The Aeronautical Engineering programme at UTM is offered as a specialization of Mechanical Engineering and covers 5 main areas namely Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structure, Flight Dynamics and Control, Propulsion and Aircraft Design. Thus, graduates of this programme satisfy the requirement to graduate as an engineer in Mechanical Engineering as well as in the field of specialization in aeronautics.
Area of study
Aeronautical engineering encompasses all aspects of studies related to flying. In this aspects, flying includes aerospace flight. The areas of specialisation in Aeronautical Engineering can be divided into the following:-
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is the relationship between air (wind) and the material (solid) that moves in it. Various principles of Fluid Mechanics are considered in a flying problem. For example, aerodynamic study will determine a suitable shape for an aircraft, missile etc.
Aircraft Structure
This area will determine the integrity (strength) of a flying body such as an aircraft or a missile. Using dimensions and tolerances, strength of material, shear flow and theory of thin plate, the structure of an aircraft can be determined.
Aircraft Propulsion
Propulsion is a study of an aircraft power plant. This study includes design and selection of appropriate power plant for a particular aircraft. This field has developed vastly since the increase in the cost of petroleum. Engineers have been competing to invent lighter and more economic power plants.
Aircraft Instrumentation and Avionics
Avionics is the acronym for `Aviation Electronics’ and together with aircraft instrumentation they involve a wide range of studies. Flying has been facilitated by the use of various electronic devices. Electronic devices which facilitate flying such as radars ILS (Instrument Landing System) ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) etc were specifically invented by the Avionic/Aircraft Instrument Engineer. The Avionic/Aircraft Instrument Engineer will have to ensure that the instrument fitted on an aircraft will function satisfactorily together with a high degree of reliability.
Aviation Management
The aircraft industry has expanded tremendously during this decade. The industry requires experts to manage and administer its operation smoothly. Regulations concerning the construction and operations of aircraft have been so devised in order to avoid accidents and mistakes which may sacrifice lives. Students will be exposed to the responsibility as an aviation manager to cope with the industry trend and accustomed with the aviation regulation.
Aviation Economy
This course aims to expose Aeronautical engineering students with fundamental elements of economics commonly used in engineering and aviation. The course begins by introducing key economic concepts such as the cash flow diagram and factors in engineering economy. These fundamental concepts are applied on various decision-making tools such as Net Present Value, Future Worth, Annual Worth, Rate of Return and Benefit/Cost Analysis to solve aviation economics related problems.
Flight Mechanics
Flight mechanics is an important aspect in the design and operation of an aircraft flight mission. Research area include aircraft performance (take-off, climbing, cruising, decent and landing) and aircraft static stability and control in steady flight condition. Flight Dynamics and Control The area is about the
Flight Dynamics and Control
The area is about the dynamics behavior of rigid body aircraft and the application of control system theory to design simple stability augmentation systems to more complex automatic flight control systems. This includes the application of modern multivariable control system design using state-space methods. The area include, equation of motion of rigid body including translation aircraft longitudinal and lateral dynamic stability, flying and handling qualities, stability augmentation and automatic flight control system, aerodynamics stability derivatives and multivariable state-space methods
Career prospects
Graduates of this programmes are essentially Mechanical Engineers but with specialisation to Aeronautical Engineering who can easily find job opportunities in various sectors. Alternatively, they can also be known as Aeronautical Engineers depending on their job placements in industries they are in. The Aeronautical Engineering programme was first offered by UTM during the 1980/81 session, being jointly run by UTM and TUDM. Its objective was to fulfil the need for skilled and semi-skilled human resources in the aeronautical field especially in the public sector. TUDM required human resources to operate, maintain, repair, oversee and manage different types of aircraft and UTM had the capability to produce graduates in this field. This need has continued to increase with the development in the airline industry in Malaysia which demands for more trained manpower especially engineers and technical assistants.
Aeronautical Engineering programme at UTM is offered as a specialisation of Mechanical Engineering and covers five main areas namely Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structure, Flight Dynamics and Control, Propulsion and Aircraft Design. Thus, graduates of this programme satisfy the requirement to graduate as an engineer in Mechanical Engineering as well as in the field of specialisation in aeronautics. Apart from TUDM, the Civil Aviation Department requires trained manpower to supervise flying activities in Malaysia. Other organisations that require graduates in the field of aeronautics include Malaysia Airline System, Air Asia, AIROD, SME Aviation, Malaysia Helicopter Services (MHS), TLDM and PDRM Air Unit. Several other firms also have working opportunities in the airline industry.
In the field of academic and research opportunity is available for Aeronautical Engineers to serve in any institution that runs courses and research in the field of Aeronautics. Several other universities and institutions in Malaysia have started to offer programme in the field of Aeronautics too. Due to the rapid expansion in the airline industry, many airline companies, flying clubs and firms are prepared to get involved actively in the airline industry of the country by offering more job opportunities to UTM graduates.
Entry requirements
The general minimum entry requirements into a Bachelor’s Degree Programme are as follows:
- A Senior High School Certificate/Senior Secondary School/other equivalent pre-university qualifications from government schools (with a period of at least 12 years of study from primary to higher secondary);
OR - General Certificate of Education (GCE) ‘A’ Level , Diploma in the related field or other equivalent pre-university examinations;
OR - Other certificates recognized by the Senate of the University as equivalent to the above;
AND - Specific requirements based on programmes;
AND - English Language requirements
1. A minimum score of 500 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (or TOEFL (IBT) > 59) or;
2. An overall band score of 5.5 in IELTS (Academic) or;
3. An overall band score of 5.5 in TEEP (UTMSPACE) or;
4. An overall band score of 3 in MUET (STPM holder) or;
5. Completion of ELS Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) Level 107 or higher. For more information about the ELS CIEP,
Total Program Credits = 137 Credits
Duration = 4 Years (8 Semesters)
Maximum study = 6 Years (12 Semesters)
Search for Program Specification SKMT for more info.
How to Apply?
Please kindly refer to http://www.utm.my/admission/international-studentshow-to-apply/
For further information;