Analyzing Aeronautical Engineering as a course and career option

Only few educational courses have the charm and allure that aeronautical engineering has. Though many people wish to take it up as a course, there is still limited information regarding the study of aeronautics and the related career prospects. Here is a brief discussion on the same. 

What is aeronautical engineering?

Aeronautical engineering, also known as aerospace engineering, is a division of engineering that concentrates on the field of aviation, space explorations and defence systems. It is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, construction, operation, testing and maintenance of commercial and military aircrafts, spacecrafts and their components.

It is not a single course

Though there is a common misconception that aeronautical engineering is a single course related to flights, it is in fact a general classification of courses related to aircrafts. The focus and specialisations vary based on what the student wants to pursue further. Aircraft Engineering courses offer even more options to choose from.

The spectrum covered by aeronautical engineering

Aeronautical engineering covers a wide, in depth range of specialisation fields that include electronic systems, transportation systems, aircraft structures and materials, structural analysis, ground vehicle systems, structural design and engineering, and navigational guidance and control systems.

Aeronautics is not only about aircrafts

The common assumption is that the course deals with the design and development of aircrafts. But aeronautical engineering is that and more. It deals with the development and testing of missiles, satellites and other aeronautical systems. And based on the specialization preferred, the career options will vary.

Eligibility and course duration

The undergraduate courses in aeronautical engineering require a pass in higher secondary school certificate examination in the science stream, with mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology as primary subjects. The duration of this course is 4 years

The postgraduate courses require a bachelor degree in the same or equivalent branches in engineering. This course lasts 2 years.

Job and career options

Aeronautical engineers have many exciting job prospects, the most popular of them in aviation companies like Boeing and Airbus. The major employer of aeronautical engineers in India is the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) closely followed by the Defense Ministry.

There are many other job options with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Defense Research and Development Laboratories (DRDO), the Civil Aviation Department and the National Aeronautical Laboratory.

Job profiles for aeronautical engineers

Aeronautical engineers can be employed as Graduate Engineer trainees, Design Engineers (Thermal and Mechanical), Design Checker, Assistant Aircraft Engineers, and aerospace designer checkers.

Remuneration

The aeronautical engineers in the government sectors are played based on the official scales based on their education and experience, in addition to their job profile. The private sector pays about 15000 INR per month with perks. The pay scale varies for each company, often going higher than this basic amount. Additional degrees and completion of post graduation will earn a higher salary.

Star Aviation Academy and Aeronautics
Star Aviation Academy is one of the leading academies to provide aeronautics as a course. Approved by the DGCA, the academy offers the course and its associated specializations.