Introduction: The Gateway to a Career in Aviation

For many people, aviation feels like a world reserved for pilots, air traffic controllers, and engineers. But behind every successful flight—whether it’s a private jet, a military aircraft, or a small piston trainer—there is a team of ground professionals who make operations possible. Among them, the line service technician plays one of the most essential roles.

Line service technicians are the backbone of Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), the companies that provide fuel, ground handling, and support services for general aviation and business aviation. If you’ve ever watched a jet pull up to a ramp and immediately receive fuel, power, baggage handling, and a warm welcome, you’ve seen line service in action.

This anchor page is designed to be the definitive guide for anyone who wants to become a line service technician at major FBOs such as Million Air, Atlantic Aviation, Sheltair, Signature Flight Support, Modern Aviation, Jet Aviation, and many others. Whether you’re exploring aviation for the first time or looking for a career change, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from job duties to training, hiring processes, and long‑term career growth.

1. Understanding FBOs: The Foundation of General Aviation

What Is an FBO?

A Fixed Base Operator (FBO) is a company that provides essential aviation services at airports. Unlike commercial airline terminals, FBOs serve:

• Private jets
• Charter aircraft
• Corporate flight departments
• Flight schools
• Military aircraft
• Medical flights
• General aviation pilots

FBOs are often the first and last point of contact for passengers and crew. They provide:

• Fuel
• Hangar space
• Ground handling
• Concierge services
• Aircraft cleaning
• Pilot lounges
• Catering coordination
• Ramp services

Why Line Service Matters

Line service technicians are the hands‑on professionals who keep aircraft moving safely and efficiently. Without them, no aircraft could fuel, park, or depart on time.

They are the front line of safety, the face of customer service, and the heartbeat of ramp operations.

2. What a Line Service Technician Does

Daily Responsibilities

The job is active, hands‑on, and highly dynamic. A typical day may include:

• Marshaling aircraft into parking positions
• Fueling jets and piston aircraft
• Towing aircraft with tugs
• Operating ground support equipment (GSE)
• Performing lavatory and potable water services
• Conducting fuel quality checks
• Assisting passengers and crew
• Loading and unloading baggage
• De‑icing aircraft (in cold climates)
• Maintaining ramp safety and cleanliness

Aircraft Marshaling

Marshaling is the art of guiding aircraft using standardized hand signals. Technicians must:

• Understand aircraft taxi behavior
• Maintain situational awareness
• Communicate clearly with pilots
• Position aircraft safely around obstacles

Fueling Procedures

Fueling is one of the most critical responsibilities. Technicians learn:

• How to fuel Jet‑A and Avgas aircraft
• How to use single‑point and over‑wing fueling
• How to test fuel quality
• How to add Prist (anti‑icing additive)
• How to ground aircraft and equipment
• How to follow strict safety protocols

Towing and Parking

Aircraft towing requires precision and teamwork. Technicians must:

• Use tugs and tow bars safely
• Understand aircraft weight and balance
• Communicate with wing walkers
• Park aircraft in tight spaces
• Follow manufacturer towing guidelines

Customer Service

Line service is not just a technical job—it’s a hospitality role. Technicians often interact with:

• Pilots
• Flight attendants
• VIP passengers
• Charter companies
• Corporate flight departments

Professionalism, courtesy, and communication are essential.

3. Required Skills and Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Most FBOs require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass background checks
• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather

Soft Skills

Successful technicians demonstrate:

• Strong communication
• Situational awareness
• Teamwork
• Problem‑solving
• Customer service mindset
• Ability to stay calm under pressure

Physical Requirements

The job is physically active. Expect:

• Walking long distances
• Climbing ladders
• Working in heat, cold, rain, or snow
• Handling fuel hoses
• Operating heavy equipment

4. Training and Certifications

On‑the‑Job Training

Most FBOs provide structured training that includes:

• Ramp safety
• Fueling procedures
• GSE operation
• Emergency response
• Customer service

NATA Safety 1st Certification

This is the industry standard certification for line service technicians. It covers:

• Fuel handling
• Ramp operations
• Safety protocols
• Emergency procedures

Additional Training

Depending on the FBO, you may also receive:

• Hazmat awareness
• OSHA safety training
• Spill response training
• De‑icing certification
• Fuel quality control training

5. How to Get Hired at Major FBOs

Below is a breakdown of what major FBO chains look for.

Million Air

Million Air is known for luxury service and high‑end clientele.

What they look for:

• Strong customer service skills
• Professional appearance
• Safety‑first mindset
• Ability to work with VIP passengers

Hiring process:

• Online application
• Phone interview
• In‑person interview
• Ramp tour
• Background checks

Atlantic Aviation

One of the largest FBO networks in the U.S.

What they value:

• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Willingness to learn
• Flexibility with shifts

Hiring process:

• Application
• Interview
• Drug test
• Training program

Sheltair

A family‑owned FBO with strong presence on the East Coast.

What they look for:

• Friendly personality
• Strong work ethic
• Customer‑focused attitude

Signature Flight Support

The largest FBO chain in the world.

What they value:

• Safety
• Professionalism
• Ability to work in fast‑paced environments

Modern Aviation

A growing FBO network with modern facilities.

What they look for:

• Tech‑savvy candidates
• Strong communication
• Adaptability

Jet Aviation

A global aviation services company.

What they value:

• High standards of safety
• International professionalism
• Strong customer service

6. Salary, Benefits, and Work Environment

Typical Pay Range

Entry‑level technicians usually earn:

• $16–$22 per hour depending on location
• Overtime opportunities
• Shift differentials

Experienced technicians may earn:

• $22–$30+ per hour
• Lead roles may exceed $60,000 annually

Benefits

Most major FBOs offer:

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Uniforms
• Training and advancement opportunities

7. Career Path and Advancement

Many technicians grow into:

• Lead line technician
• Line supervisor
• Trainer
• Safety officer
• Operations coordinator
• Customer service representative
• FBO manager

Some even transition into:

• Airport operations
• Aircraft maintenance
• Flight training

8. Tips for Applicants

Resume Tips

• Highlight customer service experience
• Include physical or outdoor work experience
• Mention mechanical or technical skills
• Keep it clean and professional

Interview Tips

• Dress professionally
• Show enthusiasm for aviation
• Emphasize safety awareness
• Demonstrate reliability

How to Stand Out

• Get NATA Safety 1st certified early
• Learn basic aviation terminology
• Show a willingness to work flexible hours

9. Aviation Terminology Glossary

GPU — Ground Power Unit

• A portable or vehicle‑mounted power source that supplies electricity to an aircraft on the ground.
• Used to run avionics, lights, air‑conditioning, and systems without using the aircraft’s APU.

FOD — Foreign Object Debris / Damage

• Any loose object on the ramp (rocks, bolts, trash, tools) that can damage aircraft or equipment.
• Also refers to the damage caused by those objects.

Prist

• A fuel additive (often injected during fueling) used with Jet‑A to prevent ice formation and improve fuel system lubrication in certain aircraft.

Jet‑A

• A kerosene‑based turbine fuel used by most jets and turboprops.

Avgas (Aviation Gasoline)

• High‑octane gasoline used in piston‑engine aircraft.
• Common types: 100LL (low‑lead).

Tow Bar

• A rigid bar that connects an aircraft’s nose gear to a tug for towing or repositioning.

Tug

• A powered vehicle used to push or pull aircraft on the ground.
• Types include conventional tugs and towbarless tugs.

Chocks

• Wedge‑shaped blocks placed in front of and behind aircraft wheels to prevent movement.

Marshaller

• A ramp agent who uses standardized hand signals or wands to guide aircraft during parking, taxiing, and pushback.

Hangar Rash

• Minor dents, scrapes, or damage caused by ground handling—often from tight hangar spaces or equipment contact.

Ramp

• The aircraft parking and service area at an airport.
• Where fueling, loading, unloading, and ground operations occur.

Taxiway

• The paved path aircraft use to move between runways, ramps, and hangars.

FBO — Fixed‑Base Operator

• A business that provides services to general aviation: fueling, parking, maintenance, lounges, catering, and more.

GSE — Ground Support Equipment

• All equipment used to service aircraft on the ground: GPUs, tugs, belt loaders, fuel trucks, lav carts, etc.

De‑icing

• The process of removing ice, frost, or snow from aircraft surfaces using heated glycol‑based fluids.
• Often followed by anti‑icing to prevent re‑accumulation.

Wing Walker

• A ramp agent positioned at an aircraft’s wingtips during towing or taxiing to ensure clearance from obstacles.

Single‑Point Fueling

• Fueling through a dedicated port that feeds all tanks via internal plumbing.
• Faster, safer, and common on jets and larger turboprops.

Over‑Wing Fueling

• Fueling directly into each tank via caps on top of the wings.
• Common on smaller aircraft and some turboprops.

NOTAM — Notice to Air Missions

• Time‑sensitive notices that alert pilots and operators to hazards, closures, or changes affecting flight operations.

APU — Auxiliary Power Unit

• A small turbine engine (usually in the tail) that provides electrical power and air for starting engines and running systems when the main engines are off.

10. Conclusion

Becoming a line service technician is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to enter the aviation industry. It offers:

• Hands‑on experience
• A fast‑paced environment
• Opportunities for advancement
• Exposure to aircraft and flight operations
• A pathway to long‑term aviation careers

Whether you’re applying to Million Air, Atlantic Aviation, Sheltair, Signature Flight Support, or any other FBO, the skills and knowledge in this guide will help you start your journey with confidence.