Ashburton College
Aeronautical Engineer Mataaro Whakahaere Pūkaha Rererangi
Aeronautical engineers plan and supervise the design, development and modification of all types of flight vehicles. They also monitor and analyse in-service failures and faults.
Aeronautical engineers may do some or all of the following:
- study aircraft issues and recommend changes
- design equipment or tools to repair or maintain aircraft
- discuss aircraft designs and data with colleagues, licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, aircraft manufacturers and airline owners
- make detailed records of drawings, technical instructions, assessments and calculations
- oversee the design of new aircraft or modifications to existing aircraft
- give technical and regulatory advice to professionals in the aerospace industry.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for aeronautical engineers includes:
- any work involving machinery, engines or vehicles
- technical drawing
- inventing mechanical or electronic devices or equipment.
Personal Qualities
Aeronautical engineers need to be:
- confident
- adaptable and creative
- practical and accurate
- analytical, and good at problem solving
- strong communicators
- able to work well under pressure.
Skills
Aeronautical engineers need to have:
- knowledge of aircraft structures, electronic systems (including navigation, communication and electrical power), and hydraulic and propulsion systems
- a good understanding of aerodynamics (how aircraft fly), thermodynamics (the effects of heat on aircraft), stress and fatigue (structural degradation), and fluid dynamics
- knowledge of design techniques and engineering principles
- an understanding of mechanical processes and the parts of aircraft, including metals and alloys and hydraulics
- knowledge of civil aviation laws and regulations
- the ability to explain complicated ideas in simple language for report writing or to express design plans to licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians
- the ability to use computer-aided design (CAD).
Conditions
Aeronautical engineers:
- usually work regular business hours, but are sometimes required to work weekends and evenings, and are often on call
- work in offices, at airports, and aircraft workshops or hangars
- may travel nationally and internationally to inspect aircraft and attend courses and conferences on aeronautical engineering.
Subject Recommendations
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include English, maths, physics, and construction and mechanical technologies.
Aeronautical Engineers can earn around $100K per year.
Pay for aeronautical engineers varies depending on skills and experience.
- Aeronautical engineers usually earn an average of $100,000 a year.
- Team leaders usually earn an average of $120,000 a year.
- Aeronautical engineer managers can earn an average of $160,000 a year, or more.
Source: Engineering New Zealand, 'Remuneration Survey 2021 Snapshot', 2022.
Aeronautical engineers may move into supervisory or management roles within airlines, oversee a team of engineers, or become self-employed consultants working on a wide range of projects.
Some aeronautical engineers may specialise in particular types of aircraft such as:
- helicopters
- military aircraft
- aerospace vehicles, such as rockets.
Years Of Training
3-4 years of training required.To become an aeronautical engineer you need to have a Bachelor of Engineering.
Aeronautical engineers should aim to become chartered professional engineers and Civil Aviation Authority design approval holders after five or more years of industry experience.
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