About Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering
An Aeronautical Engineer commonly used to refer to aircraft engineers, is involved in the research, design, development, modification and maintenance of
the components and systems of all types of flight vehicles, these including but are not limited to:
- Military and civil aircrafts
- Helicopters
- Sail planes
- Airships
- Missiles
- Satellites
- Weapons systems
- Space vehicles
- Aeronautical components
- Associated systems
In South Africa the following Universities offer an undergraduate programme in Aeronautical Engineering:
Students looking to study in the aeronautical engineering field should also consider the Denel Technical Academy
who provide apprentice training, advance and type training for the engineering and aviation industry.
The Aeronautical Engineer also works on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems. Your role as an Aeronautical Engineer is focused on improving flight safety, fuel efficiency,
performance and optimise weight, as well as reducing system costs and using advancing technologies to meet design requirements.
Increasingly, the role addresses the environmental impact of air travel and
the creation of newer, safer and more energy-efficient, economical methods for travel.
Specialization
The Aeronautical Engineer is involved in all elements of the design process from the initial design stages to the testing of the components built. Aircraft and weapons system design involves a wide range of
specialists and expertise across a range of different technical disciplines.
The role of an Aeronautical Engineer is one that is highly technical, thus most engineers will look to specialise in a particular area including the following:
- Aerodynamics
- Communication
- Instrumentation
- Structural design
- Flight mechanics
- Control systems
Careers for Aeronautical Engineers
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Aircraft designer
- Aircraft system design and modification Engineer
- Naval architect
- Automotive aerodynamics Engineer
- Propulsion Engineer
- Materials engineer
Related Careers
- Airline pilot
- Control and instrumentation engineer
- Metallurgist
- Mechanical engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Electronics engineer
- Airline manager