Aeronautical Engineering

Industries in the Aeronautical sector have experienced a steady and rapid rise amongst several engineering branches owing to specialized yet lucrative career opportunities. With the induction of computer-aided design, advanced instrumentation and control engineering as well as exploration in space and beyond, Aeronautical Engineering offers something for everyone. Commercial aviation, defence systems, aircraft crash investigation and airport management are just a few of the sub-disciplines individuals can choose to venture into. In this blog, we will shed light on some key aspects pertaining to starting a career in this field but first, let us understand what this discipline entails. 

What is Aeronautical Engineering?

Concerning flying vehicles that do not cross the earth’s atmosphere, Aeronautical Engineering includes huge air carriers, lightweight helicopters, vehicles such as drones, missiles, aeroplanes (commercial and noncommercial), weapons systems and a host of diverse flying vehicles. This branch of engineering is concerned with designing, building, internal computing systems, aircraft maintenance engineering, navigation, safety measures, etc. Students pursuing it learn the mechanics of how an aircraft works through theoretical and practical training in topics such as heat and combustion, propulsion, aircraft structure, aerodynamics, flight mechanics and so forth. 

Related Articles: BBA in Airport Management, MBA in Airport Management

Why Pursue Aeronautical Engineering?

Aeronautical Engineering, contrary to popularly held belief is not just limited to technical disciplines of aircraft design maintenance but is also currently being connected with areas such as aviation law and regulations, supply chain, human resource management, behavioural psychology, and even environment and journalism. It offers ample opportunities for individuals to experience the workings of a seemingly ever-growing industry. Extending from the aircraft-making companies like Boeing and Airbus, options can also be explored in the automobile, defence, and consulting sectors. Thus making it a versatile yet lucrative career pathway.

Skills Required

To excel in the Aeronautical Engineering industry, one needs a healthy mix of both technical expertise along with an introductory knowledge or learning appetite to manage various aspects of business such as strategy, growth, operations as well as marketing and cost. Further, internships, projects, assistantships, programming languages, etc are highly valued and show the person’s commitment and desire. Here are a few career skills you must build to land your dream job.

• Problem Solving
• Quick Decision Making
• Critical Analysis
• Expert Mathematical Aptitude
• Time Management
• Computer Tools
• Verbal & Written Communication Skills
• Multiple Languages [preferred]
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Cooperation

Aeronautical Engineering vs Aerospace Engineering

Used interchangeably, Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering have slight differences when looked at deeply. The latter is a broader discipline that includes both Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering signifying earth and space. While aerospace itself can be said to be part of Mechanical Engineering, it currently draws inspiration from robotics, computer science, and system design amongst others. As discussed, the field of Aeronautics deals with aircraft that fly within Earth’s atmosphere while Astronautical Engineering limits itself to aircraft structures in space and involves advanced study of spacecraft mechanics, spacecraft design, jet propulsion, orbital materials, etc. However, a considerable number of topics overlap with both disciplines in equal parts.

Also Read: Aerospace Engineering Colleges

Aeronautical Engineering Courses

Coming to the degree programs, the course offerings range from bachelor to doctorate level along with a host of short term courses such as certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas in specific niches like Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering. Read on to know more about the course pathways you can explore in this domain: 

• Undergraduate Courses [3-4 years]: A bachelor’s program is typically offered as B Tech Degree, BSc Aeronautics or BEng in Aeronautical Engineering. These courses aim to build a solid foundation of basic engineering theories as well as introducing students to concepts of aircraft design, its internal systems and maintenance, amongst others. 

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have studied science-related subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, etc at the higher secondary level from a recognized institute.

• Postgraduate Courses: Delving deeper into advanced concepts related to the field such as fluid mechanics, programming, green aviation, applied aerodynamics, aircraft performance, compressive flow, the Aeronautical Engineering subjects at master’s level impart a mix of theoretical, practical and professional elements. Students are encouraged to pursue research projects under professors, industrial trainings, seminars, work placements, etc.

Eligibility Criteria: For entry into master’s STEM courses, in general, individuals are required to possess an undergraduate degree in aeronautics-related field or science background. However, institutes also value a few years of experience at research or professional levels.

• Doctoral Courses: Extending into core research and inquiry of contemporary Aeronautical Engineering issues, doctoral courses provide individuals the opportunity to dive into great detail. Usually carried out under a professor/supervisor, an MPhil, PhD or Postdoctoral courses pave the way for a bright career in research. 

• More Options: Apart from the above mentioned Aeronautical Engineering study programs, individuals can also explore dual and joint degree combinations of bachelor, masters and PhD degrees. While joint degrees are offered with multiple universities, dual degrees, on the other hand, integrate two or more disciplines such as a BTech in engineering and management. Further options of Integrated PhD, PhD after BTech are always open.

Aeronautical Engineering Subject

Application Requirements

• In order to study Aeronautical Engineering at these universities, candidates are required to submit an online application within the deadlines of the cycle of admission.
• Further, the application procedure may include proof of completion of prior degrees like official transcripts and degree, scores of GRE/GMAT and IELTS/TOEFL,  statement of purpose [SOP], two or three letters of recommendation [LOR] and CV.
• Institutions may add other requirements for instance, Research Proposal depending on the structure and build of the program. 

Aeronautical Engineering Colleges Abroad

Aeronautical Engineering colleges in the USA have established themselves as the gold standard not only in terms of career prospects but also when it comes to curriculum, renowned faculty and so forth. However, emerging options in locations like the UK, Australia, and Canada have also been recognized for their efforts by the Times Higher Education and other rating agencies. Given below are some of the names you must consider:

Aeronautical Engineering in India 

Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India

Related Articles: Aeronautical Engineering in Canada

Aeronautical Engineering Jobs

As mentioned above, a degree in Aeronautical Engineering gears you up for a career in an array of industries across various levels. While a bachelor’s or master’s level course is considered apt for professional as well as research oriented-pathways, short term courses aid in fast-track career development in a particular subdivision and is largely skill-based. Glance over the few options mentioned below that you can explore:

• Research Assistant
• Lecturer/Professor
• Aircraft Technician
• Aerospace Medicine Expert
• Aircrash Investigation Expert
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
• Technical Officer
• Aircraft Design Engineer
• Quality Assurance Engineer
• Airworthiness Engineer
• Aerodynamicist
• Structures and Materials Engineer
• Acoustic Experts
• Stress Analyst

Aeronautical Engineering Top Recruiters

Some of the top hirers are listed below: 

Aeronautical Engineering Salary in India

For clarification on the salary structure candidate can refer to the table below:

Aeronautical Engineering Books

• The Development of Jet and Turbine Aero Engines by Bill Gunston
• Fundamentals of Aerodynamics By John Anderson
• Russian Piston Aero Engines by Victor Kotelnikov
• Aircraft Performance and Design by John Anderson
• Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach (AIAA Education Series) by Daniel Raymer
• Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Propulsion by Philip G. Hill and Carl Peterson
• Dynamics of Atmospheric Flight by Bernard Etkin
• Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students by T.H.G. Megson
• Aeronautical Engineer’s Data Book by Cliff Matthews
•  Aircraft Engineering Principles by Lloyd Dingle and Mike Tooley
• Aerodynamics for Engineers By John J Bertin, Russell M. Cummings

FAQs

Individuals can later choose to pursue a degree in management, for instance, an MBA or Master of Engineering Management to open up opportunities into senior-level executive roles.

We hope this blog has proved successful in putting out, in a clear and concise manner, the important as well as lesser-known elements related to Aeronautical Engineering. Needless to say, choosing a field based on your strong points is an extremely vital part of career-making. At Leverage Edu, through our AI tool as well as a team of experienced counsellors and mentors, we aim to provide you with all the necessary information, support and guidance so that you can take an important step towards a rewarding career.

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