Aeronautical Engineer (Aerospace Engineer) is professional who apply scientific and technological principles to research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of civil and military aircraft, missiles, weapons systems, satellites and space vehicles. He also works on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems.
Aeronautical Engineer Eligibility
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed B.E. / B.Tech. Aerospace Engineering with at least 60 % of marks. They must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at class 12th level.
Other Eligibility Conditions
Physical fitness and good eyesight are also mandatory.
Aeronautical Engineer Required Skills
- Aeronautical Engineers should have good mathematical and logical skills; must be physically fit and have a normal colour vision.
- They also need to be good at organising, working in teams of cross-sectional skills and as such be able to get on well with people at all levels.
- Applicants should be able to keep calm under pressure and be a problem solver; like working with tools, drawing complex sketches and thinking up forms and structures.
- They are also required to constantly update themselves with the latest innovations and technologies.
- Aeronautical Engineers also have the ability to express their own ideas clearly to others; also be creative and analytical with an eye for detail.
- They should also develop good problem-solving skills; have excellent mathematical precision, design skills, computer skills, and communication skills.
- They should also be able to apply the principles of science and technology to create aircraft, components and support equipment.
- Candidates must also be able to resolve issues that arise during the design, development and testing processes.
How to become an Aeronautical Engineer?
For becoming an Aeronautical Engineer one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After completing their 12 class in science, they pass B.E. / B.Tech. Aeronautical, Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, etc. There are many colleges in the country that offer this type of degree and diploma courses in aeronautical engineering. Diploma holders in aircraft maintenance engineering can acquire degrees on clearing the exams of the Aeronautical Society of India.
Step 2
After graduation, they could pursue an M.Tech. or PhD in Aeronautics. Aeronautical Engineering can be pursued offering the mechanical and electronics branches as specialised areas of study.
The minimum requirement for sitting in the entrance test of the colleges is science subjects (physics, mathematics) at the 12th stage. Admission to IIT is by the Joint Entrance Test (JEE-Main). During the course, they have to study subjects like principles of flight, aerodynamics, aircraft structure, propulsion, avionics, electronics, metrology, as well as airworthiness regulations and air traffic control. After passing the course, they have to choose an area of specialisation namely, Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Structures, Navigation and Control, Instrumentation and Communication, etc.
Institutes offering Courses for Aeronautical Engineer
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
- Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Dehradun
- Indian Institute of Technology - IIT Bombay, Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Technology - IIT Kanpur, Kanpur
- Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Aeronautical Engineer Job Description
Aerospace Engineers work in one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. Many engineers specialise in a particular area such as propulsion, avionics, systems integration, aerodynamics or materials and structures. Besides this, they are also involved in researching new materials, engines, body shapes and structures. This job is not just about science, it is also about creativity. They not only give wings to their imagination but also make it fly.
Aeronautical Engineer Career Prospects
- An Aeronautical Engineer can design, test and contribute to the development of advanced technologies in the field of defence and space science.
- They have good scope in India as they are mostly employed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) and the Defence Ministry.
- Applicants can also look for jobs available with the Civil Aviation Department, National Aeronautical Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Laboratories (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- There are many job opportunities for aeronautical engineers in countries like the United States of America, France, UK and Germany. A good percentage of Indians constitute the workforce of engineers and technical professionals in NASA.
- Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineers could also work for airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways etc.
Aeronautical Engineer Salary
Aeronautical Engineers can earn a good salary, as a trainee, they will earn about Rs.35,000 or more per month into airlines. Research organisations, aircraft developing and manufacturing organisations and others pay around Rs.40,000 per month.
After a couple of year experience, they can easily get around Rs.80,000 a month along with all the added benefits reserved for government servants.
