What Is an Avionics Technician and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Do Avionics Technicians Do?
Avionics technicians perform a wide range of tasks within the fields of electronic maintenance and repair. They are responsible for the electronic parts within an aircraft and all the wiring that connects the components to the electrical system. They ensure all parts and wires work, both individually and together, to guarantee the integrity of the aircraft. Their work often focuses on the equipment of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Avionics technicians make sure that the components are clean, in good repair, and functioning properly to guarantee the safety of the passengers and crew aboard an aircraft. On a daily basis, an avionics technician might install new equipment, troubleshoot malfunctioning avionics machinery, and clean soiled components. They are also in charge of wiring navigational components, autopilot systems, and passenger entertainment devices.
How Do You Become an Avionics Technician?
In order to pursue a career as an avionics technician, you must earn a certification in avionics. Candidates must complete an 18-month course at an FAA-approved institution where they will learn about analog and digital circuits, radio transmitters and receivers, power supplies, antenna theory, and more. An associate degree may also be a useful qualification for job seekers. Occasionally, an employer may accept a candidate without certification or an associate degree if they have two or more years of experience working on commercial aircraft. Any prior military background can help job prospects as well.
Are There Different Kinds of Avionics Technicians?
Within the avionics technician sphere, there are three specialties a candidate may choose to pursue: bench technician, system troubleshooter, and line technician. Bench technicians specifically handle broken equipment. Their job is to take dysfunctional aircraft devices and make them functional again. They work daily with precise tools, often using microscopes. System trouble-shooters deal with how each functional component fits with the others to form the larger machine. These technicians usually have several years of experience with commercial aircraft. Line technicians are responsible for the inspection of an aircraft before it is cleared for flight. These techs examine the work of the bench technicians and system trouble-shooters, observing and testing, to ensure that the aircraft is put together correctly and is safe for takeoff.
Avionics Technician Job Description Sample
With this Avionics Technician job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Avionics Technician role.
Job Summary
Our aviation company is seeking an Avionics Technician to help us keep our aircraft in top shape. In this position, you will inspect the electronic systems and their wiring for loose connections, shorts, or other issues. While some of the systems you inspect and repair are for luxury and comfort purposes, you will also work with systems that are crucial to the safe operation of the plane. For that reason, we expect you to have an FAA certification in airplane avionics and several years of airplane maintenance experience. Military experience is also beneficial.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Inspect and repair all electronic systems on a regular basis
- Respond to maintenance requests or incident reports
- Order, assemble, and install replacement parts
- Run diagnostic tests to identify issues before they cause an incident
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- FAA-approved avionics certification
- Several years of airplane maintenance experience
- Military experience (preferred)
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
