Aeronautics Careers

All professionals should learn to communicate clearly in oral, written, and multimedia formats. Integrative communication is a crucial skill for dispatchers and air traffic controllers. Students develop the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences. They also train to create research abstracts, technical reports, project proposals, and official letters.

Another integral area of expertise — particularly for learners who want to pursue careers in academics or aerospace engineering — relates to research methodologies. Students learn to conduct basic scientific inquiry within the context of aviation. They also learn to gather resources, examine relevant literature, design experiments with clear objectives, and write reports that align with industry best practices.

The ability to make sound decisions in fraught situations is highly important for all professionals involved in the flight process. Ethical decision-making is a required part of a pilot’s education. They train to consistently determine the best course of action by conducting risk management and assessing conditions based on a given set of circumstances.

Aeronautics concerns the entirety of flight and the related processes, as established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Students examine advanced aerodynamics with regard to weight, performance, balance, and aeromedical factors. They also train to use global positioning systems (GPS) and other avionics tools to assess weather conditions and determine flight paths.

Regardless of their specific aeronautics careers, all professionals in the field need to possess a firm understanding of aerospace history, including basic designs and mechanics. Developments in aerospace technologies affect flight processes, aviation safety, and the workings of the National Airspace System. This is particularly important for students who want to be aerospace engineers and technicians.

Aspiring aerospace engineers learn to design and construct spacecraft and aircraft. Coursework covers topics like solar and space physics, compressible flow and propulsion, and atmospheric flight mechanics. Students who want to work as licensed engineers may find this pathway especially attractive. It is also an important focus for mechanics and professionals who want to work in the aviation manufacturing industry.

This career path trains learners to become commercial airline pilots. Some schools also offer specialized military training tracks for those seeking careers in the armed services. In either case, students take required classes like aeronautics navigation, propulsion systems, and safety and regulations. They also complete simulations and supervised practice flights.

Dispatchers work with commanding pilots to facilitate operational control of commercial flights. Students pursuing this concentration learn about weather theory, aircraft systems and limitations, and navigation. Candidates also learn to apply minimum equipment lists and negotiate human factors considerations. Dispatchers engage in simulation training in preparation for their FAA aircraft dispatcher certification exam.

A popular career path for aviation mechanics and safety experts, maintenance technology coursework teaches students to maintain the power plant and airframe of an airplane. Classes cover metallic and composite aircraft structures, power plant electrical instrument systems, and repair station operations. In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in hands-on projects centered on aircraft testing and engine buildup/breakdown. By completing this concentration, candidates can sit for the FAA mechanic’s certificate exam.

This relatively new path trains students to build, inspect, and operate drones and other unmanned aircraft. Candidates take coursework in remote-pilot operations, UAS sensing systems, and UAS operational standards and safety regulations. They also learn to use geographic information systems to collect data and map areas of interest. Due to the diverse applications of UAS, trained professionals may pursue careers in industries like disaster response, agriculture, media, and military defense.

This industry consists of companies that produce aircraft, space vehicles, propulsion units, engines, and guided missiles. Firms that produce transport aircraft make up a large segment of this industry’s nonmilitary sector. Professionals usually work as engineers and production managers.

This industry predominantly employs staff, senior, and principal aerospace engineers. Professionals can pursue positions in drafting firms, where they create detailed layouts of aerospace products. They may also work for testing laboratories and inspection services.

Although aeronautics careers span multiple departments within the federal executive branch, the majority of professionals work for the Department of Defense. Engineers and technicians can also find opportunities with NASA.

This industry consists of companies that produce aeronautical instruments, including aircraft navigation and guidance systems, GPS devices, and laboratory measuring equipment. In addition to research and development opportunities in the U.S., professionals can seek opportunities in emerging global markets, particularly in India, China, and the Middle East.

This industry encompasses three main endeavors: basic research, applied research, and product development. Professionals work to design and create new aerospace technologies, including unmanned vehicles; space systems; and stronger, lighter aircraft materials. Dedicated research scientists typically possess doctoral degrees.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics: Founded in 1963, AIAA supports over 30,000 individual members and almost 100 corporate members around the world. The institute maintains industry standards for research and publication. Professionals can collaborate through volunteer opportunities and technical committees. Students may access design competitions, academic scholarships, and conferences. AIAA also offers online education resources, expert career guidance, and job postings.

IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society: AESS funds research initiatives in areas like radar systems, cybersecurity, and aerospace control and guidance systems. The society maintains a vast digital library and offers professional support through its fellowship program. Members also benefit from online learning tools and the Distinguished Lecture and Tutorial Program — an in-person seminar series facilitated through local chapters. Additional resources include student mentoring programs, award opportunities, and a job board.

Association For Unmanned Vehicle Systems International: AUVSI represents members who work in civil, defense, and commercial industries in over 60 countries. The association offers membership for individual professionals, corporations, and students. Members gain access to research publications, best practices guides, training programs, and webinars. AUVSI offers dedicated student support, which includes award competitions, internship opportunities, and career guidance.

Helicopter Association International: For over 70 years, HAI has advanced the helicopter flight industry through public policy advocacy and professional development efforts. Pilots can search for jobs and network with peers and industry partners online. They may also pursue skill development, including safety accreditation certification. Furthermore, the association offers individual guidance for military personnel who want to transition into a civilian career.

Royal Aeronautical Society: Founded in 1866, RAeS now supports professionals, researchers, and students worldwide. The society connects members through programs like the Young Persons Network, the Women in Aviation Network, and specialist groups. Members can access professional development opportunities online and through regional partner organizations. RAeS also provides comprehensive job guidance for professionals at any stage of their career.

Intelligent Machining – University at Buffalo: This 11-hour course explores the emergence of self-aware machinery that is capable of making decisions related to machine activity processes, which can lead to increased productivity. Students learn about the background, tools, and terminology needed to understand and implement intelligent machining.

Fundamentals of Macroscopic and Microscopic Thermodynamics – University of Colorado Boulder: This nine-hour course teaches students the basics of thermodynamics from macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. Students explore the meaning of temperature, pressure, and chemical potential as they relate to thermodynamics. Part one of a five-part series, this class explains the fundamentals of molecular quantum states.

Design of Experiments – Arizona State University: This four-month class teaches students to plan, design, and carry out experiments using empirical methods. The course shows students experimental design tools for deterministic and stochastic computer models and teaches students how to analyze and interpret the data they collect.

Spacecraft Dynamics and Control – University of Colorado Boulder: This five-month class covers three main areas: kinematics, kinetics, and control. Students learn to apply transport theorems to different vectors and translate between sets of attitude descriptors. This class also teaches the Lyapunov method of stability and convergence.

AIAA Journal: Since its inception in 1963, this journal has explored theories and technologies in the fields of aeronautics and astronautics. The publication discusses topics such as aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, fundamentals of propulsion, and fluid mechanics and reacting flows. Readers can also learn about research instrumentation and facilities. This journal accepts the submission of recent research papers on any of the above topics or other issues relating to aeronautics.

Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics: This journal discusses topics related to guidance, control, and dynamics and how they impact the fields of aeronautics and astronautics. Readers can learn about flight control systems and exploratory developments in guidance technology. This journal publishes original research papers related to the above topics, particularly those that offer solutions to practical engineering problems.

Journal of Aerospace Information Systems: This publication delves into aerospace computing, information, and network and computing systems. Readers explore topics related to theoretical and practical developments in aerospace computing, such as software engineering and uncertainty quantification. This journal publishes original research papers and is most interested in articles about autonomous systems or systems engineering principles. The publication also desires papers that test and analyze the results of recent research in the field.

Journal of Propulsion and Power: JPP publishes research about propulsion and power systems in aeronautics. Key topics include power generation and conversion for aerospace vehicles, the application of aerospace science and technology to terrestrial energy devices, and fuels and propellants. Readers can discover new information about propulsion and power in aeronautics at all levels of development, from research to implementation.

Journal of Aircraft: This journal examines the operation and advancement of aircraft and aircraft technology. Through original research and technical papers, this publication explores topics such as optimization of aircrafts; applied computational fluid dynamics; and the application of computers to aircraft, including artificial intelligence and expert systems.

Aeronautics allows graduates to pursue career paths in aerospace, astronautics, aeronautics, and aviation. These fields offer many lucrative roles, including engineer and air traffic controller positions. Professionals can find aeronautics careers with any level of postsecondary education. Most aeronautics careers offer direct pathways to advancement.

An aeronautics degree allows graduates to explore careers related to aerospace engineering and atmospheric science. Depending on their level of training, students can pursue positions as aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians and airline and commercial pilots.

Aerospace covers the intersection of air and space flight. Professionals in aerospace design, build, and fly aircraft for regular flight or for spaceflight. Readers interested in aerospace can find careers that deal with the building or design of aircraft (e.g., aerospace engineer) or careers that deal with flying (e.g., airline or commercial pilot).

According to the BLS, air traffic controllers earn an annual median salary of $122,990, while airline and commercial pilots make $121,430. Additionally, aerospace engineers earn an annual median wage of $116,500. However, keep in mind that salary outlook can change based on a worker’s education, experience, and location.