If you are interested in pursuing a career as an aeronautical engineer, take some time to learn about general aeronautical engineering requirements and education needed to be successful in this field. The field of aeronautics is fairly broad but aeronautic engineers are trained to develop, design and test various types of aircraft and other aeronautical systems. Some work with satellite systems, while others work with missiles and other military systems. You will have the chance to take a variety of courses in various fields when you are fulfilling your aeronautical engineer education requirements at an accredited college or university.
Required Education for Aeronautical Engineers
All candidates interested in becoming an aerospace or aeronautical engineer must have at least a bachelor's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering. Look for programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The bachelor's degree program can take between four to five years to complete, depending on the specialized courses the student chooses to take, and any labs or flight testing components that are must be completed as part of the degree program.
After taking core courses in this field, students can take advanced courses in aerodynamics and cover topics such as electrical components, flight and stability control, and cockpit systems amongst others. Most students are required to complete hands-on training and lab work during their final year of study. The final year ensures that students are able to work with flight simulations, get adequate training in computer programs and systems used in the industry, and also apply their knowledge to design and test various systems. Aeronautical engineer requirements for the final year typically include presentations and the completion of larger projects under the direction of an instructor.
After graduating from college with a bachelor's degree, students must acquire at least four years of work experience in the field and pass two examinations. Fulfilling these two requirements puts the candidate in a position to get their licensed professional engineer credential (PE), or their engineer in training title (EIT). The EIT is earned after passing the first exam. The PE credential is earned after the candidate has acquired necessary work experience and passed the second exam.
Aeronautical Engineering Requirements for a Successful Career
You will need to complete a significant amount of hands-on training in several field of study to become an aeronautical engineer. Keep in mind that some jobs do require a master's degree in the field.
Some of the most common branches, specializations, or fields of study for careers in this field include:
- Structural analysis - studying static and dynamic loads of aircraft
- Aerodynamics - study of airflow over an aircraft and working with scale models
- Propulsion - the intensive study of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), as well as thermodynamics, and material strength
- Systems and subsystems of aircraft and missiles
- Manufacturing and production processes
- Avionics - studying flight instrumentation, radar, computers, navigation equipment and communication systems
- Servo and power systems - lightweight and compact servo-control and power systems, as well as hydraulic and electric systems
- Certification - some engineers can become certified to work with various types of flight systems
Specialized courses and training are offered at various levels at colleges and universities around the country. Check with your academic advisor to find out what types of advanced courses and training are available as you fulfill your aeronautical engineering requirements.