Astronautics

Astronautics (alternatively cosmonautics), is the theory and practice of navigation beyond the Earth's atmosphere. In other words, it is the science and technology of spaceflight.

The term astronautics was coined by analogy with aeronautics. As there is a certain degree of technology overlapping between the two fields, the term aerospace is often used to describe them both.

As with aeronautics, the restrictions of mass, temperatures, and external forces require that applications in space survive extreme conditions: high-grade vacuum, the radiation bombardment of interplanetary space and the magnetic belts of low Earth orbit. Space launch vehicles must withstand titanic forces, while satellites can experience huge variations in temperature in very brief periods. Extreme constraints on mass cause astronautical engineers to face the constant need to save mass in the design in order to maximize the actual payload that reaches orbit.

Job Description

Without astronautical engineers, Neil Armstrong would never have made it to the moon, ‘Houston’ would be inundated with all kinds of ‘problems’, and Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum would never have been able to successfully plant that computer virus in that alien mother-ship in Independence Day.  

Astronautical engineers use their technical nous, practical skills and expert scientific knowledge to design, develop, research, test, tweak, adjust and upgrade sophisticated and complex engineering solutions, such as space shuttles, space launch vehicles, satellites, rockets, space capsules and planetary probes.

Astronautical engineers often take on specialist roles, focusing on a specific sub-category of the astronautical engineering remit, such as electrical and electronic engineering, spacecraft design,structural engineering, software engineering for automation and guidance purposes, or propulsion systems.

Others focus their efforts on concepts such as space weather or astrodynamics.

The majority of opportunities are available with manufacturers of spacecraft, space agencies and executive agencies that focus on scientific research and engineering projects.

Alternatively, you could find work with an advanced research and development center or a higher education institution in a purely research-focused role.

Average Salary

• According to the Engineer Salary website, astronautical engineers earn $87,000 per year on average as of May 2011. The lowest paid 10 percent earn less than $59,610, while the highest paid 10 percent earn more than $124,550. Young astronautical engineers just starting out can expect to be paid on the lower end of that range. The Engineer Salary website indicates that the average starting salary for astronautical and aerospace engineers with a bachelor's degree is $53,408; the average starting salary with a master's degree is $62,549; and the average starting salary with a doctorate degree is $73,814.

• Experience

  • PayScale.com indicates that salaries vary by experience for aerospace and astronautical engineers. For example, those just starting out with less then one year of experience earn between $43,964 and $74,784 per year as of May 2011, while those with one to four years of experience earn between $49,846 and $79,907, a slightly higher range. As engineers gain more experience, salaries typically increase. Those with five to nine years of experience earn between $59,853 and $98,768; those with 10 to 19 years of experience earn between $71,961 and $120,177; and those with 20 or more years of experience earn between $85,113 and $148,457.
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  • Location

    • Geographic location also affects salaries for aerospace and astronautical engineers. According to PayScale.com, engineers in Fort Worth, Texas, are some of the highest paid in the country, with a salary ranging between $54,926 and $126,023 as of May 2011. Engineers in Los Angeles are paid an average salary between $50,713 and $118,295, while engineers in Houston, Texas, earn between $50,713 and $118,295. Engineers in Hunstville, Alabama, earn the lowest salaries by city reported by PayScale, with a salary ranging between $50,374 and $99,253. Starting salaries are generally on the low end of these salary ranges.

    Employer

    • The employer that aerospace and astronautical engineers work for also affects starting salaries. For example, according to PayScale.com as of May 2011, engineers who work for Boeing earn between $59,445 and $120,406 per year, while engineers who work for General Electric Aviation (GE) earn between $60,282 and $85,570, the lowest paying company reported by PayScale. Engineers who work for NASA have the widest salary range reported by PayScale.com, between $48,980 and $136,750 a year. Engineers who work for the U.S. Air Force earn between $33,935 and $93,575 a year. Starting salaries are typically on the lower end of these salary ranges.
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Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical engineering was the original term for the field. As flight technology advanced to include craft operating in outer space, the broader term "aerospace engineering" has largely replaced it in common usage. Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is often referred to colloquially as "rocket science", such as in popular culture.

Taught Courses

• Fluid mechanics – the study of fluid flow around objects. Specifically aerodynamics concerning the flow of air over bodies such as wings or through objects such as wind tunnels (see also lift and aeronautics).

• Astrodynamics – the study of orbital mechanics including prediction of orbital elements when given a select few variables. While few schools in the United States teach this at the undergraduate level, several have graduate programs covering this topic (usually in conjunction with the Physics department of said college or university).

• Statics and Dynamics (engineering mechanics) – the study of movement, forces, moments in mechanical systems.

• Mathematics – in particular, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.

• Propulsion – the energy to move a vehicle through the air (or in outer space) is provided by internal combustion engines, jet engines and turbomachinery, orrockets (see also propeller and spacecraft propulsion). A more recent addition to this module is electric propulsion and ion propulsion.

• Control engineering – the study of mathematical modeling of the dynamic behavior of systems and designing them, usually using feedback signals, so that their dynamic behavior is desirable (stable, without large excursions, with minimum error). This applies to the dynamic behavior of aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems, and subsystems that exist on aerospace vehicles.

• Aircraft structures – design of the physical configuration of the craft to withstand the forces encountered during flight. Aerospace engineering aims to keep structures lightweight.

• Avionics – the design and programming of computer systems on board an aircraft or spacecraft and the simulation of systems.

• Software – the specification, design, development, test, and implementation of computer software for aerospace applications, including flight software, ground control software, test & evaluation software, etc.

• Risk and reliability – the study of risk and reliability assessment techniques and the mathematics involved in the quantitative methods.

• Noise control – the study of the mechanics of sound transfer.

• Flight test – designing and executing flight test programs in order to gather and analyze performance and handling qualities data in order to determine if an aircraft meets its design and performance goals and certification requirements.

Aerospace engineering may be studied at the advanced diploma, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels in aerospace engineering departments at many universities, and in mechanical engineering departments at others. A few departments offer degrees in space-focused astronautical engineering. Some institutions differentiate between aeronautical and astronautical engineering.

                     

Typical work activities

• Applying the principles of science and technology to create aircraft, components and support equipment;

• Researching and developing design specifications;

• Undertaking systematic manufacturing, involving the assembly and modification of components;

• Supervising the assembly of airframes and the installation of engines, instruments and other equipment;

• Participating in flight test programmes to measure take-off distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capacities;

• Resolving issues that arise during the design, development and testing processes;

• Maintaining aircraft for full operation including making regular inspections, maintenance and servicing;

• Measuring and improving the performance of aircraft, components and systems;

• Modifying designs to improve safety features or minimise fuel consumption and pollution;

• Developing repair procedures as well as working out and managing schedules for repair and maintenance;

• Investigating aircraft accidents;

• Collating information, interpreting data and publishing the results of specific projects in technical report form;

• Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create designs and plans;

• Storing paperwork for approved data (drawings, technical instructions, assessments and calculations);

• Working with teams, suppliers, clients and managers to agree budgets, timescales and specifications;

• Project managing, including scheduling resources and staff and managing budgets;

• Communicating technical and regulatory advice to clients, teams, suppliers and other professionals within the aerospace industry and presenting data to groups and individuals.

Job Description

An aeronautical, or aerospace, engineer applies scientific and technological principles to research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of:

• Civil and military aircraft;

• Missiles;

• Weapons systems;

• Satellites;

• Space vehicles.

They also work on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems.

The role is focused on improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing system costs and using advancing technologies to meet customer needs. Increasingly, the role addresses the environmental impact of air travel.

You can specialise in a particular area such as propulsion, avionics, systems integration, aerodynamics or materials and structures. The aerospace industry is well established in the USA with jobs available in US-owned and international aerospace companies.

Salary and conditions

• Starting salaries for aeronautical engineers range from $34,232   to 
$47924

• Aeronautical engineers with significant experience typically earn $47924 to $77,022.

• At senior levels salaries of £77,022 to $111,252+ can be reached.

• Higher starting salaries may be offered to those with Masters or research qualifications. Larger, more renowned employers may offer higher salaries.

• Working hours are mainly 9am to 5pm, but extra hours may be required to complete projects to deadlines. You may need to work on an 'on-call' consultation basis dealing with such issues as a change in the priority of repairs or in case of an emergency investigation.

• Work is undertaken in offices, factory production hangars or aeronautical laboratories. You may have to travel to sites and other industrial companies in order to examine or test aircraft.

• Design work in a laboratory will involve the use of sophisticated computer visualisation tools and software.

• The work is often undertaken as part of a team with other colleagues and departments. There is a heavy reliance on research.

• Self-employment opportunities are limited.

• Working at the forefront of technology makes long career breaks difficult, as you need to keep up to date with industry developments.

• Jobs are widely available in a number of locations in the US and abroad. 

• The work of aeronautical engineers requires dedication and enthusiasm. It may vary in content from day to day and can be stressful when deadlines approach. The work must be precise, as the consequences of human error can be serious.

• Travel within a working day and absence from home over night are sometimes necessary due to visits to aircraft workshops or hangars to inspect aircraft that require modifications or repairs. Overseas travel may be required to attend courses and conferences on aeronautical engineering. 

I hope your queries have been answered. If this post helped you in any way please share it with your friends and boosts their knowledge too. 

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Sources: Wikipedia, Prospects

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Do you wanna be an Airline Pilot?

A pilot or aviator is a person actively involved in flying an aircraft. Pilot is a somewhat more precise term, as the pilot by definition directly controls the aircraft whereas the slightly broader term aviator is a person who, though actively involved in flying the aircraft , does not necessarily directly control its path. People who fly aboard an aircraft who are not involved in the aircraft's flight systems, such as passengers and cabin crew, are not generally considered aviators, but crew such as navigators, and flight engineers are generally included.

To ensure the safety of people in the air and on the ground, early aviation soon required that aircraft be under the operational control of a properly trained, certified pilot at all times, who is responsible for the safe and legal completion of the flight. The Aéro-Club de France delivered the first certificate to Louis Blériot in 1908—followed by Glenn Curtiss, Léon Delagrange, and Robert Esnault-Pelterie. The absolute authority given to the "pilot in command" derives from that of a ship's captain.

In recognition of the pilots' qualifications and responsibilities, most militaries and many airlines worldwide award aviator badges to their pilots, as well as other air crews. This includes naval aviators.

Airline pilots fly passengers and/or cargo on long or short-haul flights for leisure, business or commercial purposes.

The aircraft is typically operated by two pilots; one will be the captain who is the pilot in command, while the other will be the supporting first officer. The pilots will usually take turns to fly the plane to avoid fatigue, with one operating the controls while the other speaks to air traffic control and completes the paperwork. In some instances, such as long-haul flights, there may be three or four pilots on board so that the necessary breaks from flying can be taken.

The captain has the overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and the safety of crew and passengers.

Prior to the flight, pilots check flight plans, ensure that the aircraft's controls are operating efficiently and calculate the required fuel for the flight. They are also responsible for checking the weather conditions and briefing cabin crew.

Typical work activities

The job of a pilot comes with heavy responsibility and personal commitment. Stringent training courses have to be passed followed by recurrent training every six months in order to maintain the relevant licence required for the job.

There is more to the role than just flying the plane, which has to be done safely and economically, and tasks can typically include:

• ensuring all information on the route, weather, passengers and aircraft is received;
• using that information to create a flight plan which details the altitude for the flight, route to be taken and amount of fuel required;
• ensuring the fuel levels balance safety with economy and supervising the loading and fuelling of the aircraft;
• ensuring all safety systems are working properly;
• briefing the cabin crew before the flight and maintaining regular contact throughout the flight;
• carrying out pre-flight checks on the navigation and operating systems;
• communicating with air traffic control before take-off and during flight and landing;
• ensuring noise regulations are followed during take off and landing;
• understanding and interpreting data from instruments and controls;
• making regular checks on the aircraft's technical performance and position, on weather conditions and air traffic during flight;
• communicating with passengers using the public address system;
• reacting quickly and appropriately to environmental changes and emergencies;
• updating the aircraft logbook and writing a report at the end of the flight noting any incidents or problems with the aircraft.

Salary

Following are the salaries of pilots at some of the major airline companies.

• American Airlines: 1st yr F/O: $31,080 and 10th yr Captain $123,420
• Delta Airlines: 1st yr F/O: $50,400 and 10th yr Captain $204,636
• UPS: 1st yr F/O: $26,004 and 10th yr Captain $200,508
• Southwest: 1st yr F/O: $42,960 and 10th yr Captain $159,000
• ATA: 1st yr F/O: $36,000 and 10th yr Captain $136,632
• Airborne Express: 1st yr F/O $28,536 and 10th yr Captain $146,184

Job Expectency

If we listen to the 2013 Boeing and Technician Outlook, there will be a great demand for commercial pilots worldwide over the next 20 years. In addition to worries surrounding the rate of pilot retirement, Boeing is quick to point out that “airlines across the globe are expanding their fleets and flight schedules to meet surging aviation demand in emerging markets.” This means in addition to the pilots that airlines need to replace, airlines are adding jobs for pilots that will fly them all over the globe—especially in the Asia Pacific. They estimate that North America will require 85,700 new pilots over the next 20 years.

Nevertheless, if one is to look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they predict an 11% increase in airline and commercial pilot jobs over the next ten years , from about 103,500 pilots in 2010 to about 115,000 in 2020. With more than half of all airline pilots in their 50s, (for the sake of numerical ease, let’s just say that 69,000 pilots are set to retire over the next ten years), these calculations reveal that Boeing’s numbers may fall short: 80,500 new pilots would be needed over the next ten years alone.

So after summing everything up, we see that Airline Pilots have a lot of opportunities in the next 20 years and their pay grade is also quite good. So if we like travelling and aeroplanes, career as an airline pilot will be like working in heaven. 

I hope this article answered all your questions about career as a Pilot. If it did, share it with your friends so that even they get their questions answered.

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Commercial Aviation

Route map of the world's scheduled commercial airline traffic, 2009

Commercial aviation is the part of civil aviation (both general aviation and scheduled airline service) that involves operating aircraft for hire to transport passengers or cargo.

General aspects

Airport terminal with commercial aircraft

In most countries, a flight may be operated for money only if it meets three criteria:

• the pilot must hold a valid commercial pilot's certificate

• the aircraft must hold a valid commercial registration

• the operator must hold a certificate or some other authorization for commercial operations

There are some exceptions — for example, a flight instructor is normally allowed to fly for money in a private aircraft owned by the student — but the above requirements hold for most flights where money changes hands.

Typically, a commercial certificate or registration requires higher standards than a private one. For example, a commercial pilot may have to demonstrate more maneuvers to a higher standard, and may need to pass more frequent medical examinations. A commercially registered plane may require more frequent or more extensive maintenance.

It is the purpose of the flight, not the type of aircraft or pilot, that determines whether the flight is commercial. For example, a two-seat Cessna 150 towing a banner for money would be a commercial flight, while a large jet flown by its owners for a private vacation would not be, even if the pilots were commercially certificated and the jet were commercially registered.

So my friend, that's commercial aviation. Its not so complicated so I hope you understood this topic. I hope you will be back soon for some more exciting content.

Source: Wikipedia

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