What does an aircraft engineer do?

What Does an Aircraft Engineer Do? Today, the air transport industry is very much established in the United Kingdom. There are not only jobs in UK-owned flight companies but also in international companies. One way of finding inroads into the industry is by becoming an aircraft engineer. Before you make up your mind to join this lucrative career, take a moment to know what your job will be once you qualify. In this article, we tell you the key responsibilities of an aircraft engineer.

The roles of an aircraft engineer An aircraft engineer, also known as aerospace or aeronautical engineer, is primarily tasked with applying technological and scientific principles in designing, developing, maintaining as well as testing performance of military and civil aircraft, weapons system, missiles, space vehicles and satellites.

Also, aircraft engineers work on various components making up these aircrafts and systems.

Their roles are focused on improving fuel efficiency, flight safety, speed and weight and keeping system costs at a bare minimum. Also, these engineers are required to apply advancing technologies in meeting customer needs.

Lately, their role is aimed at addressing the impact of air transport on the environment.

An aircraft engineer plays a key role in research, development, design, testing maintenance and manufacture. Most of these engineers specialise in certain particular areas like avionics, propulsion, aerodynamics, system integration or structures and materials.

Typical work activities The specific tasks of aircraft engineers tend to vary, and this is informed by things such as employer, specialism and role. However, their typical work activities include the following: • Applying scientific and technological principles in creating aircrafts, components as well as equipment • Carrying out systematic manufacturing including component assembly as well as modification • Researching and subsequent development of design specifications • Supervision of airframe assembly and installation of instruments, engines and other equipment • Measuring as well as improving aircraft performance, components and systems • Taking part in flight programmes aimed at measuring take-off distances, stall speeds, rate of climb, landing capacity and manoeuvrability.

• Tackling any issues that may emerge during design, development as well as testing processes • Coming up with innovations aimed at improving safety features or minimising air pollution or fuel use

• They ensure maintenance of aircrafts for full operation. This includes carrying out routine inspections, servicing and maintenance.

• Carrying out investigations into aircraft accidents • Working with teams, managers, suppliers and clients to agree on budgets, specifications and timescales • Providing regulatory and technical advice to teams, suppliers, clients as well as other experts within aerospace industry. They also present data not only to groups but also to individuals.

• Developing procedures to be followed during repair and also working out repair and maintenance schedules • Creating designs and plans by using CAD (computer-aided design) • Collating information, interpreting the data as well as publishing results of specific projects to do with technical report form • Project managing including managing budgets and scheduling staff and resources

Conclusion Before you deciding to jump headstrong into this profession, it is important to know what awaits you with regard to tasks and responsibilities. Depending on your area of specialisation, you might also have to handle other responsibilities. However, the above are typical to any aircraft engineer and you need to be prepared for them.