Aviation and astronautics ... soar above the clouds

The human body was not designed to fly, but our minds have evolved enough to allow us to conquer the skies. With the development of technology, humanity flies higher, farther and faster, and the popularization of these travels has led to the fact that reality has changed dramatically. In the modern world, there is almost no question of not flying. It has become an integral part of our civilization and the basis of many undertakings. Therefore, this area is constantly evolving and trying to go beyond new boundaries. Man has no wings, but he cannot live without flight. We invite you to the Faculty of Aviation and Astronautics.

Aviation and astronautics is a relatively young direction in Poland, but it is developing very dynamically. You can study it at the following universities: Poznań, Rzeszow, Warmian-Mazury, Warsaw, as well as at the Military University of Technology, the Air Force Academy in Deblin and Zelenogursky University.

How to get in and how to stay

Some of our interlocutors say that there may be problems with admission to this area of ​​study - universities are trying to select only those who can boast of the best grades. In fact, data from, for example, the Rzeszów University of Technology shows that there were three contenders for one index. But, in turn, the students of the Military Technical University, whom we asked to share their opinions and their own memories, say that in their case it was not very difficult, and they also do not appreciate their graduation achievements. Interestingly, the data of the Military Technical University show that as many as ... seven candidates applied for one index!

However, everyone unanimously says that it is not easy at the university itself. Of course, one can expect a high level and a large volume of science, because aviation and astronautics is an extremely interdisciplinary field. When teaching, you need to use knowledge from many subjects and combine them with each other so that you can draw the right conclusions. Many alumni define aviation and space science as elite studies.

People are mistaken who imagine that from the very first class we will talk only about airplanes. In the beginning, you have to face the "classics": 180 hours of mathematics, 75 hours of physics, 60 hours of mechanics and mechanical engineering. For this: electronics, automation, durability of materials and many, many other subjects that should form the knowledge base for a student who wants to study the subject. Our interlocutors praise the “works” and practical exercises. They consider aviation and astronautics an interesting direction for everyone who is interested in this topic. Apparently, it is impossible to get bored here.

Specializations, or what excites the imagination

Research in aviation and astronomy includes not only the design and construction of aircraft, but also the broadly understood operation of aircraft. Thus, the range of opportunities for a graduate is wide, it is only important to properly direct your education. For this, the specialties selected during the training will be used. Here students have several options. Among the most common are avionics, aerobatics, ground handling, automation, aircraft and helicopters.

“Avionics is the best choice,” say most students and graduates. They believe that this opens the most doors in a professional career.. Such a high rating is most likely due to the fact that this specialization has a very wide range of interests. This is the design, creation and operation of mechatronic devices and systems used in aviation. The knowledge gained here, since it is focused on aviation, can be used in other industries due to the interdisciplinary nature of this field - wherever closely interacting sensory, control, executive and articular systems are designed and operated.

Turbojet engine, Boeing 737

Students also recommend aircraft engines, which are said to be not as difficult as you might think. Some also say that this choice allows you to develop professionally - at the moment there is a large demand for specialists in this field, and there are few who graduate from this specialization. However, it should be remembered that "motors" is not only about their design, but also, perhaps, even above all, the creation of solutions for the use, repair and maintenance of drives.

The area is narrower, but very interesting. design and construction of airplanes and helicopters. Our interlocutors say that this specialization allows you to spread your wings very widely, but the issue of further employment can become a problem, because the demand for specialists in this field is not too great. Of course, in addition to “creating” new aircraft, a lot of time is spent here on complex calculations related to the strength of materials, systems, and aerodynamics. This, in turn, opens up employment opportunities not only in aviation, but also in various branches of engineering.

The specialty that, however, most excites the imagination of training candidates is the pilot. Many people, when thinking about studying aviation and astronautics, see themselves at the controls of an airplane, somewhere around 10 people. m above ground. There is nothing strange in this, because if aviation, then also flying. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. You can study a pilot project, for example, at the Rzeszów University of Technology. The condition is, however, the fulfillment of four conditions: the average academic result after three semesters cannot be lower than 3,5, you must confirm knowledge of the English language (the university does not indicate the level, but you must check it with your tests) you must demonstrate your success in aviation training (i.e. flying on gliders and airplanes), as well as to confirm their predispositions for health reasons. The situation is similar at the Air Force Academy in Deblin. It requires knowledge of English at least level B1, after three semesters it is necessary to reach an average level of at least 3,25, and this requires a first class aeromedical certificate and a pilot's license PPL (A). required. Many say that getting into the pilot is almost a miracle. Admittedly, the last two of the above conditions can cause quite a few problems. In order to get here, you actually have to be an eagle.

Various possibilities

Completion of education opens up various opportunities for the graduate. While there may be a problem with the position of a pilot - it is difficult to get it, as before to find a pilot, those who want to work not in the air, but on the ground should not face numerous obstacles in finding a job. The competition is not great. This gives hope that everyone who is interested in the subject and consistently pursues their goals has a chance to work in an interesting industry and receive a satisfactory salary.

People interested in developing a professional career can find a place in civil aviation, ground services involved in the operation of aircraft equipment, in manufacturing and repair enterprises. Revenues in this industry are high, although significant diversification is to be expected. An aeronautical engineer fresh out of college can count on about 3 people. PLN net, and over time, the salary will increase to 4500 PLN. Pilots can expect up to 7 people. PLN, but there are also those who earn more than 10 XNUMX. zloty.

In addition, after aviation and astronautics, work can be taken not only in the aviation industry. Graduates are also welcomed, for example, in the automotive industry, where the knowledge gained during studies is very useful. Of course, people with the soul of a scientist can stay at universities and develop further under the supervision of professors. Some of them may one day take part in some space project that will change our world beyond recognition...

As you can see, this is an interesting and unique course. Although the knowledge gained here is focused on aviation, its scope is so vast and wide that it can be used in other industries. There are not so many schools offering aviation and astronautics - therefore it is not easy to enter here and it is just as difficult to graduate with a diploma in hand. This is the direction that helps to rise above the clouds and to the top of your abilities. Its interdisciplinarity requires students to use their full potential. This direction is for enthusiasts - for eagles.

sole. NASA