Aircraft maintenance engineers - Nature of Work

Aircraft mechanics/Aircraft maintenance engineers

Aircraft Mechanics work in the maintenance of aircraft frame, engine, electrical systems and other ancilliary fittings. Airlines employ aircraft mechanics for two kinds of operations.They work as line maintenance mechanics or as overhaul mechanics. The former can work on all parts of the aircraft. At airports they make necessary emergency and other required repairs.They are guided by flight engineers for the required repair and also to carry out complete inspection of the aircraft prior to take off.

Overhaul mechanics are incharge of carrying out the routine maintenance after the required number of flying hours have been completed. There are aircraft airframe mechanics and aircraft power plant mechanics.The former are incharge of overhauling the airframe while the latter work on the engine. Mechanics may work on one type of aircraft or on many different types of aircrafts.To optimise efficiency often mechanics are trained to specialise in electrical systems or as pneumatic testers or even as air conditioning mechanics etc.

Employment Avenues

Employment is available with Air India, Indian Airlines, Pawan Hans, Helicopter Corporation of India and flying clubs, private airlines and government owned air service. Besides Airlines Aeronautical Engineers get employment in organisations such as Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd, Defence Research and Development Laboratories, National Aeronautical Lab, Aeronautical Develop­ment Establishment, Civil Aviation Department and other places. With the rise in the number of private air taxis and liberalisation of air space, avenues for aeronautical engineers has seen an upward swing.

There are 4 levels of trainee appointment for Aircraft maintenance engineers in National Carriers for a period of one year. They then get appointed as Assistant Aircraft Engineers after they have obtained the licence from DGCA.

Engineers in government organisations, such as HAL, NAL are paid official scales while those in the private sector are paid according to the scales decided by the management of the company, Airline professionals get fringe benefits of free travel for self and family also.

Diploma holders in Aeronautics work as technicians in Engineering department or if they do one year additional BE equivalent Associate Membership of the Aeronautical Society of India (AMAeSI) in Aeronautics with AME course they are eligible for higher positions in the organisation. They may also go for higher studies in ME, M Tech.

Electronic and Telecommunication Engineers - Introduction

Electronics is the study, application and control of the scientific phenomena concerned with the flow of electrical current. Fluids, gases, semiconductors, vacuum, semi or super conducting materials are electrical conductors. Based on this phenomenon a variety of electronic products have been developed which have had countless applications. Telecommunications is a very important and fast growing industry. From the telephone to the voice processing equipments, touchtone telephones, cellular technology, wireless technology, microwave and satellite communication systems, to the linking of computers and telephone lines the progress has been swift and efficient. The Internet is an example of a vaste global computer network, with computers linked by wires, fibreoptics, cables, microwave and satellite communication links. Products made by the electronics industry are for use in four different areas.

The first area is defence and space programmes, communications systems, medical technology, traffic control devices etc. primarily for government sector. The second area comprises of industrial products which include large scale computers radio and television broadcasting equipment, telecommunications equipment, electronic office equipment, testing and measuring instruments, radiation detection devices, electronics instruments for nuclear work and industrial control and processing equipment.

The third area where electronics are used is for consumer products, e.g., music compact disc players, televisions, radios, video games, VCRs, personal computers, electronic ovens etc.

The fourth category comprises of electronic components such as integrated circuits, microprocessors, transistors, relays, microchip television picture tubes, amplifiers etc.

The vast application of electronics and the rapid advancements in the field of telecommunications makes the study of electronic engineering / electronic and telecommunication engineering a coveted option.

Electronic and Telecommunication Engineers - Nature of Work

Electronic Engineers

Electronic engineers have been involved in the invention, design, construction and operation of electronic systems and devices.There are several divisions and departments where electronic engineers work. They work in the many segments of the communication industry, automobile industry or in robotics. Electronic engineers work on electrical circuits in endless applications. As specialists they may work with computing systems, industrial equipments, aerospace equipments or biomedical devices. The jobs in these sectors are in research, design and development, manufacturing, servicing, sales, marketing and teaching.

Research and Development - This involves testing and conducting studies on new materials and chemical interactions. Electronic Engineers devise actual functioning devices and work out their production process using computer aided engineering design.

Production - In production they are responsible for the materials, machinery, assembly line operations and quality standardisation.

Servicing - Servicing engineers work with sales department for providing after sales services.

Sales and Marketing - Electronic Engineers understand customer needs, evaluate potential applications and advise on matters regarding marketing .

Teaching - Electronic engineering is a popular discipline hence it requires new talent.

Telecommunication Engineers

Telecommunication engineers are involved in the designing, manufacture and operation of telecommunication devices. They specialise in one of the telecommunication sectors- the telephone industry, computer industry, microwave radio systems, satellite communications, earth stations using satellite dishes, cellular phones industry, fibre optics communication systems etc. As specialists they work with aerospace industry, computer industry, telecommunication networking industries and telecommunication service providers. In these sectors they work in research and development, production, sales and marketing , servicing and teaching.

Electronic and Telecommunication Engineers - Work Environment

Electronic engineers are employed in a variety of industries where the work environment may vary significantly. Research based jobs are carried on in laboratories while the fabrication and assembly line jobs are carried on the shop floor. Sales and marketing jobs involve travelling and dealing with market research personnel, agents and users. Teaching jobs are institution based and involve constant academic pursuits. Electronic engineers work under typical conditions in defence, hospitals, aeronautics, weather labs etc.

Telecommunication engineers work in manufacturing industries, research and in services sector. Working conditions vary with the nature of job. Nevertheless the job involves desk work involving technical calculations, design and testing. Field work requires travelling and may be physically demanding. Telecommunication engineers working in the aerospace industry, in defence and at airfield control towers work under significantly demanding situations.

Personal Characteristics

Analytical mind, strong problem solving abilities, sound mathematical and scientific foundation and a desire to be in constant pursuit of knowledge is required for success in electronics and telecommunication engineering. Most engineers work in teams with other professionals hence the ability to work in a team and gradually to rise to the position of a team leader is expected of qualified engineers. Strong communication skills are needed as engineers are expected to present reports and participate in technical forums.

Employment Avenues

Companies dealing with consumer, aircraft or broadcast electronics, hospital and medical equipment, satellite, computers, marine navigation; audiovisual test and farm machinery offer opportunities for electronic/telecommunication engineers. The convergence or blending of technology for telephones, computers, cable, video and broadcast television will require professionals skilled in multitude of disciplines. Engineers from computers, electronics telecommunications/communication have opportunities in a wide variety of companies.

Electronic and Telecommunication Engineers - Study and Training

Mathematics and Physics are the basic subjects required in Class XII for courses in electronics and telecommunication engineering. For admission to engineering and technology courses (in engineering colleges) an entrance test has to be taken after class XII. B.E./B.Tech. courses are of 4 year duration and on completion generally offer openings in the public sector, defence, manufacturing industries, sales and marketing (Refer to chapter on engineering for degree courses). Those inclined to enter research and development or teaching or consultancy jobs must opt for postgraduate qualifications. Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) has to be cleared for seeking placement in postgraduate degree programmes. ME/MTech are two year courses and further specialisations are offered through post graduate diplomas or research fellowships.

Students after 10+2 may opt to acquire technicians qualifications through the 3 year diploma courses offered by Technology Training Institutions. The option to study for membership examinations of professional bodies or even to pursue a part time degree course is open to diploma holders for upgrading their qualifications while on the job.

BSc Electronics course is offered by several universities and can be followed by an MSc in the subject. Specialized B.Tech. courses are being offered in interesting areas such as Electronics & Computer Sc., Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Control, Electronics & Instrumentation, Electronics & Telematics, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Power, Electronics & Electrical Communication, Electronics & Information Electronics & Power etc.

The application of electronics to different sectors has been explained in the foregoing paras. Institutions offering these discipline at the graduate level are given in the table in the chapter on engineering. Postgraduate study options have been detailed in the following tables -

Courses/Institutions

Study/Training

Mathematics and Physics are the basic subjects required in Class XII for courses in electronics and telecommunication engineering. For admission to engineering and technology courses (in engineering colleges) an entrance test has to be taken after class XII. B.E./B.Tech. courses are of 4 year duration and on completion generally offer openings in the public sector, defence, manufacturing industries, sales and marketing (Refer to chapter on engineering for degree courses). Those inclined to enter research and development or teaching or consultancy jobs must opt for postgraduate qualifications. Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) has to be cleared for seeking placement in postgraduate degree programmes. ME/MTech are two year courses and further specialisations are offered through post graduate diplomas or research fellowships.

Students after 10+2 may opt to acquire technicians qualifications through the 3 year diploma courses offered by Technology Training Institutions. The option to study for membership examinations of professional bodies or even to pursue a part time degree course is open to diploma holders for upgrading their qualifications while on the job.

BSc Electronics course is offered by several universities and can be followed by an MSc in the subject. Specialized B.Tech. courses are being offered in interesting areas such as Electronics & Computer Sc., Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Control, Electronics & Instrumentation, Electronics & Telematics, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Power, Electronics & Electrical Communication, Electronics & Information Electronics & Power etc.

The application of electronics to different sectors has been explained in the foregoing paras. Institutions offering these discipline at the graduate level are given in the table in the chapter on engineering. Postgraduate study options have been detailed in the following tables -

Courses/Institutions - M.Sc./M.Tech. Electronics

University/Institution Degree Eligibility Duration

Eastern Region

Orissa

Berhampur University, M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. & entrance test 2 years
Berhampur, Ganjam 760007 B.Sc. Electronics XII 3 yrs.

Sambalpur Univ,, Burla, M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. 2 years
Sambalpur 768109

Utkal University, B.Sc. XII 3 yrs.

PO Vani Vihar, Bhuba-

neshwar 751004, Orissa

Assam

Gauhati University, M.Sc. Electroincs B.Sc. 2 years
Guwahati 781014

Tezpur University, Napa- M.Tech. (Electronics) BE in Electronics/Elec- 1½year
am, Tezpur 789035 trical or M.Sc. in Elec-

tronics/Physics

Dibrugarh University, BE Electronics & Tele- XII 4 yrs.

Rajabheta, communication

Dibrugarh 786004 B.Sc. (Major) Electronics. XII 3 yrs.

Manipur

Manipur University, B.Sc. Electronics XII PCM 3 yrs.

Canchipun,

Manipur-795003

West Bengal

Jadavpur University, PO M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc.(H) in Physics/ 2 years
Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-32 Electronics

Bihar

Babasahib Bhimrao B.Sc. (Hons.) XII PCM 3 yrs.

Ambedkar, Bihar Univ.

Muzaffarpur 842001

Northern Region

Jammu & Kashmir

University of Kashmir, M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. 2 years
University Campus, Hazr- B.Sc. with Electronics XII 3 yrs.
atbal, Srinagar 190006

Delhi

University of Delhi, North B.Sc.(Hons) Electronics XII PCM 3 yrs.
Campus, Delhi 110007 M.Sc. Electronics, B.Sc. with 60-65% in ap- 2 years
South Campus, Benito Ju- Industrial, Instrumen- propriate subjects
arez Marg, New Delhi-21 tation in Electronics entrance exam

Jamia Milia Islamia M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc.(H) with 50% or 2 years
Md. Ali Jauhar Marg, B.Sc.(P) with 55%
Jamia Ngr., Delhi-110025

IIT - Delhi, Hauz Khas, M.Tech. in Telecommuni- CGPA of 6.75 on a 10

New Delhi - 110 016 cation Tech. and Mgnt. point scale or 60%

marks, minimum

GATE percentile of 75

& B.Tech./BE in Ele-

ctronic /elec. Comm.

Comp Sc. & Engg.

Haryana

Kurukshetra University, M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. with 50% or PG 2 years
Kurukshetra 136119 Diploma with 50%

Uttar Pradesh

Aligarh Muslim University M.Sc. Tech./Engg. Electro- B.Sc. Engg. with 60% 1½ years
Aligarh 202002 nics Elec & Comm.

University of Allahabad, M.Tech Solid State Electr- B.Tech. exam in Elect- 1½ years
Allahabad 211002 onics & Devices ronics & Telecom

Chhatrapati Shahuji Mah- M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. 2 years
araj University, Kalyan- B. Sc. with Electronics XII 3 yrs.
pur, Kanpur 208024

Dayalbagh Education Inst M.Sc. Physics with specia- B.Sc.(H) or graduation 3 Sem.
Dayalbagh, Agra282005 lisation in Electronics Ist class in subject

Deendayal Upadhaya M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. 2 years
Gorakhpur University, B.Sc. with Electronics XII 3yrs.
Gorakhpur 273009 BE, ME

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia B.Sc. XII 3yrs.

Avadh University,

Faizabad 224 001

Nepal

Kathmandu University BE Electrical and XII PCM 50% 4 yrs.

Dhulikhel, Kavre, PO Box Electronics

6250, Kathmandu, Nepal

Madhya Pradesh

Barkatullah Vishwavidyal- M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. in Physics, Chemi- 2 years
aya, Hoshangabad Road, stry, Maths, Statistics,
Bhopal 462026 Electronics with 50%

Devi Ahilya Vishwavidya- M.Tech. Electronics B.E./B.Tech.M.Sc. (in 1½ years
laya 'Nalanda Parisar', 169 subject concerned)
Prundra Nath Tagore Mg. M.Sc. Electronics (specia- B.Sc. with Physics/Ele- 2 years
Indore 452001 lisation Fibre Optics) tronics/Maths/Comp.
Sc./Statistics/Chemistry

Dr. Hari Singh Gaur Vish- M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. 2 years
wavidyalaya, Gaur Nagar,
Sagar 470003

Jiwaji University, Vidya M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. 2 years
Vihar, Gwalior 474011

Ujjain Engg. College, ME Electronics BE/B.Sc. Engg. 2 years
Ujjain 456010 60 seats)

Western Region

Maharashtra

Amravati University, M.Sc. (Applied Elect.) B.Sc. with 50% in Phy & 2 years
Tapovan Road Camp, Maths
Amravati, 444462

Nagpur Univ., R N Tagore M.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. 2 years
Marg, Nagpur 490001 B.Sc. with Electronics XII 3 yrs.

University of Mumbai BSc with Electronics XII 3 yrs.

MG, Road, Fort, MSc BSc 2 yrs.

Mumbai 400032 BE Elect/Elec/Telecom XII 4 yrs.

University of Pune, Gan- B.Sc. Electronics XII PCM/B/Geology/ 3 yrs.

eshkhind, Pune-411007 Geog.

M.Sc. Electronics BSc. 2 yrs.

BE Electr. & Telecom. &nbs

Agricultural Engineers - Introduction and Nature of Work

Agricultural Engineering is concerned with the application of engineering principles and practices to all areas related to agriculture. It is essentially a hybrid of engineering and agricultural sciences with major engineering characteristics. Agricultural engineers apply engineering procedures to production, processing, preservation and handling of food materials. Agricultural engineering has brought about significant improvements in the methods of farming and food production. Technological advancements and continuous research in the field of design have given impetus to improvement in farm equipments, development of irrigation systems, design, construction and installation of agricultural tube wells and pumps, better and efficient food processing systems and work on land reclamation projects. Significant work in these areas has increased the demand for agricultural engineers.

Nature of Work

Agricultural engineers learn and apply the principles of engineering to work in the agricultural equipment industries, agricultural product processing industries and food industries.Their job entails developing new designs to suit the requirements of these industries. Besides developing new designs for equipments and machines used by the agriculture and food industry they coordinate work with electronic/electrical engineers for perfecting the technology of the equipments. They supervise production of agricultural equipments, machinery and machine parts. Agricultural engineers have contributed to making farming easier, energy efficient, and have made significant contribution in soil and water conservation.

Agricultural Engineers - Study and Training

Agricultural engineering can be pursued after a science option in class XII . The subjects essential for the course are Physics , Chemistry and Mathema-tics. B.Tech. course covers subjects such as Agricultural System Management, Aquacultural Engineering, Dairy & Food Engg., Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, Non Conventional Energy sources and Water Resource Development and Management including Farm Machinery and Power, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Farm Structure and Rural Electrification.

At the post graduate level non traditional subjects like Computer science, Biotechnology, Environment Engineering, Ergonomics, Operations Research, Remote Sensing, Rural Development and Waste land development etc. may be pursued.

Agricultural Engineers who are appointed for large irrigation projects or land reclamation work require a post graduate qualification in the area of specialisation or substantial work experience.

Course/Institutions

B.Tech (duration 4 years) M. Tech (11/2 years)

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) New Delhi conducts an All India Examination for admission to Agricultural colleges (B.Tech. courses) all over the country. Some seats on all India basis in Agricultural Engineering colleges in all the states are filled on merit obtained in this examination.

Eligibility criteria and admission procedures for admission to graduate
degree courses through IIT JEE/AIEEE have been discussed in the chapter 'Engineering & Technology'. Graduate engineers with a GATE score can seek admission to postgraduate programmes.

Graduate/Postgraduate courses in agricultural engineering/allied branches

Institution/University Seats Course

Eastern Region

West Bengal

Indian Institute of Technology, 26 B. Tech., Agril & Food Engg.

Kharagpur-721302 M.Tech. 5 yrs. dual degree

Agril & Food Engg.

M. Tech. in Farm Machi-
nery Power, Soil and
Water Conservation Engg,
Dairy/Food Engg, Water
resources dev and Acqua-
cultural Engg. Agril system

Post Harvest Engg.

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vidyalaya,

Faculty of Agricultural Engg, Mohanpur, 15 B. Tech Agri. Engineering

Nadia 741252

Bihar

Rajendra Agricultural University College of 25 B.Tech. (Agri Engg)

Agricultural Engineering, Samastipur, M. Tech in Soil Water,

Pusa-848125, Farms machinery, Post

Harvest Tech.

Orissa

Orissa University of Agricultural & Technology

College of Agricultural Engg & Technology, 60 B.Tech Agri Engg

Bhubaneshwar 751003 M.Tech Agri Engg

Northern Region

Madhya Pradesh

Jawahar Lal Nehru University

College of Agricultural Engineering, Adhartal 40* B. Tech. (Agri Engg)

Jabalpur-482004 M.Tech

Mahatma Gandhi Gramoday Vishwavidyala

Institute of People’s Science and Tech., 30 each B.Tech. Food Tech. & Agril,

Chitrakoot 485331 Distt. Satna (MP) Tech.

Uttar Pradesh

GB Pant Universtiy College of Tech., Pantnagar-263145, 45 B. Tech. Agri. Engg.

Dist Udham, Singh Nagar (Selection AIEEE)

M. Tech., Farm machinery

& Power engg., Soil &

Water conservation Engg.,

Irrigation and drainage

engg., post harvest process

& Food Engg. & Food &

Biotech.

Shivdan Singh Institute of Technology & 40 BE 4 yrs.

Management, Aligarh - 202124

Chandra Shekhar Azad University, 60 B. Tech. Agri. Engg.

B.R. Ambedkar Engg. College,

Agra Road, Etawah 260001

Haryana

Chaudhry Charan Singh Agricultural University 30 B.Tech, Agri, Engg.

College of Agricultural M.Tech, Agri. Processing,

Engineering Hissar 125004 Energy, Farm Power,

Machinery, Soil Water

Engg.

Punjab

Punjab Agricultuaral University

College of Agricultural Engineering, 50 B. Tech.

Ludhiana-141004 M. Tech. & Ph.D

Punjab University, Department of Chemical 20 BE Agroprocessing Tech.
Engg. & Tech., Chandigarh 600014

Western Region

Gujarat

Gujarat Agricultural University

College of Agricultural Engineering & 50 B. Tech. (Agri Engg.)

Technology, Junagarh-362001 M. Tech., Farm machinery

& Power Engg.,

Irrigation & water mgmt.

Soil & Water conservation

Agri. processing & Food

Engg. renewable energy

resources.

Sheth M.C College of Dairy Science 40 B.Sc Dairy Tech

Anand Campus, Anand 388001 M.Sc Dairying

Rajasthan

Rajasthan Agricultural University

College of Technology and Engineering, 47 B.E. (Agri Engg)

Udaipur-313001 B.Tech (Dairy Tech.)

M.E., Farm machinery &

Power Engg., Irrigation &

water mgnt,, soil & water

conservation, Agri, proce-

ssing & Food engg.,

renewable energy

resources.

Maharashtra

Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth

College of Agricultural Engg. & Food Technology, 30 B. Tech. Agril. Engg.

Parbhani-431402 35 B.Tech. (Food Sc.)

Mahatma Phule Krishi VidyaPeeth

Agricultural Engg College 50 B.Tech

Rahuri 413722, Ahmednagar M.Tech. Agril. Process