A Career In Physics

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER
Definition

Aeronautical Engineering is the branch of

engineering that deals with the design, development,
testing and production of aircraft and related systems
that function below the earths atmosphere.
Astronauical Engineering is the branch of
engineering that deals with the production and
management ofspacecraft,missiles,rocket-
propulsionsystems,andotherequipmentoperatingb
eyondtheearths atmosphere
What does it do?

Aeronautical engineers use their technical knowledge to

improve flight safety and fuel efficiency, reduce costs and
address the environmental impact of air travel. They typically
carry out tasks such as:
assessing design requirements
producing and implementing designs and test procedures
assembling the aircraft or fitting components
providing technical advice
writing reports, manuals and documentation
Where to study?

University Limerick offers a Bachelor of Engineering

in Aeronautical Engineering. University Limerick also
offers a masters of engineering in the subject.
This is a 4 year degree with the minimum entry
points last year at 460.
IT Carlow offers a similar type of course. Bachelor of
Engineering Aero Engineering This is also a 4 year
degree with a minimum entry points on the CAO at
380.

Who employs them

Aeronautical engineers work in a range of different

places and thus, have a range of typical employers.
These include:
Airlines (Ryanair)
Militaries (The United States Air Force)
Universities (Teaching aeronautical engineering at UL)
Airports (safety checks at Dublin Airport)
Hangars (Airbus producing new aeroplanes)
Working Conditions

70% of University Limericks graduates live in the Republic

of Ireland, while 63% of graduates worked in Europe at one
point.
Usually work regular business hours, but are sometimes
required to work long hours, weekends and evenings. They
are often on call.
Work in offices, at airports, and aircraft workshops or
hangars.
May travel nationally and internationally to inspect aircraft
and attend courses and conferences on aeronautical
engineering.
Most work between 37 and 40 hours a week.
Salaries and Wages

Aeronautical Engineering is a respectable career and is

well paid.
Median annual earnings of aerospace engineers were
$66,950 in the USA in 2008.
The middle 50 percent earned between $51,170 and
$82,620.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,650.
The highest 10 percent earned more than $93,880.
Further Study

Both University Limerick and Univeristy College Dublin

offer masters degrees in aeronautical engineering.
Graduates must take two examinations and accrue four
years of work experience in order to become licensed
professional engineers (PEs) in their state.
They can use the title ofEIT, or engineer in training, after
passing the first Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam,
which can be taken any time after graduation.
EITs must also complete four years work experience, after
which they take the PE exam to become professional
aeronautical engineers.
Job Outlook

Employment of aeronautical engineers is expected to grow

5 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for
all occupations.
Aeronautical engineers who work on engines or propulsion
will be needed as the emphasis in design and production
shifts to rebuilding existing aircraft so that they are less
noisy and use less fuel.
Aeronautical engineers who know how to use collaborative
engineering tools and processes and who know about
modeling, simulation and robotics should have good
opportunities.
Career overview

Aeronautical Engineering is a well respected career

that is well paid.
Aeronautical engineers work in a range of different
fields and for a range of different employers.
There are not many places to study this, but the job
outlook is set to increase marginally
Additional testing must be done in order to become a
professional engineer in this subject.