Aeronautical Engineer - Working conditions
Mataaro Whakahaere Pūkaha Rererangi
Working Conditions
Aeronautical engineers usually work in offices at airports and visit aircraft workshops or hangars to inspect aircraft that require modifications or repairs. They also travel overseas to inspect aircraft and attend courses and conferences on aeronautical engineering.
Their work can be stressful when working to meet deadlines.
"I spend time in front of the computer doing modifications, reports and drawings, but I also get into the factory to deal with enquiries about engineering or relating to the drawing and specifications."
Marty Witt - Aeronautical Design Engineer
Equipment
Equipment aeronautical engineers use includes:
- office equipment
- computers
- computer programs including maths, design and draughting programs
- calculators
- aircraft design textbooks
- Civil Aviation Authority and aircraft specifications, rules and regulations available on the Internet or CD-ROM.
Hours
Aeronautical engineers usually work regular hours, but may sometimes be required to work long hours, weekends and evenings. They are often on call as they are consulted if there is a request to change the priority of repairs or modifications.
Contact with people
Aeronautical engineers have contact with aircraft engineering tradespeople, other aeronautical engineers, suppliers of aircraft or aeronautical equipment, aircraft manufacturers, airline owners and Civil Aviation Authority staff.
"A lot of the work is co-ordination. We spend a lot of time talking to our customers and other engineers within our office. We also speak with the Civil Aviation Authority and their overseas equivalents because we have customers from around the world."
Rhonda Spittle - Aeronautical Engineer
Updated
September 2009
