Airport Intern

The Manassas Regional Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A department of the City of Manassas, the Airport supports over 100,000 annual operations and is home to over 400 based aircraft. The Airport contributes over $375 million to local economy and generates over 1,300 jobs. Manassas is currently transitioning into a commercial service airport which will provide additional services and scheduled flights to the Washington DC area starting in 2027. 

The Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) is offering a summer Airport Management Internship. This program is a twelve (12) week, temporary position, that consists of on-the-job training and special projects as assigned by the Airport Director and Airport Operations Supervisor. Duties include aiding and assisting in daily airfield operations, airport development, and the maintenance of airport facilities. Responsibilities include accurate and timely completion of assigned tasks involving written and oral reports relating to the examination, analysis, and assessment of all aspects concerning management in aviation.  This internship will provide exposure to various departments within the Manassas Regional Airport: Airport Administration, Airport Operations, Airport Security, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting, and Airport Maintenance. 

Start date for this internship will be May 18, 2026.

 

The purpose of the Airport Management Internship is to train the intern to become a qualified employee in the aviation industry.  Through the use of practical employment, supportive training programs, and an experienced staff, the program will help develop an understanding of the functions of a general aviation (GA) airport and the process of becoming a FAR Part 139 certificated airport. 

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM 

The Manassas Regional Airport’s internship can be one of the most beneficial additions to a college education and career pursuit, offering several major benefits:

• Practical, hands-on experience - a necessity in today’s job market;
• An understanding and appreciation of the internal workings of a large general aviation airport;
• The opportunity to make many valuable contacts in the aviation industry;
• Potential college credit during your internship (check with your college or university to see if this program qualifies);
• Great pay – $15.00 per hour, 40 hours per week
• Free Housing – Assistance will be provided in the form of a taxable stipend

Note: Interns do not receive benefits such as paid holidays, medical coverage, earned vacation, or sick leave. Work schedule will be 40 hours a week during the summer.

AREAS OF STUDY 
Experience is the single most valuable asset to be acquired during an internship. At the Manassas Regional Airport, experience is guaranteed.  During your internship you will become familiar with:
 

• Air Traffic Control Procedures (Tours of FAA, ATCT & TRACON) 
• Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
• Airfield/Apron Inspections
• Airport Commission & City Council Meetings
• Construction Management
• Emergency Response Coordination
• FAA Airport District Office (ADO) & Virginia Department of Aviation 
• Government, Tenant and Public Relations
• Grant Administration
• Maintenance Procedures
• Noise Abatement Practices
• NOTAM Generation
• NIMS Certification
• Part 139 Compliance
• Security Procedures and TSA 1540
• Snow Plan Operations
• Tour and Discussion with Airport Engineering Firms
• Wildlife Management 

AIRPORT SUMMER PROJECTS 

• Airfield and Security Lighting Upgrades
• Airfield Crack Sealing and Marking
• Airspace Obstruction Removal
• Safety Management System (SMS) Planning
• Stormwater Outfall Repair and Replacement

HOUSING

Housing assistance is included with the internship form of a taxable stipend. The selected applicant must choose where to live and will receive a stipend that will be paid with each submission of applicable receipts. They will need to provide proof of a qualifying expense for reimbursement.

Like the aviation industry itself, this internship emphasizes self-motivation and flexibility. It calls on those individuals who can be courageous in the face of adversity and unyielding in the face of change to meet the challenges of the future. 
 
Qualifications: 

• Must be at least 18 years old by the start of the internship;
• Minimum of a Junior or Senior status in an accredited aviation administration/management college program;
• Valid driver’s license;
• General knowledge of purpose and activity of airports;
• General knowledge of FAR’s pertaining to airport and airfield operations; 
• Must be able to pass an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check and DHS Security Threat Assessment.
• Intern must be able to maintain an airport security identification badge at all times.
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills;
• Computer literacy:  Microsoft Office a minimum;
• Capability to fulfill the 40 hours/week stipulated in the internship program; 
• Overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

To be considered, complete the online application.  The application should include a resume, transcript, letters of recommendation, and an essay describing why you would like a career in airport management.  A complete application packet must include the following:
 

• Personalized Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial college or university transcript;
• Letter of recommendation from one (1) of your professors in the Aviation Department.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not include the above information will not be considered for the internship position.
 

Applications and all requested materials are due by close of business on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.    Start date for the internship will be on May 18, 2026.