Reasons for students taking aeronautical engineering course

Abstract

The Aeronautical Engineering profession in the Philippines was established in 1982 by virtue of P.D. 1570. Aircraft research and development, manufacturing, maintenance, operation and aviation education were identified as careers through which aeronautical engineers can pursue jobs apt to their course. These roles are very crucial in the aviation industry, considering the increasing trends in aircraft manufacturing and production as well as demand for professionals who can competitively work in the aviation field. Still, it is among the smallest in number, when compared with other professions recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The Commission of Higher Education (CHED) also identified engineering and technology as one of the priority courses for academic years 2014-2015 and 2017-2018, due to very few numbers of enrollees in these important fields. Lacking support for prioritization and promotion of aviation courses contributes in the low input of enrollees. The collected data from freshmen aeronautical engineering students helped determine the reasons for their pursuing aeronautical engineering course. The majority of the freshmen students answered that they want to become pilots someday. Other responses show interest in aircraft design, research and development, and as advised by their parents. The result of this study will be used as basis for the development and restructuring of the Aeronautical Engineering curriculum in preparation for the ASEAN 2015 integration and the on-going K to 12 program. Moreover, the evaluation will serve as basis in formulating policies and strategies in promoting the Aeronautical Engineering program.