Did you collect model planes as a child? Do you still love to? Are you fascinated with how planes work? Work as a pilot? Keep your head in the clouds and consider a career in Aeronautics. Here are a few career opportunities to consider:

Pilot
Pilots are highly trained professionals who either fly airplanes or helicopters to carry out a wide variety of tasks. Most pilots transport cargo or passengers. Others may dust crops, fly passengers and cargo to areas not served by regular airlines, direct firefighting efforts, track criminals, monitor traffic, or help with search and rescue efforts.

It’s good to have a college degree if you are considering work in this field. Most airlines require at least two years of college. Some will only hire college graduates. Pilots also need to have flight experience to qualify for a license. Finishing classes at a FAA-approved flight school can reduce the amount of flight experience needed to get a pilots license.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of aircraft pilots and flight engineers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2006 to 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Population growth and an expanding economy are expected to boost the demand for air travel, contributing to job growth. New jobs will be created as airlines expand their capacity to meet this rising demand by increasing the number of planes in operation.

Aeronautical Engineer
An Aeronautical Engineer is responsible for aircraft design, development, and testing. They also supervise the aircraft manufacturing process. Aeronautical Engineers specialize in areas such as structural design, guidance, navigation and control, instrumentation and communication, or production methods.
If you are considering a career in this field, it’s a good idea to have a mechanical engineering degree. Most engineering programs involve a concentration of study in an engineering specialty, along with courses in both mathematics and the physical and life sciences. Many programs also include courses in general engineering. A design course, sometimes accompanied by a computer or laboratory class or both, is part of the curriculum of most programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aeronautical engineers are expected to have 10 percent growth in employment over the 2006-16 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increases in the number and scope of military aerospace projects likely will generate new jobs. In addition, new technologies expected to be used on commercial aircraft produced during the next decade should spur demand for aerospace engineers. The employment outlook for aerospace engineers appears favorable. **

Flight Attendant
This position is not just about fetching soft drinks and peanuts for passengers. Flight attendants are the ones who make sure that first-aid kits and other emergency equipment are on the plane and in working order. They also ensure that the passenger cabin is in order and stocked with adequate supplies of food, beverages, and any other provided amenities. In the event of an emergency, a flight attendant’s first priority is to help the passengers. A flight attendant must remain calm under pressure in order to reassure and lead passengers to safety.

If you are considering work in this field, a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement. Some airlines prefer applicants with a college degree and with experience in dealing with the public. Degree concentrations in psychology, communications, sociology, nursing, anthropology, police or fire science, travel and tourism, hospitality and education are highly in demand.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of flight attendants is expected to grow 11 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations over the 2006-16 projection period. Population growth and an improving economy are expected to boost the number of airline passengers. As airlines expand their capacity to meet rising demand by increasing the number and size of planes in operation, more flight attendants will be needed.

Are you ready to take flight? Let Top Colleges help you find the Aeronautics program that’s right for you!