Typical work activities vary according to the role and employer, with most aeronautical engineers specialising in a specific area. Within each specialism, tasks typically involve:
*undertaking blue sky research or applied research: blue sky *research involves developing and using fundamental *physical processes and physics laws in a controlled environment; applied research concerns the application of blue sky research and is undertaken in a design environment, industry or university research centre;
*investigating the use of new materials, or improving existing materials used; applying the principles of science and technology to the creative design of aircraft components and support equipment and researching and developing design specifications;
*undertaking systematic manufacturing, involving the assembly and modification of components;
*supervising the assembly of airframes and the installation of engines, instruments and other equipment;
*participating in flight test programmes to measure take-off distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capacities;
*resolving issues that arise during the design, development and testing processes;
*maintaining aircraft for full operation, involving regular inspections, maintenance and servicing;
*measuring and improving the performance of aircraft, components and systems and modifying designs to improve safety features or minimise fuel consumption and pollution;
*developing repair procedures, working out and managing schedules for repair and maintenance;
*investigating aircraft accidents;
*collating information, interpreting data and publishing the results of specific projects in technical report form;
*storing paperwork for approved data (drawings, technical instructions, assessments and calculations);
*working with teams, suppliers, clients and managers to agree budgets, timescales and specifications;
*project managing, including scheduling resources and staff and managing budgets;
*communicating technical and regulatory advice to clients, teams, suppliers and other professionals within the aerospace industry and presenting data to groups and individuals.
* going for lunch at a greasy burger place and then charging it as an expense
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