In order to become an aeronautical engineer, prospective candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree program, usually in aerospace or aeronautical engineering, that has been approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or ABET for short. Programs like this can take up 4-5 years to complete. Students typically begin their education by enrolling in core courses in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Additionally, most programs require students to complete introductory labs in which they test engineering principles applied to flight and propulsion.

Once students have completed their core requirements, they must take more challenging classes that cover topics ranging from the aerodynamics of airplane bodies to electrical systems in cockpits. After covering the fundamentals of flight and stability control, students may delve into aircraft sensors and electrical components, as well as wing structure and flaps. Programs may also provide training in power generation for

aircraft, including combustion engine design. During the senior year of a bachelor’s in aerospace or aeronautical engineering, students generally participate in lab and design courses. These courses may require research into issues ranging from construction materials to wing design. While completing their assignments, students may be responsible for simulating flight and modifying areas where designs may not function well. Applying their knowledge, students may then alter models, test designs, and prepare class presentations.

Afterwards Graduates must take two examinations and accrue four years of work experience in order to become licensed professional engineers in their state. They can use the title of EIT, or engineer in training, after passing the first Fundamentals of Engineering exam, which can be taken any time after graduation. EITs must also complete a minimum of four years’ on-the-job training, after which they take the PE exam to become professional aeronautical engineers.

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Avionics engineering is similar, but deals with the electronics side of aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineers work with aircraft. They are involved primarily in designing aircraft and propulsion systems and in studying the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials. They work with the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the Earth’s atmosphere. Aerospace engineering includes mathematics, fluid mechanics, electronic technology, aerodynamics, control engineering, noise control, and aeronautics. Others are flight test, avionics, risk and reliability, solid mechanics, materials science, software, and many more. Aerospace engineers typically specialize in one of two types of engineering: aeronautical or astronautical.

Aeronautical engineers– work with aircraft. They are involved primarily in designing aircraft and propulsion systems and in studying the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials. They work with the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the Earth’s atmosphere.

Astronautical engineers– work with the science and technology of spacecraft and how they perform inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. This includes work on small satellites such as cubesats, and traditional large satellites.  

Aeronautical and astronautical engineers face different environmental and operational issues in designing aircraft and spacecraft. However, the two fields overlap a great deal because they both depend on the basic principles of physics. And with commercial travel becoming even more frequent recently demand’s for more aerospace engineer’s has risen 6% by 2026.