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Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
‘Having a mother who had been an aeronautical engineer convinced me that more things should be open to women’. (Elizabeth Moon, Texan author, born 1945)
Thanks to the work of the aeronautical engineer, the Tornado aircraft weighs 20,000 kg and travels at twice the speed of sound!
If you work in aeronautical engineering you will be involved in building and maintaining aeroplanes and spacecraft, including missiles and satellites.
Aeronautical engineers design and construct these craft, whilst aircraft mechanics or engineers (and mechanical and avionic engineers) maintain the engines, airframes, electrical and electronic equipment, instruments, flight control, and navigation and communication systems of the craft.
To work in this sector you should be practical and have an interest in solving scientific and technical problems. You should be methodical and well organised, able to handle complex information and work to meet deadlines.
You might well have to work as part of an international team, such as designed and built the new airbus, so you must be a good team worker. You should also be able to work on your own.
To become an aeronautical engineer, you need a degree in aeronautical engineering or a similar subject. For entry you usually need 4-5 Highers including Maths and Physics or technological studies plus English at Higher or Standard grade.
You might be able to get into work as an aircraft mechanic or engineer through an approved apprenticeship scheme with an airline or aircraft maintenance organisation. For this you would need at least 4-5 Standard grades including English, Maths and a relevant science or technological subject.
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