Difference Between Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering

A career in engineering is both challenging and satisfying in today's technology-dominated world. If you are keen on working in the aerospace industry, a degree in aerospace engineering provides a broader understanding of engineering. Alternatively, if your aim is to work on aircraft, then aeronautical engineering will equip you with the necessary skills to pursue a career in the aviation industry.

Definition

Aerospace engineering is the umbrella term used to refer to the engineering of flying vehicles that operate inside as well as outside the earth's atmosphere. Aerospace includes both aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineering is the science of flying vehicles that are designed to operate only within the earth's atmosphere, for example, aircraft and missiles.

Aerospace Engineering

A combination of aeronautical and astronautical engineering, aerospace engineering involves orbital and space exploration. As such aerospace engineers specialize in the design of the both aircraft and spacecrafts and have as much knowledge about aerodynamics--the study of the motion of air, particularly when in contact with a moving object--as they do about astrodynamics--a branch of celestial mechanics that deals with the motions of natural and artificial bodies in space. Aerospace engineers can work on airplanes, helicopters, space stations, space shuttles, missiles and lunar probes.

Aeronautical Engineering

A branch of aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering involves researching, designing, manufacturing and repairing flying machines that are limited to flying within the earth's atmosphere. For example, aircraft, space satellites, rockets, hot-air balloons and missiles are all designed by aeronautical engineers. During the designing process, they also consider and evaluate many factors about the product, from functionality to reliability, safety and effectiveness before producing the final design. According to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, aeronautical engineering focuses on aerodynamics, stability and control of aircraft.

Career Prospects

A degree in aeronautical engineering can provide grounding for a successful career in the aviation industry; an aeronautical engineer's work often involves turning ideas into reality, thus creating highly sophisticated flying vehicles. An aerospace degree, on the whole, could pave the way for many engineers who not only wish to build careers in the aerospace industry but also in aviation. Currently, the U.S. aerospace industry is at the forefront of science and technology, and is among the world's most profitable manufacturing industries.

Employability

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that engineers will enjoy continued excellent career opportunities, with a predicted employment rise of 11 percent in the decade to 2018. This means that there will be more jobs created as some engineers retire while others move on to more senior positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 71,000 engineers were employed in the American aerospace industry in the year 2008.

References

• The Knowledge World: Aeronautical and Aerospace
• Embry-Riddle: Engineering FAQ
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Engineers Job Outlook