Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering Inside-Out

About Aeronautical Engineering:

Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering is one of the most challenging fields of engineering with a wide scope for growth. This field deals with the development of new technology in the field of aviation, space exploration and defense systems. It specializes in the designing, construction, development, testing, operation and maintenance of both commercial and military aircraft, spacecrafts and their components as well as satellites and missiles.

As Aerospace engineering involves design and manufacture of very high technology systems, the job requires manual, technical as well as mechanical aptitude. Aeronautical engineer's 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. One needs to be alert, have an eye for detail and should have a high level of mathematical precision to be successful.

The specializations includes areas like structural design, navigational guidance and control systems, instrumentation and communication or production methods or it can be in a particular product such as military aircrafts, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets etc. Engineers may work in areas like design, development, maintenance as well as in the managerial and teaching posts in institutes. They find a very good demand in airlines, aircraft manufacturing units, air turbine production plants or design development programmes for the aviation industry. Aerospace environment is sophisticated with rewarding career opportunities involving leading-edge technology. 

Specialization:

• Aerodynamics
• Dynamics & Control
• Aerospace Propulsion
• Aerospace Structures
• Systems Design and Engineering 

Will The Course Suit Me?

• Aerospace Engineers also should possess the following skills:
• Mathematics
• Communication skills
• Inventiveness
• Creativity
• Organizational skills
• Other similar traits 

What Does an Aeronautical Engineer do?

An aeronautical engineer designs aircrafts, air control systems, propulsion systems, flight simulators, communications systems and other structures related to aviation while overseeing their development and manufacture. Typical job duties for an aeronautical engineer include creating prototypes and models for new aircrafts, designing test procedures, conducting tests on the prototype and then modifying his or her design based on the results. Aeronautical engineers make use of wind tunnels, computer visualization software and mathematical equations to test their models for performance, safety and efficacy.

Work Prospects:

• Job opportunities for an Aeronautical Engineer in India, lies with
• Various airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Helicopter Corporation of India, flying clubs, private airlines and government owned air service and aircraft manufacturers like the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) with its factories at Bangalore, Nashik, Koraput, Kanpur etc. 
• Defense Research and Development Laboratories, National Aeronautical Lab (NAL), Aeronautical Development Establishment, Civil Aviation Department etc. 
• The Defense services and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) also happen to be two major employers.

Scope of Aeronautical Engineering:

Scope in India: 

In India aeronautical engineers are mostly employed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) and the Defense Ministry. One can also look for jobs available with the Civil Aviation Department, National Aeronautical Laboratory, Defense Research and Development Laboratories (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). 

Scope Abroad:

A lot of job opportunities for aeronautical engineers are also available in countries like United States of America, France, UK and Germany. Therefore, aeronautical engineers from India as well as from all other parts of the world flock to these countries. A good percentage of Indians constitute the work force of engineers and technical professionals in NASA.