Career in Aeronautical
/ Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering is one of the
most challenging fields of engineering with a wide scope for growth. This field
deals with the development of new technology in the field of aviation, space
exploration and defence systems. It specialises in the designing, construction,
development, testing, operation and maintenance of both commercial and military
aircraft, spacecrafts and their components as well as satellites and missiles. As
Aerospace engineering involves design and manufacture of very high technology
systems, the job requires manual, technical as well as mechanical aptitude.
Aeronautical engineer’s usually work in teams under the supervision of senior
engineers, bringing together their skills and technical expertise. 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.The specialisations includes in areas like structural design,
navigational guidance and control systems, instrumentation and communication or
production methods or it can be in a particular product such as military
aircrafts, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets etc. Engineers
may work in areas like design, development, maintenance as well as in the
managerial and teaching posts in institutes. They find a very good demand in
airlines, aircraft manufacturing units, air turbine production plants or design
development programmes for the aviation industry. Aerospace environment is
sophisticated with rewarding career opportunities involving leading-edge
technology.
Eligibility
& Course Area:
To be an aeronautical
engineer one should have a graduate degree (B.E/B.Tech.) or at least a diploma
in Aeronautics. The degree and postgraduate degree courses are offered by the
engineering colleges and Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the diploma
courses are available at polytechnics.The basic eligibility criteria for a BE /
B.Tech is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and
Mathematics and must have a fairly high percentage of marks in the aggregate.
One must also pass the qualifying exam JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) conducted by
the IIT’s.Selection : Selection to the graduate courses ( BE / B.Tech ) is
based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through
entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT’s is through ‘JEE’(Joint Entrance Exam) and
for other institutions through their own separate entrance exams and other
state level and national level exams.
Most of the institutes
conducting engineering courses in Aeronautics consider JEE score as the
qualifying grade. There is also the Associate Membership Examination of the
Institute of Engineers (AMIE), which enables working people in the private and
public sector, or diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor’s engineering degree
through distance education by studying the syllabus and appearing for the
Associate membership examination of the Institute of Engineers (AMIE) conducted
by ASI (‘The Aeronautical Society of India’). This degree is equivalent to
aeronautical engineering degree. Those with a degree in electronics,
mathematics or physics can also find opportunities in this area.Some Institutes
offer postgraduate (M Tech) and Doctoral (Ph D) programmes in Aeronautics. The
Madras Institute of Technology offers a three year Graduate Programme in
Aeronautical Engineering for B Sc students, subject to their having passed
Maths and Physics at the graduation stage. The Indian Institute of Science
(IIS), Bangalore has M Tech and Ph D programmes in aeronautics.
Duration : The duration
is four years, ending with a degree recognised by the ministry of education,
government of India. The diploma courses are of 2-3 years duration.
Personal
Skills: Aeronautical engineers should have an eye for
detail and be good at problem-solving. They need mathematical precision and
design skills, computer skills, and the ability to communicate well. They also
need good planning ability and a knack for working under pressure. An
aeronautical engineer needs to be physically fit an may need to often work at
great speed especially in checking and maintenance of aircrafts during
turnarounds. They must have a normal colour vision.
Job
Prospects & Career Options:
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 airlines
like Air India, Indian Airlines, Helicopter Corporation of India and
flying clubs, private airlines and government owned air service and aircraft
manufacturers like the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) with its factories at Bangalore,
Nashik, Koraput, Kanpur etc. Defense Research and Development Laboratories,
National Aeronautical Lab (NAL), Aeronautical Development Establishment, Civil
Aviation Department etc. 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. They may advance to administrative or executive positions or
become consultants. Aeronautical engineers are assisted by aircraft mechanics
in maintenance of aircraft frame, engine, electrical system and other ancillary
fittings.
Remuneration:
Engineers in government
organisations are paid official scales while those in the private sector are
paid according to the scales decided by the management of the company.The
approximate starting salaries in the government /public sectors such as HAL,
NAL are Rs. 8,000 to Rs.10,000 (excluding other allowances). In the private sector,
the scales are decided by the management of the company and are approximately
Rs.8,000 to Rs.15,000 per month plus perks. Engineering graduates with
management degrees get a starting salary of Rs.10,000 to Rs.40,000 per month
plus perks. Entrepreneurs can earn above Rs.20,000/- per month. Airline
professionals get fringe benefits of free travel for self and family also,
apart from numerous other perks.
Excerpts from (New Age) Career
Course, Published By: A. K. Mishra Publishers, Odisha
Mr. Sounik Kajal Kumar Dash, Diploma (EE), B.Tech
(EEE), ADEM, DHRD,
MBA (IHRM, CULC-London)
Corporate Lobbyist and Strategist, Career Consultant
Courtesy: Odishabook.com
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