air traffic controllers directing them there), thousands of people contribute to making a flight run smoothly. But there are many other aviation careers out there that fly in the face of ordinary. Here, we uncover four more sky-high careers you might discover in aviation and design a quiz to see which one would suit you best.

One of the most instantly recognisable jobs in aviation is skywriting. Piloting small aircraft, skywriters use smoke produced from the aircraft’s engine to pen messages in the sky, using careful manoeuvres to spell out words and sentences. Although synonymous with elaborate wedding proposals, skywriters create all kinds of messages, from advertising local businesses to cheering on sports teams. It takes creative flair to do this job, with the pilot combining aviation and calligraphy to create visually arresting messages that can be clearly read on the ground. 

And then there are those that work not in planes, but on top of them. Wing walkers climb out on to the wings of aircraft to perform death-defying feats. These daredevil entertainers have been wowing crowds almost since the birth of aviation – it is said that aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh started out as one in the roaring Twenties. From dancing on the wing to even leaping from one plane to another, this career is the epitome of high-risk, high reward, attracting those among us who chase thrills like Avios. Of course, the job is underpinned by meticulous planning and safety procedures, so it takes a calm mind as well as a thirst for adventure. 

continued below...

It’s perhaps not surprising then that Kirsten Pobjoy, a professional wing walker at AeroSuperBatics, has a background in aerial circus performance. “I had the foundational skills of strength and flexibility required for the role and have always loved performing”, she says. “The audition for wing walker was unforgettable – being strapped to the top wing of a biplane is probably the most interesting job interview going! The most challenging (but rewarding) aspect of the job for me is climbing around the aircraft in flight. Due to the extreme conditions on the wing, it takes a lot of training and strength to pull the poses required for a show.” 

Despite its challenges though, Pobjoy considers it a dream gig. “I have been lucky enough to have travelled across the globe on the top wing and seen the most breathtaking views, including doing loop-the-loops over an oasis in the Gobi Desert at sunset,” she says. “The freedom of wing walking is, for me, unmatched.”

Keeping calm and collected is also essential for our next career opportunity: VIP hosting. Taking care of celebrities, politicians and even royals is all in a day’s work for these expert people managers. They use their planning skills to chart a seamless journey through the airport while making the entire experience feel effortless. Using charm and confidence, they know how to keep the biggest divas relaxed and comfortable and have no issue directing world leaders when required. At home with the best and brightest, they keep their cool and always put a smile on the faces of even the most exuberant of passengers.

Last but not least, we meet the falconers, the guardians of the runway, who prevent small birds from disrupting airports during take-off and landing. Falconers use trained predatory birds to scare away smaller birds, keeping the skies clear. The job requires a close bond between trainer and animal and an understanding of the land, using discipline and focus to maintain a safe environment.

Do any of these careers seem like a fit for you? Take our quick-fire interview (above) to see how your personality and skills match up… 

Have an opinion on The Club that you’d like to share? Let us know

This article has been tagged Adventure