Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering is one which is most interesting and
challenging field with a wide scope for growth. The Aeronautical field comprises of
development of new technology in the field of aviation, space exploration and
defence systems and it specialises 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. The engineer
in this specialty needs good knowledge manually, technically as well as
mechanically as it involve high technology systems. As it’s a team work, the
engineer needs the supervision of senior engineers, bringing together their skills
and technical expertise.
The specialisations includes in 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.
Eligibility For Aeronautical Engineering Career
A graduate degree (B.E/B.Tech.) or at least a diploma in Aeronautics. The degree
and postgraduate degree courses are offered by the engineering colleges and
Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the diploma courses are available at
polytechnics. The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech is 10+2 or equivalent
examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and must have a fairly high
percentage of marks in the aggregate. Also must pass the qualifying exam JEE
(Joint Entrance Exam) conducted by the IIT.
Job Prospects & Career Options For Aeronautical Engineering Career
- Design and Development of aircrafts to space and satellite research.
- Jobs are available with the national, international, public and private Airline
Services as well as aircraft-manufacturing units. Jobs with various airlines
like Air India, Indian Airlines, Helicopter Corporation of India and 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 other employers are Defence services and Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO). Based on the performance, academic background and
aptitude, the candidates are placed for training in the aircraft
maintenance/overhaul or support section. On completion of training they are
placed as assistant aircraft engineers or assistant technical officers.
- Up on clearing the departmental examinations, promotions can be met.
They may advance to administrative or executive positions or become
consultants. Aeronautical engineers are assisted by aircraft mechanics in
maintenance of aircraft frame, engine, electrical system and other ancillary
fittings.
