aeronautics
n.the science and study of how to design, build, and fly aircraft.
n.the science or art involved with the study, design, and manufacture of airflight-capable machines, and the techniques of operating aircraft and rocketry within the atmosphere.
“She is studying aeronautics to become an aircraft designer.”
“Advances in aeronautics have led to the development of much quieter and more fuel-efficient passenger jets.”
“The university's department of aeronautics focuses on the fluid dynamics of supersonic flight and the structural integrity of lightweight composite materials used in modern airframes.”
Singular in construction; despite the 's' ending, it takes a singular verb.
Like 'physics' or 'mathematics', this word ends in 's' but is uncountable and requires a singular verb.
“But thunderstorms can move quickly and, according to Prof Guy Gratton, an expert in aeronautics at Cranfield University, these systems are essentially "tactical rather than strategic".”
“At least six local airports suspended operations, the civil aeronautics agency said.”
From French aéronautique or New Latin aeronauticus. Equivalent to aero- + -naut + -ics.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.