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

 

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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)

www.caa.co.za

  • ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA: (ECSA)

www.ecsa.co.za

  • SA AIR FORCE

www.saairforce.co.za

  • TETA: TRANSPORT EDUCATION TRAINING AUTHORITY

http://www.teta.org.za/

 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Diesel Mechanic or Millwright

Is becoming an Aeronautical Engineer the right career choice for me?