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Career in Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical Engineering is one of the most challenging fields of engineering with a wide scope for growth. This field deals new technology in the field of aviation, space exploration and defence systems. It specialises in the designing, construction, development, testing, operation and maintenance  aircraft, spacecrafts, satellites and their components as well as missiles.
As Aerospace engineering deals with the design, construction, development, testing and manufacture of aircrafts, spacecrafts, missiles, military planes, space shuttles, satellites and hovercrafts—in other words, vehicles that are meant for atmospheric and space environments of very high technology systems, the job requires manual, technical as well as mechanical aptitude .
Aerospace engineers use advanced education and experience in mechanical, electrical, materials or computer engineering disciplines to plan and construct spacecraft and aircraft. When dealing with spacecraft, these professionals are called astronautically engineers. Those who focus on aircraft are called aeronautical engineers. Most aeronautical engineers concentrate on single areas of the field, such as-

  • Propulsion
  • Avionics
  • Aerodynamics
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Structural Analysis
  • Materials Science
  • Manufacturing
  • Noise Control
  • Control Engineering

They may be involved in research, planning, testing, production or analysis within any of these areas.
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 .

Job Prospectus
Aeronautical Engineers work with one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. The main thrust in this area is on 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.
Job opportunities for an Aeronautical Engineer in India, lies with various
private airlines like:

  • Air India
  • Indian Airlines
  • Jet Airways
  • Indigo airlines
  • Spice Jet
  • KingFisher

You could work in one of the prestigious government owned enterprises like:

  • ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
  • DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
  • HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.)
  • NAL (National Aeronautics Labs)

The Defence services and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also happen to be two major employers. Initially, candidates begin work as graduate engineer trainees or junior Engineers. Keeping in view their performance, academic background and aptitude, they 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. They have to clear departmental examinations for further promotions. 

Eligibility For Undergraduates

  • Age- between 16-23 years.
  • The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) and must have a fairly high percentage of marks in the aggregate. One must qualify the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or examination conducted by (IIT) in order to get admission in B. Tech or B.E degree in aeronautical engineering in one of the IITs.

Eligibility For Graduates

  • Minimum age requirement is 16 years. However, upper age limit is relaxed for graduates and diploma holders in science.
  • Graduates in any subject of science require post graduation degree/ diploma in aeronautical engineering is must. Further studies up to PhD in aeronautical engineering is also an option.

Note- Both graduates and undergraduates become eligible only when they have good physical and mental health. However, candidates with little difference in their vision are also eligible but normal color vision is required. Candidates should not have any serious physical or mental ailment

Remuneration
Aeronautical engineering has become a highly paid and prestigious career option. Although salary of most aeronautical engineers depends on their academic excellence and individual skills, but the average start up pay in this field is much higher than other engineering fields.
Salary and perks are better in the private sector than in the government sector. The approximate starting salaries in the government/public sectors, such as HAL and NAL, are Rs. 30,000/- to Rs. 40,000/- per month. Those working in research organizations, like ISRO and DRDO, get paid a monthly remuneration of Rs. 35,000/- to Rs. 45,000/-. Engineering graduates with management degrees are absorbed at starting salaries of around Rs. 40,000/- to Rs. 50,000/- per month plus perks. The salaries increase based on their performance and experience.

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