An avionics technician plays a critical role in ensuring aircraft electronics and electrical systems operate safely and efficiently If you enjoy hands-on technical work, have strong troubleshooting skills, and want a career with great job prospects, becoming a certified avionics tech may be a great path for you
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:
- What an avionics technician does
- Key avionics technician job responsibilities
- Skills and training you need
- How to get FAA avionics technician certification
- Benefits of earning your AET credential
- Steps to start your new career
Let’s get started!
What is an Avionics Technician?
Avionics technicians install, inspect, test, troubleshoot, and repair the electronic systems and equipment on aircraft. This includes communications, navigation, and surveillance systems.
Common avionics systems they work on include:
- Radios
- Autopilots
- Weather radar
- GPS units
- Collision avoidance systems
- Flight data recorders
- In-flight entertainment systems
Avionics techs ensure all these critical electronics work flawlessly so pilots can operate aircraft safely. They work on commercial airliners, corporate jets, military aircraft, helicopters, and general aviation planes.
Technicians may work for airlines, repair stations, component manufacturers, the military, or general aviation operators. Experienced avionics techs can also become inspectors or shop supervisors.
Key Avionics Technician Job Responsibilities
These are some of the most common duties and tasks performed by avionics technicians:
- Install new avionics systems and equipment in aircraft
- Conduct routine inspections and testing of avionics components
- Perform scheduled maintenance and repairs
- Troubleshoot faults using technical diagrams and manuals
- Test systems operationally after repairs and maintenance
- Document all work performed on aircraft systems
- Comply with manufacturer specifications and FAA regulations
- Evaluate performance of avionics against bench standards
- Recommend avionics upgrades and modifications
- Interpret complex technical flight manuals and schematics
- Collaborate with electrical technicians on system issues
It’s an exciting career for those who enjoy electronics, problem-solving, and hands-on technical work.
Avionics Technician Skills and Training
To succeed as an avionics tech, here are some of the most important skills and training required:
Essential Skills
- Strong understanding of electrical and electronic principles
- Reading and interpreting complex diagrams and schematics
- Troubleshooting faults down to the component level
- Complex problem-solving ability
- Mechanical aptitude and dexterity
- Precision and attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
Formal Training
There are a few potential educational paths to start your avionics career:
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Associate degree in avionics technology – Two-year A&P or avionics-focused program at a college or technical school. Covers key technical knowledge.
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Military training – Enlisting as an avionics tech provides formal schooling. Gets you hands-on experience.
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On-the-job apprenticeship – Work under senior techs at a repair station. Learn through immersive OJT over 12-18 months.
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AET certification – Self-study for the NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician exam to prove your knowledge.
The most common route is completing military avionics programs or college degrees. But AET certification is emerging as an accelerated path into the field.
How to Get FAA Avionics Technician Certification
Once you have the right avionics foundation through training or experience, attaining FAA certification will maximize your career opportunities and earnings potential.
Here are the steps to earn official FAA avionics repairman certification:
1. Obtain your AET Credential:
First, pass the NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) exam. This proves you have mastered the core knowledge needed to work on aircraft electronics systems.
The AET test covers radio theory, flight instruments, navigation systems, testing procedures, troubleshooting, and more.
You can self-study and prepare through NCATT’s online training courses and practice exams. Schedule the exam at one of their testing centers worldwide.
2. Add Desired Endorsements:
To showcase your specialized expertise, you can add one or more NCATT endorsements in areas like:
- Radio communications systems (RCS)
- Autonomous navigation systems (ANS)
- Onboard communications and safety systems (OCS)
Endorsements involve targeted knowledge exams. Earning them boosts your capabilities and job prospects.
3. Apply for Your Repairman Certificate:
With AET certification in hand, you can now apply to the FAA for your official repairman certificate under Part 65.
This involves:
- Completing FAA Form 8610-2
- Including a letter of recommendation from an employer
- Attach copies of your AET and endorsements
- Paying the application fee
The FAA will review your application and award you an avionics repairman certificate if approved. You can now work on aircraft electronics legally as a certified aviation technician!
Why Earn Your AET? Benefits for Your Career
Here are some of the key advantages AET certification provides for avionics professionals:
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Proves your skills – Demonstrates you have the electronics knowledge airlines and employers require.
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Sets you apart – Being AET certified makes your resume stand out. Gives you a competitive edge.
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Higher salary – Certified avionics techs typically earn 10-15% higher pay than non-certified.
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More job options – Repairman certificate allows working for part 145 repair stations.
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Fast-tracks your career – Quicker path to advancement opportunities and leadership roles.
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Industry recognized – AET is the gold standard for avionics competency endorsed by the FAA.
Don’t limit yourself – earn your AET and leverage it to reach new heights in your avionics career!
How to Start Your Avionics Technician Career
If you’re ready to get started in this exciting and growing field, here are some tips:
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Research avionics degree programs and explore schools near you. An associate degree provides a solid base.
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Consider enlisting in the military. Hands-on avionics experience is invaluable (and may help pay for college later).
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Apply for avionics apprenticeships. Many leading repair stations run excellent on-the-job training programs.
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Study and pass the AET exam to shortcut gaining credentials on your own.
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Build foundational electronics skills through online courses, kits, and amateur radio.
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Read avionics blogs and forums to learn from professionals in the field.
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Attend job fairs, network, and join aviation professional associations.
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Get your A&P license. Combining AET certification and A&P powers up your career potential.
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Check avionics job boards daily and leverage your connections. Persistence pays off!
The avionics field is poised for strong continued growth with the rising commercial and general aviation markets. Now is an opportune time to gain the skills and credentials needed to begin a stable, rewarding career as a certified avionics technician.
Other Education or Training
Various professional associations offer helpful courses for avionics technicians. For example, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers instructor-led, Web-based, and CD-ROM-based training; correspondence courses; conference sessions; and webinars. Topics include aerospace electronics and power systems, design engineering, digital avionics systems, management, production engineering, space logistics, and space systems.
Education and Training Requirements
Persons interested in pursuing a career in avionics should take high school mathematics courses at least through solid geometry and preferably through calculus. Also take English, speech, and communication classes in order to read complex and detailed technical articles, books, and reports; to write technical reports; and to present those reports to groups of people when required. Many schools offer shop classes in electronics and in diagram and blueprint reading. Other important classes include physics and computer science (especially computer-aided design).
Avionics technicians must have completed a course of training at a postsecondary technical institute or community college. Many avionics technicians earn an associates degree. Some technicians learn their trade through programs offered at aviation maintenance technician schools approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. These schools award technicians with a certificate of completion, which grants the certificate holders the right to take relevant FAA exams. Wherever avionics technicians learn, their training should include at least one year of electronics technician training. If not trained specifically in avionics, students should obtain a solid background in electronics theory and practice. Further specialized training will be done on the job, where technicians work with engineers and senior technicians until they are competent to work without direct supervision.
Larger corporations in the aerospace industry operate their own schools and training institutes. Such training rarely includes theoretical or general studies but concentrates on areas important to the companys functions. The U.S. armed forces also conduct excellent electronics and avionics training schools; their graduates are in high demand in the industry after they leave the service.
