Expert: Paul Soderman - 7/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: What is the difference between aeronautical engineering and
aerospace engineering?

I want to go in the field that relates with the engineering
of aircrafts not rockets or spaceship. So can you sugest me
on this as well?


ANSWER: Aeronautical Engineering deals with the science of flight in air. Aerospace Engineering deals with flight in air and space.  Aerospace Engineering is a little more general, but the differences are small.  Most students of either would take courses in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, propulsion, gas dynamics, etc.  An Aerospace student would also take a few courses in orbital mechanics, space flight, or rocket launch physics.  You could study either subject and learn a lot about aircraft.  Check engineering school websites to see the courses offered.
Paul

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response, is it like if i go for aerospace
engineering i can then get into aeronautical engineering from
there on?

ANSWER: Yes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: is it for all the colleges over the globe, because some
colleges do not offer aeronautical engineering but aerospace
engineering only in the degree programmes, and this is the
place i get confused to take a further step or return back.
So   any suggestions on this?
Thanks

Answer
I don't know about all over the globe, but in the U.S. most schools offer Aerospace Engineering because it sounds more important to them.  But the courses are almost the same as found in a classic Aeronautical Engineering program.  So, if you take Aerospace Engineering you will learn about aircraft aerodynamics.  Don't worry.  Check the school courses to see for yourself.  Note that many courses are electives - you can take them but they are not required.  So you can specialize in subjects important to aircraft if you wish.  Compare one school against another.  Make a choice.