Aeronautic Engineering
Different Fields Within Aeronautic Engineering
Gaining a degree in aeronautic engineering is an attainable goal for those with strong math and science skills, but it is important to focus on one or two specific fields when starting out. There are eight specialties out there and each requires a specific set of skills in order to get the job done.
An analytical aeronautic engineer is trained to analyze data regarding aeronautics. These are the men and women who plan what is needed to make an aircraft fly while keeping the strength of the structure and safety issues in mind. This field of aeronautic engineering relies heavily on the understanding of wind pressure, thermodynamics, and aerodynamics.
Design aeronautic engineers focus on how an aircraft or spacecraft should be built. They work hard to stay within a budget while keeping a customer's needs and safety measures in mind.
Field Service aeronautic engineers are responsible for handling all aircraft maintenance and safety inspections before flights. They must recognize potential problems and have them repaired before a plane or shuttle takes off.
Flight Research aeronautic engineers analyze the reports following a test flight to make sure everything is on par. They can offer any necessary changes to improve mileage, fuel efficiency, or safety.
Materials aeronautic engineering involves the science of creating air or spacecraft using the lightest, strongest materials. These men and women study different metals and plastics to determine how to create a solid plane or space shuttle without using shoddy materials.
Those who are responsible for researching the designs to see if they are feasible are called Manufacturing Aeronautic Engineers. They look at the overall design and list of materials and verify if they meet safety standards and would still fly.
Systems aeronautic engineers study the different components that together form a plane or spacecraft. They make sure that each system, braking, computers, engines, etc. are functioning properly together.
When concentrating on a degree in aeronautics, it is beneficial to focus on at least one specialty. Companies tend to focus their searches on engineers who have a specialty in a certain field.
