Do you have a strong passion for designing and development of aircraft and space vehicles? If yes, you can always consider becoming an aerospace engineer. Since there is a wide range of aircrafts, engineers can also specialize in the design and development of a specific type of aircraft. Aerospace engineers can be classified into aeronautical engineers and astronautic engineers. Aeronautical engineers are those who work with airplanes whereas astronautic engineers are responsible for the designing and development of spacecraft. To become an aerospace engineer, you need to equip yourself with all the essential career information including job description of engineers, typical duties and responsibilities, educational qualification required and the career prospects that await you in this occupation.

 

Job Description
The aviation, defense and the space exploration industry have a regular demand for well trained aerospace engineers. These engineers are specially trained and educated to work with air-borne vehicles like aircraft, missile, passenger planes, rockets, helicopters etc. Not only these engineers design and development these extraordinary machines, but they also test and supervise the entire procedure. In addition, these engineers conduct researches to invent latest technologies that drive the growth of the aviation, defense and the space exploration industry.

 

To perform their work efficiently, aerospace engineers use a variety of tools and techniques. They are quite well versed with the use of computer aided design (CAD) software, robotics and laser technology among others. Depending on their skill sets and work interest, aerospace engineers may also choose to specialize in the design, development and testing of a specific kind of aerospace product including fighter planes, helicopters, missiles, commercial transports etc.

 

Aerospace engineers possess expertise in key areas of engineering like aerodynamics, thermodynamics, acoustics, celestial mechanics, propulsion etc. Though they can be employed in multiple other fields of engineering, most of these professionals work with the aerospace products manufacturing industry. These engineers are also well educated and trained to work in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry. In this industry, they can work to design motor vehicles which have lower resistance to air and are more fuel efficient.

 

These engineers work in close contact with scientists and other specialists. While working on a large work project, physicists and metallurgists are often required to conduct the necessary research. On the outcome or the result of this scientific research, aerospace engineers start their design and development work for aerospace products and aircrafts. There are multiple areas in the aerospace industry where these engineers can work. These specialization areas may include structural design, guidance, control system, fluid mechanics, acoustics etc.

 

Educational Qualification & Training
Candidates who aspire to become an aerospace engineer should at least possess a bachelor's degree in engineering. Those who possess degrees in subjects like mathematics or natural science may also qualify for some of the jobs in the aerospace industry. There are several colleges that offer degree programs in aeronautical engineering, aerospace and astronautical engineering. A bachelor's degree in engineering usually requires four to five years for completion. Advanced degree will enhance help engineers remain competitive in the industry. At the same time, engineers are required to keep themselves abreast of the latest technologies and trends in the industry.

 

Job Outlook
In the year 2002, aerospace engineers occupied around 78,000 jobs in the United States. Most of these jobs were with the aerospace products manufacturing industry. Other employers included federal and state government agencies of the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects will be favorable for aerospace engineers, through to the year 2012. Some industries which are not associated with aerospace will also provide employment opportunities for engineers.

 

Annual Salary
Most of the aerospace engineers earn an annual salary ranging between $59,520 and $88,310. In the year 2002, the median annual salary of these engineers was around $72,750. Those who possess a bachelor's degree in engineering may receive a starting salary of around $48,028. Engineers employed with federal government agencies receive the highest salary, around $81,830 annually. The aerospace products manufacturing industry offers engineers an average annual salary of around $70,920.

If you are passionate about making a career in the aerospace industry, aviation technology can be just the right path for you to achieve your goals. The field of aviation technology offers aspiring candidates a host of career possibilities to choose from. And according to the Federal Aviation Administration, job prospects in air transportation will be quite good over the next decade. Therefore, a large number of aviation technology graduates will be required to fill the job positions. The industry is growing and candidates can avail themselves of the job potential waiting for them. Whether you are looking to pursue a career in aeronautical technology, aviation management or professional flight technology, you have some of the most profitable career opportunities waiting for you.

 

By choosing aviation technology as a career, you can choose from a range of jobs. Most of the people believe that entering the field of aviation just means becoming a pilot. However, an aviation technological career is not just limited to the job position of a pilot. You can also choose to become a maintenance technician, a safety inspector or work in the air traffic control and flight operations department. So, depending on your interest and individual preferences, you can choose to take up a job position and make a successful career in the aviation industry.

 

Training & Educational Requirements
There are several aviation technology schools offer degrees including associate of applied science and bachelor degrees of sciences and certifications. A bachelor's degree in aviation technology provides students with an in-depth understanding of how to pilot an aircraft, air traffic control and the mechanical and technological aspects of aeronautics. Classes taught in this degree program include flight principles, drafting fundamentals, aircraft instrument systems, aviation law etc. Students also have the opportunity of choosing from air traffic control degrees, aviation administration degrees and professional piloting degrees.

 

Candidates can obtain their degrees and certifications by enrolling into these degree programs, approved by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Most of these programs take around 18-24 months to complete. Coursework includes subjects like physics, mathematics, electronics, mechanical drawing and computer science among others. Technically, students will be trained and educated in aviation electronics, turbine engines and aircraft constrictions.

 

Degree programs and courses in aviation technology can be obtained both online and via campus mode. So, candidates have the flexibility to choose an option according to their specific requirements. There are multiple colleges and professional schools across the United States offering relevant courses and degrees for candidates. Online degrees save students both a lot of money and time and provide a lot of flexibility.

 

Aviation Field Specializations
Each commercial pilot on an aircraft is accompanied by four maintenance technicians. To make a flight travel for one hour, around four hour's maintenance is required. So, if you have a passion for maintenance of complex machines and have an interest in flying, the field of aviation technology offers you a range of career possibilities for you to choose from. Candidates can also choose to specialize in an area of their interest.

 

Candidates with a keen interest in aviation technology can not only become a pilot. They can also become -

 

Air Maintenance Technician
Aviation Electronics Technician
Assembly Inspector
Flight Dispatcher
Aviation Safety Inspector
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Aerospace Products and Parts Manufacturer

 

Career Outlook
With the increasing growth in population and the economy expanding once again, the passenger traffic also increases creating good job opportunities for aviation technology trained professionals. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate for aviation industry jobs will grow as fast as the average of all professions, through to the year 2014. Excellent employment opportunities will come to those who are equipped with an aviation technology bachelor's degree and those trained in aircraft mechanics.