Aeronautics is a branch of engineering that specializes in the highly technical aspects of aircraft management. It deals with the manufacturing of aircraft, its maintenance, sustenance, and repair. The invention of new techniques and advanced components of effective quality, and the use of engineering tools for the prevention of mishaps, include the core responsibilities of aeronautical engineering.
To be an aeronautical engineer, one should have a strong science background, with in-depth knowledge and crystal clear clarity in basic concepts and principles, especially physics. A B.E or B Tech degree is the first step. One should try to get enrolled into a top engineering college that offers this course. But those who cannot try to clear the Associate Membership Exam (conducted by the Aeronautical Society of India), which is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering. It is conducted every six months. On clearance of this test, one gets on-job training.
Some institutes in India that one can look for admissions are – the Indian Institute of Technology (admission on the basis of the Joint Entrance Exam); Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai (3 year Post Graduate Program in Aeronautical Engineering, and B. Tech. in Aerospace Engineering, admissions on entrance test); Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (M Tech and a PhD. programs, selection on admission test); Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Dehradun; VSM Institute of of Aerospace Engineering and Technology, Bengaluru; Hindustan Institute of Engineering Technology, Chennai; Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering and Information Technology, Pune; Institute of Aeronautical and Marine Engineering, Bengaluru; Institute of Information Technology and Management’s Aeronautical Engineering Training Academy, Pune; Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal; Academy Of Aerospace and Aviation, Institute of Aeronautical Engineering and Information Technology, Hindustan Electronics Academy, Siddhartha Institute of Aeronautical Engineering and Information Technology, Guru Gram Institute of Aeronautical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Aviation Technology, Park College of Engineering and Technology, Rajasthan Vidhyapeeth, Indian Institute of Aeronautics, National Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences, Mohammad Sathak Engineering College, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, BIET Hyderabad, Jain University- Bengaluru, Vel Tech Engineering College, Punjab Engineering College, etc.
A desirous student should have keen observation power and an analytical mind. Logical thinking skills are important. Also one has to be a good communicator; be able to handle and manage crisis situations. Also is essential to be physically fit, have strong stamina, sharp eyesight, and no color blindness. An eye for detail, and an instinct to innovate, make a successful engineer.
An aeronautical engineer can start a career with a salary package of Rs. 20,000 – 30,000 a month. An increment is dependent on efficient and effective performance. And success is directly proportionate to the hard work one puts in, the technical and personal abilities, and dedication.
The profession of an aeronautical engineer is a bag full of adventure, challenge, and responsibility. Day-to-day dealing with technology and inclusion of the latest in the market, is an exciting prospect for those who are passionate technologists. One gets the immense scope to experiment and invent. But, there is no space for errors. An error can lead to a major folly that may result in a grievous incident. Those who possess such capabilities and education should go ahead with following their dream of augmenting air transport and security.
