Work with one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. The aeronautical engineers are concerned with the design and construction, testing and operation as well as maintenance of aircraft and aircraft components. 

The main thrust in this area is on design and development, which extends even to space and satellite research. It is an exciting field with scope for growth and job satisfaction. An aeronautical engineer needs to be physically fit and fully dedicated to his work.

Necessary Qualifications

To be an aeronautical engineer one should be a BE/B.Tech. in aeronautical engineering. The Madras Institute of Technology offers a year postgraduate programme in aeronautical engineering for B.Sc. students. One can also study for M.Tech. and Ph.D. in aeronautics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. 

Those who have passed the Associate membership exam conducted by ASI (Aeronautical Society of India), which is at par with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering, can also become aeronautical engineers. It is possible to take a degree in electronics or physics to work in this field and leave more options open

Academic Programme

The Bachelor's degree programme stresses the fundamentals of propulsion, electronics, automatic control guidance, theory of aerodynamics, structural analysis, material science, and fluid dynamics.

Job Opportunities

Work for an aeronautical engineer can be with airlines, particularly the government carriers, Air India, Indian Airlines, Pawan Hans, and aircraft manufacturers, Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd. and other organizations concerned with the aircraft industry. 

There is limited scope in this branch of engineering, therefore, a large number take on work in R&D areas in the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Civil Aviation, in defense research laboratories, or civil aviation departments.