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Im in ninth-grade and I wanted to know if you have to learn how to pilot an aircraft before you start to engineer one?
#idk #pilot #aviation
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5 answers
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Sungmo David’s Answer
Great question! Officially there is not a prerequisite for being a pilot prior to being an engineer, you don’t even need to have your mechanics license! That being said, any additional knowledge you have on top of your engineering degree would be of great value for yourself and helps you potentially stand out above other candidates when going for the same job.
It may not be required, but if aviation/aerospace is your passion I would recommend considering an exploratory flight at your local flight school. This is usually used to help determine if being a pilot is right for you before significantly committing financially. Try a low-wing and high-wing and get a general familiarity of aircraft. This not only helps with design/ performance, but you can get a human factors perspective as well - better engineer. I would also recommend getting your A&P which is the aircraft mechanic license. The best engineers I’ve ever met had hands-on experience on aircraft. This provides a better understanding of what goes on mechanically/electrically with the aircraft. This provides a more pragmatic experience on actual aircraft rather than the theoretical of flight/ aerodynamics that is covered in engineering school. Both knowledge is important and I would think essential depending on the type of engineering you are pursuing.
Fun fact in aviation, a lot of European countries give the title of engineer to the mechanics.
It may not be required, but if aviation/aerospace is your passion I would recommend considering an exploratory flight at your local flight school. This is usually used to help determine if being a pilot is right for you before significantly committing financially. Try a low-wing and high-wing and get a general familiarity of aircraft. This not only helps with design/ performance, but you can get a human factors perspective as well - better engineer. I would also recommend getting your A&P which is the aircraft mechanic license. The best engineers I’ve ever met had hands-on experience on aircraft. This provides a better understanding of what goes on mechanically/electrically with the aircraft. This provides a more pragmatic experience on actual aircraft rather than the theoretical of flight/ aerodynamics that is covered in engineering school. Both knowledge is important and I would think essential depending on the type of engineering you are pursuing.
Fun fact in aviation, a lot of European countries give the title of engineer to the mechanics.
Updated
peter’s Answer
I observed peers for years in engineering of all sorts of backgrounds to aircraft. There is no general requirement to be a pilot to design pilot controls for example. I can say, the best solutions to design problems being solved came from folks that had some sort of real world aircraft experience. By that I mean beyond the ticket counter experience. However, the other extremes exist too. Just because a person has pilot on their resume, doesn't mean they are right. I had write-ups handed to me from a pilot "doesn't operate in the OFF mode" or "Display too bright".
If you want to fly - be a pilot, there are a myriad of ways to do so. Once a pilot, transition to design and engineering is rather simple and straight forward. If you don't want to be a pilot, keep your eyes and ears open. Every story you hear from crews and other engineers, good or bad, may serve you well at some point in your career. Choose a path you find intrigue and interest. If it is solving puzzles - engineering is it!
If you want to fly - be a pilot, there are a myriad of ways to do so. Once a pilot, transition to design and engineering is rather simple and straight forward. If you don't want to be a pilot, keep your eyes and ears open. Every story you hear from crews and other engineers, good or bad, may serve you well at some point in your career. Choose a path you find intrigue and interest. If it is solving puzzles - engineering is it!
I agree with Peter. If you want to be a pilot you should go ahead and do it. You can learn along with other schooling. You don't have to be a pilot to be an aerospace engineer. You can be any kind of engineer to be involved in airplane engineering. For example electrical, mechanical, structural, materials, electronics, etc. And, as Peter says, think of what kinds of things that interest you and go for it. Try Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic if you are a hands-on kind of person.
Marcia Smith
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Before becoming a pilot, there are some basic skills that you have to have, i.e. Mathematics, Science (Physics), and Geography.
Assuming you have a 20/20 vision, you can certainly take the lessons to learn to become a pilot provided you have taken the above courses in a school.
Assuming you have a 20/20 vision, you can certainly take the lessons to learn to become a pilot provided you have taken the above courses in a school.
Chris, I believe it is no longer a requirement to be a pilot to have perfect vision if it can be corrected with glasses or contacts. Check on this if you want to be a pilot.
Marcia Smith
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Chris,
Many great innovations in this world came about because a "user" became an inventor or innovator. For example, Alexander Graham Bell wanted to solve the problem of his wife's loss of hearing. The result was the telephone as we know it today. Most of us know that story, but few of us (including myself) know what skills Bell had that enabled him to create a "talking device." Apparently, he knew something about microphones and speakers and the electronics that makes them work together.
A pilot uses every feature of the aircraft - the wings, the structure, the engine and propeller, the controls and electronics. An engineer or designer focuses on one or more of these sub-systems in the aircraft. All of the sub-systems must fit and work together to make a useful machine.
If you use the machine and find a deficiency, and can create a better design - so much the better. So, yes, if you choose to, get your pilot's license; then focus on the education you will need to be a designer or engineer. Almost any branch of engineering will be involved in aircraft design, testing or manufacturing, so you have a wide range to choose from. And, think of this: some pilots become "test" pilots, and some of those started out as engineers.
Good luck as you continue in this pursuit, Chris!
Many great innovations in this world came about because a "user" became an inventor or innovator. For example, Alexander Graham Bell wanted to solve the problem of his wife's loss of hearing. The result was the telephone as we know it today. Most of us know that story, but few of us (including myself) know what skills Bell had that enabled him to create a "talking device." Apparently, he knew something about microphones and speakers and the electronics that makes them work together.
A pilot uses every feature of the aircraft - the wings, the structure, the engine and propeller, the controls and electronics. An engineer or designer focuses on one or more of these sub-systems in the aircraft. All of the sub-systems must fit and work together to make a useful machine.
If you use the machine and find a deficiency, and can create a better design - so much the better. So, yes, if you choose to, get your pilot's license; then focus on the education you will need to be a designer or engineer. Almost any branch of engineering will be involved in aircraft design, testing or manufacturing, so you have a wide range to choose from. And, think of this: some pilots become "test" pilots, and some of those started out as engineers.
Good luck as you continue in this pursuit, Chris!
Updated
Tatiana’s Answer
You don't need to be a pilot in order to be an engineer. To work on aircraft, you can choose Airspace Engineering, Electric Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering or even Chemical Engineering.