An overview
Aviation begins with military role and today has an important impact in both Civil and military areas. Air India started its first flight to London in 1948. Since then commercial aviation has come a long way in our country. Manufacture of aircrafts is now gaining momentum in our country hence an additional section has been devoted for describing the work of engineers/technicians in the manufacturing industry. Space science has assumed tremendous importance for scientific research.

Industry profile

With the director general of civil aviation as the apex regulatory body the civil aviation sector comprises of the airports and commercial national & international airlines. Options for job are both with the government and with private airlines. The people employed for high tech functions such a piloting engineering, telecommunication have a science background while administrative and commercial responsibilities are taken care of by people from diverse backgrounds. The industry needs people with a high level of responsibility and accountability.

Entry and career progression

Physics and mathematics studied upto the class 12thlevel permits entry to training institutes for flying engineering branches of aviation. Ground duty and cabin staff in commercial aviation can enter from non science streams. Entry is after graduation to these branches. Science graduates are recruited also to the communication branches. Career progression of pilots is based on number of clocked flying time and the experience on different aircrafts.
Aptitudes, Interests and Personal qualities

Pilot needs to have scientific and numerical aptitude and a good academic record. Quick responses and interest in travelling, ability to work under stress, endurance and qualifying the pilot aptitude test are essential requirements. Students aspiring to enter aeronautical engineering should have a good academic record with science aptitude. They should be good at numerical work, have an acumen to work with machines, precision, an organized approach to work and should have an ability to work with details. The job requires team work and coordination. Communication job in aviation sector requires good language skills and voice clarity. Technical staff needs to have good scientific and technical acumen and precision.