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Flight Communications Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communications Specialist

Boise, ID · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Life Flight Network is one of the most prominent not-for-profit air ambulance organizations. As the ... The Communication Specialist is responsible for receiving, coordinating and following through to ...

Communications Specialist

Lexington, KY · On-site

$53K - $70K/yr

Communications Specialist - Lexington, Kentucky Join our life-saving team and take advantage of ... Must also perform constant flight following procedures with all aircraft during missions according ...

Communications Specialist

Lexington, KY · On-site

$53K - $70K/yr

Communications Specialist - Lexington, Kentucky Join our life-saving team and take advantage of ... Must also perform constant flight following procedures with all aircraft during missions according ...

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Flight Communications Specialist information

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$31K

$67K

$111.5K

How much do flight communications specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight communications specialist in the United States is $67,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight communications specialist?

Flight Communications Specialists are professionals responsible for managing and coordinating communication between aircraft and ground control stations. They ensure clear and accurate transmission of information related to flight operations, weather conditions, and emergency procedures. Their role is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency during flights, as they relay important messages to pilots and other aviation personnel. Flight Communications Specialists often work in control centers or airports, using advanced radio and telecommunication systems.

How does a flight communications specialist typically interact with pilots and air traffic controllers during a shift?

Flight Communications Specialists play a key role in relaying critical information between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground staff. They monitor multiple communication channels, ensuring that flight crews receive timely updates on weather, routing, and emergency procedures. Collaboration is essential—specialists must remain alert and responsive, often coordinating with colleagues to manage high volumes of traffic or unexpected situations. This teamwork ensures safe and efficient flight operations, especially during busy or adverse conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight communications specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Communications Specialist, you need a strong understanding of aviation communication protocols, radio operations, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with air traffic control systems, radio consoles, and specialized aviation communication equipment is often required, along with relevant certifications like FCC licensing. Exceptional attention to detail, multitasking abilities, and clear verbal communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient flow of information critical to flight operations and airspace safety.

What is the difference between Flight Communications Specialist vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectFlight Communications SpecialistAir Traffic Controller
Required CredentialsFCC license, aviation communication trainingFAA certification, radar operation training
Work EnvironmentAirports, airline operations centersControl towers, radar facilities
Employer & IndustryAirlines, aviation service providersFederal government, airports
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Flight Communications Specialists primarily handle communication between pilots and ground operations, focusing on airline and airport communication systems. Air Traffic Controllers manage aircraft movement in controlled airspace, ensuring safety and efficiency. While both roles require aviation communication skills and certifications, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly, with Flight Communications Specialists supporting airline operations and Air Traffic Controllers overseeing airspace traffic control.

What cities are hiring for Flight Communications Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Flight Communications Specialist job openings:

What states have the most Flight Communications Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flight Communications Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Flight Communications Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,006 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Flight Communications Specialist

Nashville, TN • On-site


Vanderbilt Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 256 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$51K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community ofindividuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniquenessis sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

LifeFlight AirCom

Job Summary:

The Flight Communication Specialist is responsible for notifying the pilot and flight team when transport has been requested; flight follows with each aircraft and relays information to the flight team during helicopter and/or fixed wing transport; coordinates communications among flight team, hospital, scene and hangar. The Communication Specialist is able to adapt to a rapidly changing high stress environment while multi-tasking in a timely manner. The Flight Communications Center is a 24-hour operation.
This position works 12-hour shifts (6a-6p or 6p-6a) and may vary based on staffing needs.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Monitors cameras at each air medical base and the VUH and Monroe Carell Jr. helipads.
  • Monitors flight route, weather, ETE, maps, scene location by longitude and latitude, etc.
  • Prioritize and disseminate accurate and pertinent information such as wind advisories and triaging helipads, to appropriate teams while keeping the safety of the crews and aircraft a top priority.
  • Communicates by radio with flight crews to follow flight progress and position of each aircraft.
  • Documents flight communications in dispatching software with accurate data entry.
  • Notifies all involved agencies to coordinate air transport.
  • Answers incoming telephone calls on a multi-line telephone system, radio communications system.
  • Contact other flight services if aircraft is unavailable to transport patients.
  • Coordinate when other flight services bring patients.
  • Must possess excellent customer service skills and have the ability to function calmly in a high-pressure situation, think clearly and logically, and make problem-solving decisions based on information given.
  • Responsible for assimilating various forms of information to make quality decisions while performing a wide range of specialized functions and complex communication services (e.g., requests for transport, assessment and triage of multiple incoming requests for transport, and radio communications with all airborne aircraft) for all transport modalities.
  • Maintain effective and comprehensive communication with crew members (medical and aviation) and aircraft utilizing a complex, statewide, multi-channeled radio system. Must also perform constant flight following procedures with all aircraft during missions according to FAA and Vanderbilt LifeFlight policies.
  • Accurately documents appropriate and detailed medical information pertaining to patient condition and all aspects of transport activity, which becomes a legal document.
  • Coordinates the details of medical transports by working with the aviation, medical and communications departments in conjunction with the requesting agency and other appropriate resources.
  • Accurately inputs all flight transport information into the network database with special regard to FAA Part 135 and Vanderbilt LifeFlight policies and procedures.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of FAA rules and regulations (pertaining to Part 135) and remains current and complies with all policies and procedures.
  • Implements proper procedures for notification of administration personnel and/or appropriate agencies in the event of incidents, accidents, or emergency situations involving personnel according to established policies and procedures.
  • Educate callers as to all aspects of services associated with air medical transport, (i.e., aircraft, medical crew, ground ambulance arrangements, etc.)
  • Assist Coding & Billing with follow-up on accounts as needed.
  • Receive incoming requests for transfer center support to include identification of receiving hospital, accepting physicians, etc. Coordinate all aspects of transfer center transports.
  • Maintain various statistical databases, spreadsheets, etc., for month-end reports, business development review, marketing analysis, etc.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.

These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.

Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.

Core Accountabilities:

* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Certified Flight Communicator - CommLink, LIC-Emergency Medical Technicians Basic - Licensure-Others

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

Less than 1 year

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.



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