Aeronautical Engineering Technology (AET)

Mission Statement

The Aeronautical Engineering Technology program produces graduates who have hands-on technical and engineering skills with aerospace vehicle systems, the demonstrated ability to think critically and manage projects, and who have a broad academic education; all of which shall prepare them to become industry leaders in the design, manufacturing, maintenance, operations, and support of aerospace vehicles.

 

AET Program Educational Objectives – the list below describes what graduates are expected to attain within three to five years of graduation.

  •  Effectively apply technical knowledge, problem solving techniques and hands-on skills in traditional and emerging areas of aerospace design, manufacturing, operations, or support.
  •  Be active and effective participants in ongoing professional development, professional growth and increasing professional responsibility.
  •  Effectively communicate ideas to technical and non-technical people.
  •  Work effectively in industrial teams.
  •  Work within the accepted standards of professional integrity and conduct.

Student Outcomes – the list below describes what students are expected to know and be able to do at the time graduation.

  • Demonstrate the appropriate mastery of aerospace processes and technology in order to apply problem solving tools and techniques and hands on skills for the design, manufacturing, operations, and/or support of aerospace vehicles or vehicle systems. 
  • Apply and adapt the appropriate mathematics, science, engineering and technology in problem definition and problem solutions.
  • Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and identify problems, perform testing and measurement to understand problems, and to interpret the results of testing and evaluation to recognize and develop appropriate solutions and outcomes.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the aerospace vehicle as a system, and  its role as a part of a greater system, and to develop creative solutions which positively impact related systems components.
  • Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively in a teaming environment, and utilize the tools necessary to communicate, collaborate, mentor, and appropriately lead in a team environment.   
  • Apply appropriate technical and decision-making tools to identify, analyze and solve problems. 
  • Demonstrate effective written, oral, and presentation skills appropriate for leadership and cross-functional communication. 
  • Demonstrate the skills to learn independently, and to understand the necessity for continued learning. 
  • Demonstrate an ability to understand professional, ethical and social responsibilities.  
  • Demonstrate a respect for diversity and a knowledge of contemporary professional, societal and global issues.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement needed in order to perform to an aerospace quality standard. 

Course Topics

  • Global aviation systems
  • Fundamentals of powerplant systems
  • Aircraft gas turbine engine technology

Potential Job Titles

  • Aircraft maintenance technician
  • Director of aviation maintenance
  • Logistics engineer
  • Production machinist
  • Technical assistant

Research Areas

  • Hangar of the Future
  • Technology innovations
  • Safety systems
  • Economic development
  • Aviation fuels
  • Radio frequency identification

FAA Certification

Included in the Aeronautical Engineering Technology program are a number of courses approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as satisfying the requirements of a aviation maintenance technician school. Upon completion of these courses, the student is eligible to take the comprehensive written, oral, and practical examinations for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic certificates. These certificates are recognized throughout the aviation industry as evidence that the holder has acquired a high level of technical knowledge and skill. In addition, the certificates are required for those having the need to perform aircraft maintenance.

International opportunities

All aeronautical engineering technology students complete a globalization requirement, either by studying abroad, completing an internship outside the United States, or taking one of several identified classes. You may also participate in an approved international research project that includes at least seven days of international travel. The requirement also can be met by proving foreign language competence or at least 15 days of international travel or residence since your 12th birthday.

See the complete list of qualifying classes or activities http://www.purdue.edu/tech/at.

Student organizations

Click here to learn more about Student Organizations.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in Aeronautical Engineering Technology at West Lafayette is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012; (410) 347-7700.

Audiences