Aerospace Engineering BY JOE SOMERVILLE

Description  Primary branch of engineering concerned with research, design, development, construction, testing, science, and technology of aircraft and spacecraft.

Background History  The idea of this branch of engineering was conceived around the mid 1800s- early 1900s by Sir George Cayley, who is considered one of the most important people in aeronautics history. The wright brothers took advantage of this idea which lead them to develop the worlds first aircraft and successfully fly it in 1903.

Events that affected this job market  World war I ( )  The Wright Brothers (1903)  World War II ( )  Apollo 13 accident (April 1970)  Cold war ( )  War on Terror (2001-Present)

Career Evolution  Work and evolution began in late 1800s. Scientists successfully understood the theory of fluid dynamics and the successful flights by the Wright Brothers staged the development of Aeronautical engineering through World War I military aircraft designs. Germans capitalized on the idea and invested heavily on aerospace engineering during WWI and II. This idea also set the stage for spacecraft design. Became a relevant profession in the US since 1958

Education  Degree needed for this career: Associates degree or higher that majors in engineering sciences and Aerospace.  Certifications are also offered by the Federal Aviation Administration  Colleges that offer this job opportunity:  University of Michigan (4 yr program)  Michigan State University ( 4 yr program)  Lawrence Tech University ( 4 yr program)

Class recommendations  Important classes and minor knowledge requirements to take in high school to prepare for this job:  Basic understanding of computers and computer software programs are recommended  Classes in math, science, and drafting are valuable classes to take during the high school period  During college; Since only an associates degree is needed, the time it would take to attain proper knowledge in order to earn the degree for this type of career is 2-3 years.

Other Related jobs  Jobs that are closely related or could potentially lead to this type of career:  Drafting: dimensioned drawing and planning of specific projects  Woodworking: use of hands to present and display complicated works of art made of wood

Important qualities/ skills  Required skills for this job field:  Critical-thinking skills  Detail orientation  Interpersonal, math, and mechanical skills  Skilled with the use of hands to craft and design

Daily duties/Average workday  Aerospace Engineers work full-time in laboratories, offices, and manufacturing or industrial plants. They operate and maintain equipment used in testing aircraft and spacecraft. They also run computer simulations to test new designs.

How this job fits into the big picture  This job advances the technology of military and civil transportation by creating faster ways to commute or create more effective combat scenarios during military operations. This job also supports the US sector of national defense such as N.O.R.A.D.

Who reports to Who?  Aerospace Engineers report to other aerospace engineers to discuss implications of test procedures and projects. All in all, these engineers may report to the supervising architect for instruction or further planning

Income and Benefits  Income for this career ranges from $55,000 to $105,000 as determined by annual median wage. Income may increase sharply if higher degrees are earned  Benefits:  Competitive benefits are offered that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability plans. Company- paid retirement

Reflection and Outlook  This is one of the most difficult careers to undertake depending on what branch of engineering is chosen. Major knowledge in math and science is all too important.  The job market is only high in the US where there is business (California, Southeastern US, etc.)  Economic downturn has slowed job growth to 6% (below average), however the demand for engineers is increasing.  Companies that offer Aerospace Careers: Boeing, NASA, or military orginizations.

Conclusion  As what was stated before, this job benefits both civil and military organizations and society as a whole. Transportation is fastest by air and the military air force determines the outcome of many fields of combat. Without this job or even this idea, our technology never could have advanced as far as it has in the past 200 years.  This career is a good fit for me because I spent a period of my life building and designing projects and drawings for fun. I have learned many facts about engineering I general and I wish to use these skills to try and one day change the world to create a better future for mankind.