Aeronautical Engineer
OFO No: 214403
Other names for Aeronautical Engineer:
- Aerodynamics Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Aircraft Control Systems Engineer
- Aircraft Designer
- Aircraft Electrical Engineer
- Aircraft Electronics Engineer
- Aircraft Mechanical Engineer
- Aircraft Production Engineer
- Aircraft Safety Engineer
- Avionics Engineer
- Avionics Systems Engineer
- Flight Test Engineer
- Flight Test Pilot
- Propulsion Engineer
Youtube clip – Aeronautical Engineering
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is an Aeronautical Engineer?
Aeronautical Engineering is one of the most challenging and exciting fields of engineering where you work with the latest technology.
Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineers are mechanical engineers who work to develop new technology for aviation, space exploration and airborne defence systems.
They usually work as part of a team where each member has a different area of specialisation and their responsibility can range from planning and designing to manufacture and testing.
They can choose to specialise in many different areas and also in a particular product such as military aircraft, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets etc
They design and test some of the following:
- Aircraft
- Satellites
- Combustion engines
- Air-conditioning units
- Heat and strength of aeronautical materials
- Hydraulics etc
They could specialise in one or more of the following:
- Aerodynamics:
The study of airflow
- Propulsion:
The study of performance
- Systems:
Responsible for the integration of all fields
- Manufacture & Production:
Responsible for quality & safety control
- Avionics:
Responsible for the flight instrumentation
- Servo-& Power Systems:
Responsible for the stability and control of aircraft
- Certification:
Responsible for proving that the aircraft is airworthy
What does an Aeronautical Engineer do?
Other areas of the aeronautical engineer’s work would include:
- structural design
- construction
- navigational guidance and control systems
- instrumentation and communication
- production methods
- development & testing
- operations and maintenance
Besides being interested in aviation, other important qualities needed to become a successful Aeronautical Engineer are: accuracy and attention to detail and being a perfectionist with a technical mind and exceptional skills in maths and physical science.
Are you … ?
- interested in aircraft and engineering?
- good at mathematics?
- mechanically minded?
- a problem solver?
- computer literate?
- dedicated?
- trustworthy?
- hard working?
- a team player?
How do I become an Aeronautical Engineer?
PATH 1
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- North West University
- University of Cape Town
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KZN
- University of Pretoria
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Witwatersrand
PATH 2
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- 3 years workplace experience (registered as a Candidate Engineer through ECSA)
- Professional Review with ECSA
- Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineer.
PATH 3
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aeronautical Engineering
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY: (SACAA)
- ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA: (ECSA)
- SA AIR FORCE
- TETA: TRANSPORT EDUCATION TRAINING AUTHORITY
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Diesel Mechanic or Millwright
Is becoming an Aeronautical Engineer the right career choice for me?
