Aerospace Engineering andRelated Careers

Aerospace Engineering

• Design and manufacture of aircraft– Atmosphere-based– Space-based

• 55,000+ employed in US• Starting = $39 k• Fifth year = $72 k• 10-15 year = $90 k

Aviation Industry

• Aviation degree• Business and economics• Logistics of industry• Pilot• Federal regulator• Aviation law

Pilot

• Commercial pilot– Flight instructor– Commercial pilot

• Corporate aircraft• Cargo• Passenger• Military

• Typical career paths– Military-trained– College degree– Private pilot to commercial

Aerospace Technicians

• Avionics• Mechanical• Electronics

Aerospace-Related Engineering

• Automotive• Airfoils for wind turbine• Air flow and cooling

Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Training

No previous experience– Under 31 years old– Apply through the FAA website– Initial qualification training

• Terminal option (37 days)• En route option (62 days)

– Continued apprentice training

Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Training

Air Traffic Collegiate Initiative Program– College and university degree

• Two to four year non-engineering aviation degree

– Bypass air traffic basics course (first 5 weeks initial qualification)

– More broad aviation education

Military

• All branches of military– Air Force– Navy– Army– National Guard

• Aviator• Support

– Electronics– Mechanical– Administration

• Research• ATC• UAV-related

Paramilitary

• NASA• Coast Guard• Police• Aviator• Support

– Electronics– Administration– Mechanical

NASA

• Astronaut• Launch support• Research

– Flight– Human physiology– Remote systems

Defense and Government Contracting• Military aircraft development• Missile• Satellite• Space vehicles

Aerospace Engineering Career

• 71,600 aerospace engineers in 2008• Projected to grow by 10% through 2018• Many are close to retirement• AE salaries in 2008

– Average salary for all $92,520– Average start salary $56,311

• As a group, engineers earn some of the highest average starting salaries among those holding bachelor's degrees

Project: Future Professional Me

• Envision yourself as an aerospace professional 10 years from now

• A national news organization has decided to profile successful technical professionals

• Prepare a 3-5 minute interview• Prepare an advertisement

References

Aviation Week (2010). 2010 workforce study. Crescent Springs, KY.

Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor (2010). Occupational handbook. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm

Federal Aviation Administration (2010). Air traffic controllers. Retrieved from http://www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunities/airtraffic_controllers/

FreeFoto.com (2010). North east air support unit helicopter G-NESV eurocopter EC135T. Retreived from http://www.freefoto.com/preview/28-07-2?ffid=28-07-2&k=North+East+Air+Support+Unit+Helicopter+G-NESV+Eurocopter+EC135T

References

Lockheed Martin (2010). F-35. Retrieved from http://www.lockheedmartin.com

Microsoft (2010). Clip art. Retrieved from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (2010). Launch of freedom 7. Retrieved from http://grin.hq.nasa.gov

Princeton Review (2010). Retrieved from http://www.princetonreview.com/careers.aspx

United States Air Force (2010). Explore opportunities. Retrieved from http://www.airforce.com/opportunities/

United States Department of Labor (2010). Bureau of labor statistics. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/