Which Course is More Challenging: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering or Electrical Engineering?

The difficulty of choosing between a course in aircraft maintenance engineering versus electrical engineering can vary based on individual interests and aptitudes. Here are some factors to consider for each field:

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

Focus: Mainly focuses on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft systems and components. Content: Requires understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft systems, regulations, and safety protocols. Practical Work: Involves significant hands-on training and practical experience, which can be demanding. Certification: Often requires specific certifications and adherence to stringent safety standards.

Electrical Engineering

Focus: Encompasses a broader range of topics including circuits, electronics, power systems, and telecommunications. Content: Involves complex mathematical concepts, physics, and theoretical principles. Variety: Offers diverse specializations such as control systems and embedded systems, which may appeal to different interests. Problem-Solving: Requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, often involving extensive project work.

Ultimately, the perceived difficulty will depend on your personal strengths and interests.

My Personal Experience

I have personal experience in both fields. I graduated from a USA college in the midwest in 1980 with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE). In 2016, I completed a two-year course in aircraft maintenance and passed examinations for both Aircraft and Powerplant mechanic (AP) certifications.

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

The BSEE program was far more difficult. It spanned four years and required extensive mathematical skills, from calculus and differential equations to physics and engineering mechanics. Classes on electromagnetic theory and control system theory were mathematically intensive and theoretical.

Aircraft Maintenance Program

The aviation maintenance program was much easier. It was a trade school rather than a four-year college, with a slower pace of teaching. It did not require any math beyond what you might have learned in high school (grades 9-12). The focus was on hands-on skills, such as repairing sheet metal using rivets. Many students in the program had related practical experience, such as working on cars or in the military on tanks and aircraft.

Comparing Work Environments

The work done by aircraft maintenance technicians is quite different from that of electrical engineers. In aircraft maintenance, much of the work is done at night, often in cold or hot environments. Mechanics wear coveralls, turn wrenches, and work in positions that can be physically challenging, such as crawling into fuel tanks. This work involves following strict procedures and being on time, with a risk of injury or exposure to toxic chemicals, shocks, and burns.

In contrast, as an engineer, much of the work is done at a comfortable desk in a controlled environment, with climate regulation (air conditioning or heating). Engineers are rarely physically miserable, but some work can be tedious, making them wish they could move around more often.

Personal Reflections

My experience with electrical engineering in college showed a very disciplined environment with few behavioral or personality issues among students. In contrast, the mechanics school had a lot of problematic individuals, ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to attention deficit disorder and those who simply did not follow directions. Many people attended the school for relatively low cost and did not make much effort to pass the courses, often because they did not care about graduating and working on real planes.

In summary, while electrical engineering may be more mathematically and theoretically demanding, aircraft maintenance engineering often requires more hands-on skills and can be more physically demanding. The choice ultimately depends on your personal interests and strengths.