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Make sure your staff is up-to-date with training from aerospace consulting firms

An aerospace consulting firm can train your staff to use upgrades in instruments and internal manufacturing processors, software design programs, flight specialists and engineering departments. Increase production and efficiency by exploring the training options that aerospace consultants can bring to your business.

I recommend: Most aviation firms need to train their employees on Threat and Error Management (TEM), so look for a company such as Williams Aviation Consultants that has the expertise to do that. Aviation manufacturers need to look for trainers like AC&S that are well-versed in the latest technology to provide consulting and training services.

Improve your margin with aerospace engineers and consultants

While your managers may believe that you are using the best equipment and programs to develop your new planes, an aerospace consultancy can look beyond your day-to-day operations to see where you may be missing profitable opportunities. Consultants also keep up with the competition and will show where you are lagging.

I recommend: Look for a consulting firm that can give recommendations on equipment and logistics for your parts such as EDC, which is proficient in helping companies bring engineering departments up to par. Safety is tantamount in the aviation industry so it helps to have a consultancy like Packer Engineering to provide the final testing of your products before they are released.

Contract continued aerospace consultant services

You may reduce some of your costs by outsourcing some or all of your operations to aerospace consultants. They can set up your new aerospace software systems and manage the delivery and day-to-day business of your new programs. They can recommend upgrades to your aerospace programs to make your company more efficient.

I recommend: Sometimes consultants will make recommendations that you are unable to incorporate because you lack the right personnel. Look for a firm such as ACGI that can provide short or long-term consulting and project management. Find consultants who can work together with your staff. A firm like Booz Allen Hamilton can offer both technical engineering and process management skills to your aviation infrastructure project.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for aerospace engineering firms that have extensive experience in the industry to take advantage of the contacts they've made over the years. You'll benefit from leads on contracts and deals with vendors.

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Hire aerospace consulting firms that specialize in the aerospace industry

Select aerospace consultants who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business or industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: M7 Aerospace Engineering Division has experience with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency and other certification agencies, and has expertise in fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Advanced Technologies, Inc., specializes in aerospace research and development, and provides an online client list. ASRC Aerospace Corporation has experience providing aerospace engineering and consulting services to NASA, United States Air Force, NOAA and other government agencies.

Choose aerospace engineering firms with proven skills

Review the consulting work provided by each aerospace consulting firm. Evaluate the aerospace engineering firm's experience, qualifications and certifications, and request successful project examples of the specific skill sets you need.

I recommend: Mechanical Engineering Professionals, LLC, offers services in high end mechanical engineering design, product development, opto-mechanical engineering and business consulting. Deloitte Development, LLC, provides online case studies of their aerospace and defense clients. The Aerospace Corporation features a comprehensive menu of aerospace engineering and consulting services.

Select aerospace engineers and consultants that meet your budget

Many aerospace engineering firms operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Several utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects. Your aerospace consultancy cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Technical Consulting offers firm fixed price, fixed price level of effort or cost plus contracts. At Aerospace Consulting Group, Inc., consultancy costs are incurred only during actual participation in a project, reducing overall client costs.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that it is written into your contract that the aerospace engineering firm will not provide services to any competing business during the course of your professional relationship.
• •  It is tempting to save time by interviewing just one aerospace consultancy firm. However, it is in your organization's best interest to contact and interview contact several aerospace consultants to discuss your potential project. Two or three choices will provide you with the best possible match in skills, services, price and rapport for both you and the aerospace consulting firm.

1. Obtain a formal degree to become an aerospace engineer or consultant.
2. Combine academics and experience offered by technical schools and universities as part of aerospace engineers and consultants education and training.
3. Look for aerospace engineering firms offering apprenticeships or internships.
   

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Get a two- or four-year degree for aerospace engineers and consultants

The U.S. Department of Labor also states that at least a bachelor's degree is required for nearly all entry-level positions in aerospace engineering. For those serious about a career as an aerospace consultant or engineer, getting a degree is inarguably a must and is the first step in aerospace engineers and consultants education and training.

I recommend: The University of Michigan offers undergraduate and graduate programs in aerospace engineering. The State University of New York at Buffalo not only has undergraduate and graduate studies in aerospace engineering, also offers an internship for seniors in the Bachelor's of Science program and the chance for independent study in mechanical engineering.

Learn to be an aerospace engineer or aerospace consultant inside and outside the classroom

While a formal degree is essential for careers in the aerospace engineering and consulting fields, hands-on experience can be invaluable training. Many technical colleges and universities provide work experience along with their aerospace engineering academic programs.

I recommend: Virginia Tech not only hosts classes that develop skills needed for both aerospace engineers and consultants, but also offers an elective Career Services Co-op/Internship Program as a chance to work with expert designers as part of a year-long senior project. The University of Cincinnati has an extensive aerospace engineering program that provides state-of-the-art computer facilities and labs, and a co-op program that gives invaluable work experience to engineering students.

Take any opportunity to apprentice at an aerospace engineering firm or aerospace consulting firm

Possibly nothing could prepare you more for a career in the aerospace field than hands-on training with existing aerospace engineering firms or aerospace consulting firms. Many of these firms provide the apprenticeship opportunities. Consider such an apprenticeship as a valuable component of your aerospace engineers and consultants education and training.

I recommend: In 2008, a $3 million apprenticeship program was initiated for jobs in the aerospace industry, including a program at Boeing. Packer Engineering is an aerospace engineering consultant firm that offers 15 to 25 high school and college students jobs through an annual apprenticeship program.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join the Army, Navy or Air Force and sign up for training that will prepare you for a career as an aerospace engineer or aerospace consultant.

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Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA

The FAA makes the regulations and policies that all aerospace companies must follow to design, test or implement any aerospace project in the United States. The FAA also offers training, certification and licensing for aerospace projects and engineers. Consulting firms can help companies comply with FAA regulations and utilize FAA resources.

I recommend: See the Federal Aviation Administration for more information.

Mission design

A service offered by many aerospace consulting companies, mission design involves end-to-end project planning, from launch to orbit and re-entry.

I recommend: Check out the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Mission Design Lab for more details on what mission planning entails.

Threat and error management training

Threat and error management is taught by consulting firms to lower the risk of errors and threats occurring in the aerospace industry. Training is provided by consultants to prevent errors that occur as a result of procedural issues, communication problems, lack of proficiency, poor decision making or non-compliance.

I recommend: The International Air Transport Association is an international trade organization for the airline industry that offers training in threat and error management.

Personnel leasing

Aerospace consulting firms can offer personnel leasing for many technical and operational positions, including aerospace engineer positions. Firms have a base of consulting aerospace specialists who can work on a temporary or contractual basis.

I recommend: Aerospace Consulting & Services GMBH is an aerospace consulting company that offers personnel leasing.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, or AIAA

AIAA is a trade group for aerospace professionals. The society's mission is to advance and promote professional leadership in aerospace engineering, sciences and technologies. Aerospace consulting firms associate with the AIAA for conferences, training programs and business networking.

I recommend: See the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for more information on what the society can offer.

Launch vehicle, or LV, support

Launch vehicles are the systems that propel satellites and shuttles into space. Many consulting firms analyze the financial and mechanical issues involved in designing, building and operating launch vehicles.

I recommend: The Aerospace Corporation is a consulting firm that provides launch support.