Aerospace Engineers and Consultants Key Terms

Terminology to know when working with aerospace engineers and consultants

By Kimberly Huber

Aerospace engineers design and develop air and spacecraft. These technologies are used in several industries, including the aviation industry, defense industry and the space industry. Aerospace consulting firms offer these industries access to training and personnel to help maintain safety standards, comply with industry regulations and stay competitive with industry changes. When working with aerospace engineers and consulting firms, the following key terms can help you understand who sets industry regulations, and the training and service options offered by consulting firms.

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