Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering encompasses the fields of astronautical and aeronautical engineering. Aerospace engineers are concerned with the design, analysis, construction, development, testing and manufacture of commercial and military aircraft, missiles and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers have specialties in aerodynamics, propulsion, thermodynamics, structures, celestial mechanics, acoustics and guidance and control systems. An aerospace engineer builds light air vehicles. There is need no to feel that the task is beyond one's capabilities. More than special skills, what one needs is a fascination for aircrafts and their working. An engineering degree is a prerequisite for studying aerospace engineering.

For aerospace engineers employment is available with Air India, Indian Airlines, Pawan Hans, Helicopter Corporation of India and flying clubs, private airlines and govt. owned air services etc. Besides airlines, they get employment in organizations such as HAL, Defense Research and Development Organisation and laboratories, Nationa Aeronautical Lab, Aeronautical Development Establishment & Civil Aviation Department, to name a few. With the rise in the number of air taxis and liberalization of airspace, avenues for aeronautical engineers have seen upward swing.

Career Options in Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineers can be employed with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) or NAL (National Aeronautical Laboratories). For brighter career prospects, a Ph.D. is a must. After completing a degree course in Mechanical Engineering from IIT, you can do the Masters' in Aerospace Engineering and Ph.D.abroad. There are greater job opportunities for aerospace engineers, with many private companies entering the field of aircrafts and defence vehicles manufacturing. The sky is the limit.