Aeronautical engineering is one of the most challenging branches of engineering. It has a wide scope of growth in the field of engineering. This field is concerned mostly with the technical as well as the mechanisms of the flying aircrafts. This is an emerging field. This field deals with the development of new technologies in aviation and defence systems. This field mainly consists of the construction, designing, working, testing, operation, maintenance of the space craft’s, satellites, missiles, space vehicles, etc.
Qualifications and eligibility criteria
Engineering employers typically seek graduates with an M.Eng in relevant engineering disciplines (such as aerospace, electronics, mechanical, software and materials). Relevant work experience is widely valued by employers. Vacation placements and sandwich/placement years are often used by employers to identify graduate recruits, and graduates with postgraduate research qualifications may earn higher starting salaries.
To achieve chartered status (CEng) graduates with an MEng require around four years’ vocational training with an accredited employer to demonstrate professional competencies. They also need to complete a professional review. Employers are typically very supportive of developing their engineers’ skills, and may fund further professional and technical training with relevant engineering and higher education institutions.
Entry into the profession is also possible through apprenticeships, which are typically offered by larger firms. These offer the opportunity to develop hands-on knowledge of aeronautical engineering, with employers sometimes sponsoring a subsequent university course in the subject.
Skills for aeronautical engineers
The work environment is multidisciplinary. Therefore, a clear understanding of how aerospace engineering interrelates with other engineering disciplines is essential. Given the frequency of international partnerships in the development of new technologies and products, language skills are useful and the ability to work as part of a team is crucial. Also vital are:
- Strong mathematical, analytical and problem solving skills
- Technical expertise
- Creativity and innovative thinking
- Attention to detail
- A strong awareness of safety issues
- Communication skills, both verbal and written
- Project and time management skills
- Commitment to keeping up to date with technical developments
PG Courses
- Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Aerospace Engineering
- Master of Engineering (M.E) in Aeronautical Engineering
- MBA option: For this, students will have to appear for the entrance examinations like GATE, CAT, MAT, TANCET, etc.
Colleges offering courses in Aeronautical Engineering
- Indian Institute of Technology
- Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences, Coimbatore.
- Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Dehradun
- Bangalore Institute of Aeronautical Engineering and Information Technology, Bangalore
- School of Aviation Science and Technology, Delhi Flying Club, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi
- Hindustan Institute of Engineering Technology, Chennai
- Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences, Coimbatore.
Career opportunities
There are a lot of opportunities in the government organizations also for these candidates. Here are the places of work for aeronautical engineering graduates:
- Civil Aviation Department
- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Aviation industry
- National Aeronautical Laboratory
- Defence Ministry
- Air India
- Aeronautical Development Establishment
- Aircraft Manufacturers
- Civil Aviation Department
- Defence Research And Development Laboratories
- Flying Clubs
- Helicopter Corporation of India
- Indian Airlines
- Government Owned Air Service
- National Aeronautical Lab (NAL)
They can get jobs in the field of testing, designing, etc. Apart from these, students can appear for many exams like bank clerical and probationary officers’ exams, IES exams, etc. The candidates can also appear for various tests conducted by navy, army, etc. The candidates can also appear for the exams conducted by ISRO. If the candidates are interested, they can also shine in the field of teaching after the completion of their master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
Private jobs for Aeronautical Engg Graduates
There are many private firms which offer jobs for these graduates. They can get various jobs in the private airlines such as
- Jet Airways
- Kingfisher Airlines
- Spice Jet, etc.
Many jobs are available in the air services also like development, research, maintenance, etc.
Career opportunities abroad
Many foreign countries are in need of these professionals. The experienced candidates can get job offers in NASA and R&D departments.
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