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How do I Choose the Best Aeronautical Training?

T. Webster
T. Webster

When choosing the best aeronautical training, it is important to find a school that is accredited, fits your budget, has a good reputation and specializes in the professional area that interests you. The aeronautical industry offers careers in aircraft design and development, aviation electronics or piloting aircraft. Aeronautical training also can help you become an air traffic controller or a mechanic. Aeronautical engineering is one of the more complex areas of training and can include designing or building airplanes, spacecraft and missiles.

The best aeronautical training for mechanics is an associate's degree or certificate program. Aeronautical training also can be a starting point if you want to become an aircraft pilot or co-pilot. Aircraft designers and air traffic controllers likely will need at least a bachelor's degree. Pilots also need a bachelor's degree, along with additional flight training and a pilot's license or certificate.

An aircraft plan designed by an aeronautical engineer.
An aircraft plan designed by an aeronautical engineer.

College is not the only place to receive aeronautical training. This training often is available by joining the military. This also can offer you a significant cost savings in earning a degree. You usually must commit to a certain length of military service to earn the degree, however.

Some key factors to help you decide what aeronautical training to choose are the location, cost and reputation of the school. Deciding where you want to attend school is a personal choice, but it can affect the cost of your education, depending on how far away you move. The school you choose also should have a good reputation. This can mean a tradition of high praise for its programs, a cost that is within your budget, a good job placement record and positive reviews from students.

The Lockheed SR-71, which was designed by aeronautical engineers.
The Lockheed SR-71, which was designed by aeronautical engineers.

One of the most important things to do is pick a school that is accredited. This means that the school has had its academic program verified and approved by an outside agency. For aeronautical training, try to find a school that also is accredited by a professional aeronautical group. Always make sure you have proof of any school's accreditation claims.

Airlines usually operate their own flight schools for pilot employees who are transitioning between aircraft types.
Airlines usually operate their own flight schools for pilot employees who are transitioning between aircraft types.

Aeronautical schools that have an internship program also can offer you valuable experience that could lead to job leads after you graduate. Depending on your area of interest, it might be worthwhile to consider getting your aeronautical training at an institution located near an airport. Also be sure to find out how many internship spots might be available to students and the criteria for being selected.

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    • An aircraft plan designed by an aeronautical engineer.
      By: Alex Ciopata
      An aircraft plan designed by an aeronautical engineer.
    • The Lockheed SR-71, which was designed by aeronautical engineers.
      By: SDASM Archives
      The Lockheed SR-71, which was designed by aeronautical engineers.
    • Airlines usually operate their own flight schools for pilot employees who are transitioning between aircraft types.
      By: pixel974
      Airlines usually operate their own flight schools for pilot employees who are transitioning between aircraft types.