Aerospace and Aviation
About
✈️ Aerospace and Aviation
Aerospace and Aviation are closely related fields, but they focus on slightly different areas:
| Term | Focus | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation | Design, operation, and use of aircraft | Airplanes, helicopters, UAVs, drones |
| Aerospace | Design and development of aircraft and spacecraft | Aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, rockets |
1️⃣ Aviation
Aviation deals with the practical use of aircraft for transport, defense, or commercial purposes.
Key Areas:
Commercial Aviation: Airlines, passenger flights
Military Aviation: Fighter jets, transport, reconnaissance
Helicopter Operations: Search & rescue, medical evacuation
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Drones for surveillance or delivery
Careers in Aviation:
Pilot (commercial, military, or helicopter)
Air Traffic Controller
Flight Instructor
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Example Aircraft:
Fighter Jets: F-22 Raptor
Transport Aircraft: C-17 Globemaster III
2️⃣ Aerospace
Aerospace focuses on design, engineering, and science of vehicles that fly in air and space.
Key Areas:
Aeronautical Engineering: Study of aircraft design, aerodynamics, propulsion
Astronautical Engineering: Study of spacecraft, satellites, and space exploration
Avionics: Electronics, navigation, radar, and communication systems
Careers in Aerospace:
Aerospace Engineer
Propulsion Engineer (Jet Engines/Rockets)
Spacecraft Designer
Avionics Specialist
Research Scientist (Aerodynamics, Materials, Robotics)
Example Vehicles:
Fighter Aircraft: Sukhoi Su-30MKI
Spacecraft: SpaceX Crew Dragon
3️⃣ Difference Between Aviation and Aerospace
| Feature | Aviation | Aerospace |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Aircraft operation & use | Aircraft + Spacecraft design & research |
| Scope | Air only | Air + Space |
| Careers | Pilot, Air Traffic, Maintenance | Engineer, Research, Spacecraft design |
| Practicality | Operational | Technical & Scientific |
Eligibility
✈️ 1️⃣ Aviation (Pilot & Operational Roles)
🔹 Eligibility for Becoming a Pilot (Civil or Military)
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of the country (for military: usually only nationals; civil may allow foreigners depending on license authority) |
| Age Limit | Usually 17–30 years (varies by country and type of license) |
| Education | 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics; for military: graduation may be required |
| Medical Standards | Class I Medical Certificate (civil) or military medical standards; excellent vision, no chronic diseases, physically fit |
| License/Training | Completion of flying school/academy; for commercial: CPL (Commercial Pilot License) |
Examples:
India: Flying Branch of Indian Air Force → 12th PCM, age 20–24, physically fit
USA: Military pilot → US Air Force Academy or OCS, 18–33, medical & fitness standards
🛰️ 2️⃣ Aerospace (Engineering & Technical Roles)
🔹 Eligibility for Aerospace Engineers
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Depends on employer (military projects often require citizenship) |
| Age Limit | Generally 18+ (no strict upper limit for engineers) |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering |
| Skills | Strong in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Modeling, Aerodynamics |
| Further Studies | Optional: Master’s/PhD for research or R&D roles |
Example pathways:
India: B.Tech/B.E. in Aerospace or Aeronautical → Technical Officer in Indian Air Force
USA: B.Sc/B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering → NASA, SpaceX, Boeing
🔹 Key Physical & Technical Requirements
Aviation (Pilots)
Height: 162–170 cm minimum (varies)
Vision: 6/6 or 6/9 (correctable)
No color blindness
Physically fit and mentally alert
Aerospace (Engineers)
No strict physical requirements
Must have strong analytical and technical skills
Proficiency in CAD, simulation software, and programming is preferred
Job Roles
✈️ 1️⃣ Aviation Job Roles (Operational / Piloting)
These roles focus on operating aircraft and managing flights.
🔹 Pilot
Fly aircraft, helicopters, or drones
Types: Commercial Pilot, Military Pilot, Helicopter Pilot, UAV Pilot
Responsibilities: Flying, navigation, mission execution, safety
🔹 Air Traffic Controller
Manage air traffic at airports and in the sky
Ensure safe takeoffs, landings, and flight paths
Coordinate with pilots and ground staff
🔹 Flight Instructor
Train new pilots
Teach aircraft operation, navigation, and safety
🔹 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer / Technician
Inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft
Ensure airworthiness and compliance with safety standards
🔹 Cabin Crew / Aviation Operations
Cabin crew: passenger safety and comfort
Operations staff: flight planning, logistics, scheduling
🛰️ 2️⃣ Aerospace Job Roles (Engineering / Technical)
These roles focus on design, research, and development of aircraft and spacecraft.
🔹 Aerospace Engineer
Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles
Specializations: Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Structural, Systems
🔹 Avionics Engineer
Work on aircraft electronics
Systems include radar, navigation, communication, and flight control
🔹 Propulsion / Jet Engine Engineer
Design, test, and maintain engines for aircraft or spacecraft
Focus on efficiency, safety, and power output
🔹 Spacecraft / Satellite Engineer
Design and test satellites and rockets
Work on space missions, communication satellites, or scientific research
🔹 Research Scientist
Conduct research in aerodynamics, materials, robotics, or space science
Develop new technologies for aviation and space exploration
🌍 Modern & Specialized Roles
Drone/UAV Operator – Surveillance, logistics, or combat operations
Cybersecurity Specialist – Protect avionics and aerospace systems
Mission Control / Flight Operations – Coordinate space or aviation missions
Flight Test Engineer – Test prototypes and performance of new aircraft
Pilot
Air Traffic Controller
Flight Instructor
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer / Technician
Cabin Crew / Aviation Operations
Aerospace Engineer
Avionics Engineer
Propulsion / Jet Engine Engineer
Spacecraft / Satellite Engineer
Exam Details
✈️ 1️⃣ Aviation (Pilot / Operational Roles)
India – Military Aviation (Air Force Flying Branch)
Organization: Indian Air Force
Entry Exams
NDA (National Defence Academy) – After 12th
Conducted by Union Public Service Commission
Eligibility: 12th pass with PCM, age 16.5–19.5, unmarried
Written Exam:
Mathematics (300 marks)
General Ability Test (600 marks)
Selection: SSB Interview → Medical → Training at National Defence Academy
CDS (Combined Defence Services) – After Graduation
Conducted by Union Public Service Commission
Eligibility: Graduate, age 19–24, PCM at 12th
Written Exam: English, General Knowledge, Mathematics (100 marks each)
Selection: SSB Interview → Medical → Training at Indian Air Force Academy
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) – After Graduation
Written Exam: General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning
Technical branch candidates also take EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test)
Selection: SSB Interview → Medical → Training
India – Civil Aviation
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Minimum Education: 12th with PCM
Age: 17+
Exam: Written (Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, Technical subjects)
Training: Flying school → Minimum 200 hours of flying
USA – Military Aviation
Organization: United States Air Force
US Air Force Academy / OCS / ROTC
Academic and leadership evaluation
Physical fitness tests
Medical clearance
AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) – Required for pilot/aircrew
Sections: Verbal, Math, Pilot aptitude, Spatial, Instrument comprehension
Duration: ~5 hours
🛰️ 2️⃣ Aerospace (Engineering / Technical Roles)
India – Aerospace Engineering Roles
Entry: B.Tech/B.E. in Aerospace or Aeronautical
Selection for military technical roles: AFCAT (Technical/EKT)
Civil Aerospace: No centralized exam; recruitment through:
Campus placements (ISRO, HAL, DRDO)
GATE (for postgraduate and R&D roles)
Example Exams:
GATE Aerospace/Mechanical – For ISRO, DRDO, HAL recruitment
ISRO Scientist/Engineer Exam – Written + Interview
HAL / DRDO Technical Exam – Written + Interview
USA – Aerospace Engineering Roles
Civilian aerospace jobs:
Education: B.Sc/B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering
Tests: Some companies may require FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) Exam for licensure
Space Agencies (NASA, SpaceX) – Written application + technical interview + security clearance
