AEROSPACE ENGINEERING Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Aerospace Engineering?
A: Aerospace Engineering is a sub-discipline of engineering which specializes in objects that move through the air, in space, and underwater.
Q: What types of equipment would I be working on?
A: The equipment we use in class would be computers/Chromebooks, 3D printers, laser engravers/cutters, wind tunnels, flight simulators along with measurement and navigation tools.
Q: What are some of the companies I could work for?
A: The big companies in this state are Boeing and Lockheed Martin, but there are a number of aerospace companies that supply these companies. You could work for airports that are in just about every county or the military. You could work for the airline industry as a pilot, crew member, or technician.
Q: How much do people make in the Aerospace industry?
A: It will depend on how much education and certification you receive, but aircraft mechanics make an average of $42,000, and pilots make an average of $69,000 in SC. The median income for an Aerospace engineer in SC is about $72,000.
Q: What kind of college degree will I need to work in this field?
A: You can get an Associate’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Aircraft Maintenance to enter the field and start off working on maintaining or designing aircraft. A Bachelor’s degree will improve your chances at Boeing and Lockheed Martin in working on designing and testing aircraft.
Q: Can I earn college credit if I take Aerospace Engineering at AIT?
A: Aerospace is a new program, and we are currently working on a partnership to create a dual enrollment opportunity for students.
Q: What will I be learning at AIT?
A: Aerospace Engineering students will learn about basic principles of flight their first semester and will go on to study drones and flight simulation as well as astronautical principles in their second semester. In the fourth course, students will complete a capstone project that currently is based on a remotely operated vehicle that is designed to work underwater.
Q: How do I know I would like Aerospace Engineering?
A: Do you like hands-on learning? Are you interested in flight and space? Do you want to launch things in the air and fly remote-controlled vehicles? Do you enjoy critical thinking and problem-solving? Are you a good math and science student?
If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, you would most likely enjoy the field of Aerospace Engineering. Talk to your counselor and join us at AIT to learn about an exciting career with endless job opportunities, great earning potential, and high demand.
