Random musings of things "Aeronautical"

[TangoWhiskey]

Since "nautical" by definition relates to things having to do with water and the sea, why do we use the term "aeronautical"? Shouldn't an "aeronautical engineer" be qualified to do both boat and airplane design?

Or maybe it means they can design float planes and amphibious aircraft?

 

[tonycondon]

the sky is as much as ocean as, well, the ocean. fluid is a fluid.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

When I think of things nautical, I think of well-trained individuals piloting a craft through a fluid, navigating with proper care towards avoiding obstacles and ensuring proper fuel and other supplies needed to reach the desired destination, considering the probable weather conditions along the route, currents in the fluid, loading of the craft, and many other variables to result in a safe journey.

Sounds like flying to me! I think the term "aeronautical" is spot on, it simply modifies "nautical" to specify that the fluid we are navigating through is air.

 

[KennyFlys]

fluid is a fluid.

I had that same thought.

 

[gismo]

Since "nautical" by definition relates to things having to do with water and the sea, why do we use the term "aeronautical"? Shouldn't an "aeronautical engineer" be qualified to do both boat and airplane design?

Or maybe it means they can design float planes and amphibious aircraft?

Actually, the origins of the word relate to "ships". The association with water are likely due to the lack of flying ships in centuries past. I'd also point out that several early concepts of "airships" were patterned after the waterborne variety.

From Miriam-Webster: "of, relating to, or associated with seamen, navigation, or ships"