Career in Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering is the science or art which is involved with the study, design and manufacturing of air flight-capable machines, and the techniques of operating aircraft and rockets. It is one of the most challenge fields of engineering with a wide scope for growth. The fields deals with the development of new technology in the field of aviation, space exploration and defence systems. It specializes in the designing, Construction, development, testing, operation and maintenance of both commercial and military aircraft, spacecraft and their components as well as satellites and missiles.

This branch mainly deals with the technology, business and other aspects related to aircraft. One of the significant parts in aeronautical engineering is a branch of physical science called aero dynamics. It deals with motion of air and the way in which it interact with object in motion, such as an aircraft.
Aeronautical engineering is a part of the Aerospace Engineering, while Astronautical Engineering another branch of the core fields, deals with space crafts operating outside the atmosphere of Earth.

As Aerospace engineering involves design and manufacture of very heigh technology systems, the job requires manual, technical as well as mechanical aptitude. Aeronautical engineers usually work in teams under the supervision of senior engineers, bringing together their skills and technical expertise. Though highly paid, the work is very demanding. An aeronautical engineer needs to be physically fit and fully dedicated to his work. To be a successful Aeronautics engineer, you need to be alert, have an eye for detail and a high level of mathematical precision.

The Specialization in this field includes:

·         Structural design
·         Navigational guidance and control systems
·         Instrumentation and communication
·     Production methods, or it can be in a particular product such as military aircraft, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets etc…

Eligibility

The basic eligibility criteria for a BE /B.Tech is 10 +2 or equivalent examination, with physics, chemistry and Mathematics with a high percentage of mark in the aggregate. One can purse B.Tech / B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering or a diploma in Aeronautics. The degree and postgraduate’s degree courses are offered by the engineering colleges and Institute of Technology (IITs), and the diploma courses are available at polytechnics. Selection to the graduate courses (BE / B.Tech) is based on merit.

After pursing B.Tech/BE in Aeronautical Engineering, student can purse M.Tech/MS in the following specializations.
·         Aeronautical Engineering
·         Aerospace Engineering
·         Master of Engineering – Avionics
·         Master of Engineering – Aeronautical Engineering
·         Phd program in aeronautical engineering
·         Aerodynamics
·         Dynamics and Control
·         Aerospace Propulsion

Duration:

The duration of the bachelors degree programme, B.Tech/BE, is four years, while diploma courses are of 2-3 years duration. The M.Tech / MS is typically for two years.

Job Roles:

The job profiles which are commonly offered to the aeronautical engineers are as follows:
·         Aerospace Design Checker
·         Aircraft Engineers
·         Aircraft Production Manager
·         Thermal Design Engineer
·       Research & Development – Those interested in R&D can design a satellite launcher, test the latest environment-friendly turbine or create the latest fighter plane as part of the production team.