- You will need organisational skills to plan your own time and to co-ordinate resources. Willingness to take on responsibility and to lead and motivate others is essential.
- Engineers must have good information skills because a lot of engineering work involved computers
- You should be willing to keep up-to-date- with advances in technology in this fast changing field
Range of duties
- Aeronautical engineers apply the principle of science and their knowledge of aerodynamics, avionics and mechanical engineering to research, design, construct and maintain all types of aircrafts, missiles, radar and space vehicles.
- In research work, aeronautical engineers solve problems by finding new or improved ways to do things. There are two main types of research work: Blue Sky Research or Applied Research.
- Blue Sky Research is pure research, which usually takes place in a controlled environment, for example, a university research centre.
- In Applied Research, aeronautical engineers use their knowledge to solve a particular. They may be trying to improve safety, or reduce fuel consumption, noise and air pollution. Aeronautical engineers may do this work in industry or in university research centres
- Aeronautical Engineers who specialise in design may be working on anything from a small part of an aircraft engine. The often use computer-aided design (CAD) technology, which allows them to create a computer model of the part. Engineers can use the computer model to calculate the weight of parts and the loads they must bear. Designing an aircraft, missile, or satellite is a whole team effort, which brings together each individuals Engineer’s skills and expertise.
- Some Aeronautical Engineers oversee manufacturing and production work,. They plan and put into practice productions processes, taking into account factors such as quality, safety and efficiency. They may supervise teams of engineering technicians as they assemble or modify parts. Aeronautical Engineers may be responsible for meetings deadlines and ensuring that the work is completed within its budget.
- Aeronautical Engineers may also monitor and supervise aircrafts maintenance teams, ensuring that aircrafts are safe and working fully.
Entry routs/ training
Aeronautical Engineers normally completes an appropriate accredited engineering degree or HND. Relevant course titles include aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Systems Engineering, Aerospace Maintenance Engineering and Aerospace Studies: Mechanical.
You may also be able to take a foundations degree (titles include aircraft, aeronautical and aerospace engineering)
It is essential to consult prospectuses to make sure that course you choose is appropriate to the branch of engineering you want to follow. Many graduates go on to join manufacturers’ Graduate Training Schemes, which offer structured training and learning.
Depending on their level of entry, aeronautical engineers can gain Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer status. Both are highly regarded by employers throughout industry.
To register with the Engineering Council as a Charetered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng), you must first become a member of one of the Council’s nominated engineering institutions.
The usual route to CEng status is to complete an accredited four- year honours degree in engineering (MEng). Another way is to complete a three-year BEng (hons) with a ‘Matching Section’ equivalent to one year’s further learning. Mathcing Sections take a number of forms, including ful- and part time postgraduate courses, distance learning and work-based learning
The usual route to IEng status is to complete an accredited three-yea IEng
Degree. Another way is to complete a two-year, full-time or three-year sandwich Edexcel (BTEC) HND, with a Matching Section equivalent to a further year of study.
After gaining your degree of HND, you will undergo Initial Professional Development (IPD). This involves two to four years of appropriate training and responsible experience in the workplace, followed by a professional review with interview to assess your competence and your commitment to the countinuded professional Development (CPD). You must be at least 25 years old to register as a CEng and 23 to register as an IEng.
An alternate route to the Academic Standard for Chartered Engineers is the Engineering Council Examinations. This is for people whose circumstances prevents them from taking an accredited degree, those who have non-accredited degrees and for people from overseas who want to obtain a recognised British engineering qualification.
Pay/ Opportunities
Salaries vary depending on the company and leve of responsibility. Aeronautical Engineers earn in the range of £17,420 - £21,476 a year, rising to around £27,404 - £33,904. higher earners make around $41,964 a year.
Most Aeronautical Engineers work around 35 – 40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, you may need to start early, finish late or do some weekend work, especially as deadlines approach.
Employers are aircraft manufacturers, airlines, the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence. Some Aeronautical Engineers apply their knowledge of Aeronautical in other areas, for example, in companies that make vehicles such as cares, trains and hovercrafts. You can also work in the communication industry, dealing with satellites, or in construction, dealing with high, winds blown structures.
Contacts
EMTA, Engineering Careers Information Service (ECIS), Emta House, 14 Upton Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0JT. (Freephone: 0800 282167)]
Telephone : 01923 238441
Email:
Website: www. Enginuity.org.uk
Employer
Engineering and Physicals Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET (Award)
Telephone : 01793 444100
Email:
Website: www. epsrc.ac.uk
