Airports usually are operated by a director or manager responsible either to the private owners of the airport or to the local government authorities. Depending upon the size of the airport, the manager may have one or more assistants such as an assistant manager, an engineer, a controller, a personnel officer, a maintenance superintendent, and supporting office workers such as secretaries, typists, and clerks. If the manager is self-employed as a small airport operator, he or she probably also operates an aircraft repair station, sells aviation fuel, gives flight lessons, and offers taxi or charter flights in addition to operating the airport. Working conditions will vary greatly depending upon the size of the airport. At a large airport, the manager works In an office usually located In the terminal building at the airport.
Office hours are regular except In times of emergencies.
Travel may be required to negotiate leases with airline tenants or to confer with state and federal officials. If the manager operates a very small airport, he or she also may give flying lessons, make charter flights, or work In the aircraft repair station. In meetings and community project, especially those concerned with aviation. Most airports are located in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The scheduled airlines serve more than 600 airports, while the remaining attended airports are used primarily by general aviation aircraft.