There's just something about flying. Nelly Furtado sings about it. So does Pearl Jam. Even Lenny Kravitz has a tune to croon when it comes to the joys of flight. Maybe it's because aviation is so powerful, so universal. What these musicians may not know is that the object of their lyrical desire can be found at aviation schools worldwide.

"I'm Like a Bird"
Why attend aviation schools? For starters, general aviation has quite a fan base. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), air travel in the United States has expanded from 172 million passengers in 1970 to 741 million in 2006. The largest major airlines in the U.S., often called the Big Five, are American, Continental, Delta (includes Northwest since the 2008 merger), United, and US Airways. Today, general aviation remains one of the most popular modes of transportation, which translates into a lucrative career for you if you attend aviation schools.

Those who will thrive in an aviation career are typically those who excel in science and math, are open to change, like to travel, are in good physical condition, can multitask, possess customer service skills, are self-motivated, have plenty of patience, are detail-oriented, and are able to perform under pressure. Don't worry - if you don't already possess these skills, aviation schools can help you hone them.

"Given to Fly"
Before you embark on an aviation career, remember that employers prefer to hire graduates of aviation schools. Training at aviation schools may consist of courses such as general aviation and aeronautics, aircraft electrical systems theory, airframe structures and applications, powerplant theory and applications, aviation maintenance, avionics technology, college math for aviation, and other core general education requirements.

There are about 600 aviation schools approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that your career in the sky is as responsible as it is fun. After all, in order to really make the most of your upward vision, you'll need to develop particular skills such as calculating distances, charting courses, and operating computers, as well as interpersonal skills like being able to address passengers and manage staff. You'll need to acquire the sort of intuition that will become second nature once you're ready to perform under pressure, whether it be alerting pilots to changing conditions, modifying the route mid-flight, or dealing with unexpected complications onboard the plane itself. Of course, once all that is under your aviator cap, you can sit back and enjoy the flight.

"Fly Away"
According to the BLS, the general aviation industry provided 487,000 wage and salary jobs in 2006. Most professionals with aviation training work at large airports near cities that serve as hubs for the major airlines. And although pilots and flight attendants are the most visible occupations in this industry, nearly 44 percent of all general aviation employees work on the ground as aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians, aircraft cleaners, reservation and transportation ticket agents, airplane cargo agents, or baggage handlers.

Aside from an excellent salary, pursuing an aviation career after graduating from aviation schools offers unique benefits. When flight personnel are working away from home, airlines provide hotel accommodations, transportation, and an allowance for meals and expenses. Plus, most airlines offer free or discounted transportation for employees and their families.

If you have a penchant for flight, aviation schools can take you under their wings. And that's something worth singing about.