About Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is a division of mechanical engineering. Those employed in this field usually develop spacecraft, airplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites, and other air born vehicles. Math and science skills are important, but it is also important that aerospace engineers understand physics and even chemistry. Often, students must have completed algebra, geometry, calculus, computer skills, physics, and chemistry to gain acceptance into this college program. Aerospace engineering requires a solid understanding of atmospheric pressure, air temperatures, and weight capacities required to keep aircraft or spacecraft in the air. Right now, aerospace engineering is a popular field, but remember that with popularity comes competition for the best jobs. With this field, students must be ready to prove their value to aerospace corporations.
Students in aerospace engineering complete an accredited four-year college program before entering the work force. During the college years, students in aerospace engineering programs study engineering math, propulsion, aircraft structures, astrodynamics, aeronautics, avionics, fluid dynamics, motion, and then learn how to handle flight tests to ensure a spacecraft or aircraft is safe and the design is feasible. Once a four-year college program has been successfully completed, students will seek aerospace engineering jobs. The market is strong and average starting salaries are well over $50,000. It is not unheard of to be at $70,000 within five years.
While the actual field of aerospace engineering did not exist until the 1950s, the truth is that there have been famous aerospace engineers far before this era. Possibly the best known aerospace engineers are Orville and Wilbur Wright, the designers and testers of the first airplane. Their advancements with air flight helped shape the field of aerospace engineering for future engineers. The field changes regularly as technology advances. The advent of computers changed the way airplanes were able to navigate, and as our reach into space continues, aerospace engineering will continue to adapt to these changes.
