DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION

Aerospace Engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development
of aircraft and spacecraft.[3] It is divided into two major and overlapping
branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.
Aeronautical Engineering was the original term for the field but as flight technology advanced to
include craft operating inouter space, the broader term "aerospace engineering" has largely replaced
it in common usage.[4] Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is often referred
to as "rocket science"

Aeronautical engineering[edit]
Main article: Aerospace engineering
Aeronautical engineering covers the design and construction of aircraft, including how they are
powered, how they are used and how they are controlled for safe operation. [15]
A major part of aeronautical engineering is aerodynamics, the science of passage through the air.
With the increasing activity in spaceflight, nowadays aeronautics and astronautics are often
combined as aerospa

Aeronautical engineering is about how aircraft are designed, constructed and

powered, how they are used and how they are controlled for safe operation.

BS in Aeronautical Engineering (BSAeroE) is a five year degree program

designed to prepare students for becoming Aeronautical Engineers. The BS in
Aeronautical Engineering program deals with the methods and principles of
flight. It also covers engineering disciplines applied in research and
development, manufacturing, operation, maintenance, repair, modification
and inspection of aircrafts, spacecrafts and their components.
The subjects in the BSAE curriculum are divided into two main categories:
o

Technical Courses

Mathematics: Advanced Algebra, Plane and Spherical

Trigonometry, Analytic Geometry, Integral Calculus, Probability and
Statistics

Natural/Physical Sciences: General Chemistry, Physics

Basic Engineering Sciences: Engineering Drawing, Computer

Aided Drafting, Dynamics of Rigid Bodies, Engineering Management,
Safety Management

Allied Courses: Thermodynamics, Elementary Electrical

Engineering, Basic Electronics

Professional Courses: Aircraft materials and Processes, Airframe

Construction and Repair, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, Operations
Engineering, Air Laws and Regulations, Aircraft Maintenance and
Inspection, Aviation Safety, Aircraft Structure, Aircraft Design, Computer
Aided Design (CAD)

Technical Electives: Rocket Engines, Home Built Aircra

Aeronautical Engineering is considered one of the most difficult fields of

engineering. It involves complex math and physics topics. Youll need to be
highly competent in mathematics and physics so expect your competency in
these two subjects to be rigorously tested. The BSAeroE program also
demands intensive use of computers; those who have minimal computer
skills will most likely find it hard to keep up. The workload in this program is
quite demanding as well, you will be out in the field most of the time doing
hands on practicum exams and also have constant examinations inside the
classroom.
The Aeronautical Engineering Board Exam is also considered to be one of the
most difficult board examinations in the Philippines.

Aeronautical Engineer Board Examination

To become a Licensed Aeronautical Engineer in the Philippines, a graduate
of BS in Aeronautical Engineering needs to pass the Aeronautical Engineer
Board Exam. The examination is conducted by theBoard of Aeronautical
Engineering under the supervision of the Professional Regulations

Commission (PRC). The Aeronautical Engineer Board Exam is a three day

exam held once a year in the month of November.

Jobs for Licensed Aeronautical Engineers (board

exam passers)
o

Surveillance Aircraft Operators in the Military operate

survey equipment to determine accurate locations and directions for
artillery units as well as differential positioning systems, including GPS,
and distance measuring equipment

Aircraft Interior Engineer involved in the design or renovation

of internal spaces, including structural alterations, furnishings, fixtures
and fittings, lighting and colour schemes of an aircraft.

Aircraft Structural Engineer designs structures to withstand

stresses and pressures, such as weather and human use in an aircraft
or a space satellite. They ensure that structures and systems inside
aircrafts remain strong and secure throughout their use.

Aircraft Manufacturing Engineer have a high level of technical

expertise and skill, which they use to plan, design, set up, modify,
optimize and monitor manufacturing processes.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer installs, maintain and repair

aircraft engines; airframes; airframe systems; electrical, instrument and
radio systems; and aircraft structures and surface finishes.

Aeronautical Engineering Professor teaches aeronautical

engineering in a College or University

Aircraft System Engineer develops aircraft sketches, drafts and

designs

Aircraft Design Engineer performs engineering duties in

designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.
May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of
materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture.

Aircraft Power Plant Engineer responsible for supervising,

inspecting and performing maintenance on aircraft turbine engines and
components.

Aircraft Tooling Engineer plans, directs and coordinates tooling

used to manufacture and modify the aircraft as well as develop,
evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods, materials and parts,
fabrication processes, tooling, production equipment capabilities,
assembly methods, staff allocation, and quality control standards.

Aeronautical Engineering Consultant provide consulting

services on behalf of a private employer or he can be self-employed.
Engineering consultants may also work with federal, state and local
governments.

Chief Aeronautical Engineer responsible for the technical

management and oversight of aeronautical engineering activities that
they are assigned to. The Chief Engineer will ensure compliance to
customer; regulatory and clients requirements and procedures.

Sector Operational Manager maintain the airlines published

schedule by ensuring that the on-time arrival and departure rates are
within acceptable limits for the prevalent external conditions.

Head of Line Maintenance manage, organize and lead the

Station Engineers and staff at the stations located around the network
to deliver aircraft maintenance in an efficient, effective and safe
manner.

Jobs for Non Board Passers:

o

Aircraft Mechanic maintains and repair the avionic and

mechanical equipment needed to make planes and helicopters operate
safely.

Ground Radio Operator maintain reliable operation of radio

communication equipment and prepare, transmit, and record messages
for ground forces

Production Schedulers covers the planning, scheduling,

releasing, and tracking of workflow from the engineering department
and the manufacturing department.

Aircraft fueler responsible for overseeing that all aircrafts are

serviced with fuel; additionally, automotive and ground support

equipment is serviced. They are also trained to handle non-routine

situations, such as defueling and fueling aircraft with inoperative fuel
quantity indicators.
o

Simulator Technician responsible for the performance of

maintenance and reliability tests on the equipment that is used to
calibrate aero and space craft; works under the direction of a
supervising senior technician

Technical Data Manager provides info/data support to

customers, representatives, airlines and government agencies,
maintains all engineering files (production, project, specs, drawings,
microfilm, etc. and prepares reports

Mechanical Fitter sets up, adjusts and inspects metalworking

and pipe working machines and equipment.

Aviation Support Equipment Technician operate, maintain,

repair and test automotive electrical systems in ground equipment,
gasoline and diesel systems, and associated automotive, hydraulic and
pneumatic systems. They also maintain gas turbine compressor units,
ground air-conditioning units, perform metal fabrication, repair and
painting of tow tractors and other aircraft servicing units.

Aviation Records Supervisor keeps logs and records in the

maintenance department of an aviation company.

Crew Chief Aircraft Mechanic Technician lead, direct and

support a group of maintenance Technicians and act as duty senior
maintenance representative in the absence of Supervision.

Aeronautical engineering degrees represent the branch of engineering that deals

with the research, design, development, construction, testing, science and technology of aircraft.
The field also covers investigation into aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft, including behaviors
and related factors such as airfoil, control surfaces, lift and drag. In recent years, aeronautical
engineering has become one of two major and overlapping branches of aerospace engineering, with
astronautical engineering being the second.

If youre fascinated by the history and methodology behind flying machines from Leonardo Da
Vincis early conceptual sketches and the Wright brothers famous flight of 1903 through to the
sophistication and progress of modern jets aeronautical engineering could be the degree for you.

Aeronautical engineering specializations

Technically, your aeronautical engineering degree will be specialized from day one, as you will be
concentrating on a specific field within engineering. Nonetheless, you will be incorporating many
common engineering concepts into the subject of aeronautical engineering. As with any engineering
course, therefore, you will likely start with a grounding in mathematics, physics, mechanics and
electronics all essential topics for the designing, building and testing of aircraft.

NASA engineers, seen here in mission control duringApollo 13,

worked diligently to protect the lives of the astronauts on the
mission.

Occupation

Names

Aerospace Engineer
Engineer

Occupation type

Profession

Activity sectors

Aeronautics, Astronautics, Science

Description

Competencies

Technical knowledge, Management skills

Education required

Bachelor's Degree[1][2]

HISTORY
The origin of aerospace engineering can be traced back to the aviation pioneers around the late 19th
to early 20th centuries, although the work of Sir George Cayley dates from the last decade of the
18th to mid-19th century. One of the most important people in the history ofaeronautics,[6] Cayley was
a pioneer in aeronautical engineering[7] and is credited as the first person to separate the forces
of lift and drag, which are in effect on any flight vehicle.[8] Early knowledge of aeronautical
engineering was largely empirical with some concepts and skills imported from other branches of
engineering.[9] Scientists understood some key elements of aerospace engineering, like fluid
dynamics, in the 18th century. Many years later after the successful flights by the Wright brothers,
the 1910s saw the development of aeronautical engineering through the design of World War
I military aircraft.
The first definition of aerospace engineering appeared in February 1958. [4] The definition considered
the Earth's atmosphere and the outer space as a single realm, thereby encompassing both aircraft
(aero) and spacecraft (space) under a newly coined word aerospace. In response to the USSR
launching the first satellite, Sputnik into space on October 4, 1957, U.S. aerospace engineers
launched the first American satellite on January 31, 1958. The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration was founded in 1958 as a response to the Cold War.[10]

Elements[edit]

Wernher von Braun, with the F-1engines of the Saturn V first stage at the US Space and Rocket Center

See also: List of aerospace engineering topics

Some of the elements of aerospace engineering are: [11][12]

A fighter jet engine undergoing testing. The tunnel behind the engine allows noise and exhaust to escape.

Fluid mechanics the study of fluid flow around objects.

Specifically aerodynamics concerning the flow of air over bodies such as wingsor through
objects such as wind tunnels (see also lift and aeronautics).

Astrodynamics the study of orbital mechanics including prediction of orbital elements when
given a select few variables. While few schools in the United States teach this at the
undergraduate level, several have graduate programs covering this topic (usually in conjunction
with the Physics department of said college or university).

Statics and Dynamics (engineering mechanics) the study of movement, forces, moments in
mechanical systems.

Mathematics in particular, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.

Electrotechnology the study of electronics within engineering.

Propulsion the energy to move a vehicle through the air (or in outer space) is provided
by internal combustion engines, jet enginesand turbomachinery, or rockets (see
also propeller and spacecraft propulsion). A more recent addition to this module is electric
propulsion and ion propulsion.

Control engineering the study of mathematical modeling of the dynamic behavior of

systems and designing them, usually using feedback signals, so that their dynamic behavior is
desirable (stable, without large excursions, with minimum error). This applies to the dynamic
behavior of aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems, and subsystems that exist on aerospace
vehicles.

Aircraft structures design of the physical configuration of the craft to withstand the forces
encountered during flight. Aerospace engineering aims to keep structures lightweight and lowcost, while maintaining structural integrity.[13]

Materials science related to structures, aerospace engineering also studies the materials of
which the aerospace structures are to be built. New materials with very specific properties are
invented, or existing ones are modified to improve their performance.

Solid mechanics Closely related to material science is solid mechanics which deals with
stress and strain analysis of the components of the vehicle. Nowadays there are several Finite
Element programs such as MSC Patran/Nastran which aid engineers in the analytical process.

Aeroelasticity the interaction of aerodynamic forces and structural flexibility, potentially

causing flutter, divergence, etc.

Avionics the design and programming of computer systems on board an aircraft or

spacecraft and the simulation of systems.

Software the specification, design, development, test, and implementation of computer

software for aerospace applications, including flight software, ground control software, test &
evaluation software, etc.

Risk and reliability the study of risk and reliability assessment techniques and the
mathematics involved in the quantitative methods.

Noise control the study of the mechanics of sound transfer.

Aeroacoustics the study of noise generation via either turbulent fluid motion or
aerodynamic forces interacting with surfaces.

Flight test designing and executing flight test programs in order to gather and analyze
performance and handling qualities data in order to determine if an aircraft meets its design and
performance goals and certification requirements.

The basis of most of these elements lies in theoretical physics, such as fluid dynamics for
aerodynamics or the equations of motion for flight dynamics. There is also a
largeempirical component. Historically, this empirical component was derived from testing of scale
models and prototypes, either in wind tunnels or in the free atmosphere. More recently, advances
in computing have enabled the use of computational fluid dynamics to simulate the behavior of fluid,
reducing time and expense spent on wind-tunnel testing. Those studying hydrodynamics
or Hydroacoustics often obtained degrees in Aerospace Engineering.
Additionally, aerospace engineering addresses the integration of all components that constitute an
aerospace vehicle (subsystems including power, aerospace bearings, communications, thermal
control, life support, etc.) and its life cycle (design, temperature,
pressure, radiation, velocity, lifetime).

Degree programs[edit]
Main article: List of aerospace engineering schools
Aerospace engineering may be studied at the advanced diploma, bachelor's, master's,
and Ph.D. levels in aerospace engineering departments at many universities, and in mechanical
engineering departments at others. A few departments offer degrees in space-focused astronautical
engineering. Some institutions differentiate between aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
A background in chemistry, physics, and mathematics is important for students pursuing an
aerospace engineering degree.[14]

In popular culture[edit]
The term "rocket scientist" is sometimes used to describe a person of great intelligence since "rocket
science" is seen as a practice requiring great mental ability, especially technical and mathematical
ability. The term is used ironically in the expression "It's not rocket science" to indicate that a task is
simple.[15] Strictly speaking, the use of the word "science" in "rocket science" is a misnomer since
science is about understanding the origins, nature, and behavior of the universe; engineering is
about using scientific and engineering principles to solve problems and develop new technology.[16]
[17]

However, the media and the public often use "science" and "engineering" as synonyms

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEGREES

Some popular aeronautical engineering careers include:

Aeronautical engineer
As an aeronautical engineer youll apply scientific, technological and mathematical principles
to research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of civil and military aircraft,
including weapons, satellites and even space vehicles. You may also work on designing (using
computer-aided design (CAD) software) manufacturing and modifying the different components that
make up these aircraft and systems.
This role involves improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, reducing system costs,
using advancing technologies to meet client and customer needs, researching and developing
design specifications, addressing the environmental impact of air travel and the materials/systems
you will be designing. Youll need to be able to resolve any issues that arise during the design,
development and testing process, including investigating any aircraft accidents and project
management.

Aeronautical researcher
An aeronautical researcher is in charge of researching new technologies, materials, systems
and equipment in the aeronautical engineering field. Youll be involved in analyzing and testing
discoveries, comparing findings with existing knowledge, challenging discrepancies, writing reports
outlining conclusions and ensuring you use specific, accurate techniques for each study. You can
specialize in a wide range of engineering disciplines, for example researching a new process for
increased propulsion, a lighter material for improved aerodynamic design, a more versatile propeller,
a more efficient wing layout or solutions to tackle in-flight icing. Research may take months or even
years to complete, culminating in your findings published in industry journals.
As a senior aeronautical researcher, you will be in charge of the entire research process including
ordering, gathering and verifying supplies, putting together and supervising a team and ensuring
adherence to safety, accuracy, timelines and budgets.

Aeronautical designer
An aeronautical designer is usually involved in providing design and detailing expertise for
companies who develop aeronautical components, products and systems. Youll need to ensure
technical excellence while maintaining fidelity to any specifications and design requirements put forth
by your client. From design, build, experimentation and installation to testing, validation and analysis
of the new product, youll need to make sure the product complies with the requirements set out by
regulatory authorizes on the national and international level.
Youll need to provide drawings and schemes using specialist software (this will vary depending on
the company you work for and what you are designing). Youll then summarize your findings and
communicate these to other members of your team and/or to your client.

Aeronautical maintenance technician

As an aeronautical maintenance technician (AMT), youll hold a mechanic certificate
issued by an accredited organization, such as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), that
confirms you are fully qualified to handle aeronautical maintenance checks. You will be responsible
for the complete range of mechanical components and structure of aircraft, including engines,
gearboxes, flying controls, landing gear, hydraulics, air conditioning, anti-icing and fuel systems.
This job involves examining, testing, diagnosing, replacing and repairing both mechanical and
avionic components of an aircraft as necessary, ensuring compliance with safety and operational
standards.

Aeronautical consultant
An aeronautical consultant, also known as an aviation consultant, uses their years of
experience to provide business and technical solutions across a wide range of sectors in the aviation

industry. While aeronautical consultancy is itself a niche sector, you may choose to provide
consultancy for an even more limited section of clients, or for a wider range of clients from airports
and airlines to air traffic managers, manufacturers, maintenance crews, service vendors and even
hotels and tourism agencies. Youll perform analysis of your clients existing practices, perform asset
(aircraft and engine) valuations, perform safety audits, recommend alternatives and/or improvements
and help them carry out these improvements in order to maximize profitability, safety and efficiency.

Aerospace engineer:Job description

More in this section
1.

Job description

So you think you want to be a

Aerospace engineer?
An aerospace, or aeronautical engineer applies scientific and technological principles to research, design,
develop, maintain and test the performance of:

civil and military aircraft;

missiles;

weapons systems;

satellites;

space vehicles.

They also work on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems.
The role is focused on improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing
system costs and using advancing technologies to meet customer needs. Increasingly, the role addresses
the environmental impact of air travel.
You can specialise in a particular area such as propulsion, avionics, systems integration, aerodynamics or
materials and structures. The aerospace industry is well established in the UK with jobs available in UKowned and international aerospace companies.

Key skills for aeronautical engineers

strong mathematical, analytical and problem solving skills

technical expertise

creativity and innovative thinking

attention to detail

a strong awareness of safety issues

communication skills, both verbal and written

project and time management skills

commitment to keeping up to date with technical developments

FAMOUS AERONAUTIC/AEROSPACE ENGINEERS

1. Philip Murray Condit (b. 1941) former CEO of the Boeing company.
He became an aviation enthusiast early in life. He gained BA in mechanical engineering from the University of
California, Berkeley, MA in aeronautical engineering from Princeton University, and Ph.D. in engineering from the
Tokyo University of Science. Phil Condit joined the Boeing company in 1965 as an aerodynamics engineer. Later, he
became a lead engineer on the Boeing 747 high-speed configuration. He advanced into management within a year and
became manager of the Boeing 727 marketing. In 1996, he was elected president of Boeing, and a member of the
board of directors. He remained in this position until resigning on 1 December 2003. (Image credit: nae.edu)
2. Henri Ziegler (19061998) one of the founders of Airbus and its first CEO.
Ziegler started his career graduating from SupAro as polytechnic engineer. He was also French air force officer
and test pilot, represented the French government in Britain and the United States, became managing director of Air
France. He was founded Air Alpes, was a member of several cabinet ministries, president of Avions Breguet; president
of Sud Aviation (1968), leader of the Franco-British supersonic airliner project Concorde, and president and CEO of
Socit Nationale Industrielle Arospatiale.(Image credit: journal-aviation.com)

3. Richard H. Truly (b. 1973) eighth Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
He received BA in aeronautical engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology. Later, he studied and
worked as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School in California. Truly worked on and off
at NASA until he returned to become NASAs Associate Administrator for Space Flight in 1986. Truly became NASAs
eighth Administrator in 1989. In 1988, he was awarded the Society of Experimental Test Pilots James H. Doolittle
Award. He also received that year the Collier Trophy for his role in assisting NASAs return to launching manned
missions after the Challenger disaster. (Image credit: wikipedia.org)

TOP UNIVERSITY
Holy Angel University Angeles City
FEATI University Manila
Philippine State College of Aeronautics Pasay
Cebu Aeronautical Technical School Cebu City
MATS College of Technology Davao City
PATTS College of Aeronautics Paranaque City
Philippine State College of Aeronautics - Lapu Lapu City Lapu-Lapu City

Aeronautical Academy of the Philippines Baras

Philippine State College of Aeronautics - Fernando Air Base Lipa City