Avionics Technician Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an avionics technician. Feel free to use our avionics technician job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an avionics technician.
Who is an Avionics Technician?
Avionics technicians are aviation professionals who work on the aircraft’s electrical system. They diagnose and fix any electrical problems on a plane. This is a critical role in the operation of an aircraft.
Avionics technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of electronic components on an aircraft or spacecraft. These professionals are responsible for the design and maintenance of avionics systems as well as the repair, adjustment, and routine maintenance. There are many options for training avionics technicians at community colleges or trade schools. Many also pursue professional certification through organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The field has good employment prospects, especially for those who are interested in specialty certifications.
Avionics technicians are employed in many aviation-related businesses. They are a key part of commercial airlines’ workforce. These professionals are also used by the military, private aviation companies, check stations, airfields, and other areas.
Preventive maintenance and care are two of the most important aspects of an avionics technician’s job. The technicians maintain logs of the aircraft they work on. These logs provide detailed maintenance information and can be used to schedule maintenance sessions. They use special imaging and diagnostic equipment to identify problems and replace or repair them as necessary. An avionics technician’s goal is to make sure that an aircraft never encounter any problem during flight.
An avionics technician will inspect an aircraft and make adjustments, repairs, or replacements if a pilot reports an issue with an electronic component, such as radar, radio, or weapons. To identify any maintenance issues or lapses, the technician will review the maintenance records of the plane.
It is crucial to be able to identify any abnormalities or issues that may arise during the operation of an airplane. Also, it is important to stay current with all the latest equipment, techniques, and information. A few avionics technicians are certified as avionics engineers after completing higher levels of training.
They are responsible for ensuring that all electronic devices work properly and there is no interference from other electronic devices.
A bench technician may be able to work on radios and computers, as well as communication radios and autopilots. They can also handle large mechanical assemblies such as radar antennas.
Avionics technicians often specialize in one or two areas. This job requires high-level troubleshooting skills as well as the ability to solder delicate components on intricate parts. Modern circuit boards are densely packed with tiny integrated circuits. Many of the solderings can be done using binocular magnifiers and microscopes.
Avionics technicians who are skilled in system troubleshooting have years of experience and vast knowledge of commercial aircraft.
Although they may not be able to fully understand the details of each component, they do know how they interact with one another. They can also be relied upon for the diagnosis of difficult problems.
Avionics Technician Job Description
Below are the avionics technician job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an avionics technician job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an avionics technician include the following:
- Scheduling maintenance and aircraft evaluation
- Replacing or repairing electrical components
- Connecting navigation instruments like the altimeter and airspeed indicators, as well as vertical speed indicators.
- Installing navigation and computer software as well as electrical panels
- Using flight data to diagnose malfunctioning equipment
- Testing equipment and components for quality and functionality
- Keeping a record of all repairs and replacements
- Testing electronic instruments with circuit testers, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters
- Interpreting flight test data to diagnose performance-related issues
- Using hand tools, power tools, and soldering irons to install instrument panels
- Replacing and repairing malfunctioning components and systems
- Keeping detailed records of maintenance and repairs
- Coordinating work with engineers, technicians, or other aircraft maintenance personnel.
- Fabricating parts and testing aids when necessary
- Producing parts and components.
- Building prototypes and models of circuits, instruments, or systems
- Assembling and testing electrical components, subsystems, and systems.
- Using computer-aided design and drafting applications to design modifications to avionics systems.
- Designing equipment and component configurations.
- Installing and testing complex avionics equipment on spacecraft and aircraft.
- Ensuring that all avionics equipment is in working order and does not interfere with other electronic devices before taking off
- Removing, repairing, and reinstalling any problematic avionics equipment before an aircraft can be cleared for takeoff
- Executing complex and reliable soldering of components for navigation, missile control, and communication.
- Assembling and putting together electrical components.
- Providing accurate diagnosis of complex avionics issues
- Organizing ground support and equipment testing for flight tests.
- Analyzing flight test data to identify malfunctions and examine the operation of electrical components.
- Coordinating all works with engineers, technicians, maintenance personnel, and other technical staff.
- Keeping detailed records of any repairs or work done on the aircraft.
Avionics technicians are not only responsible for their day-to-day tasks, but they also connect components to various assemblies, such as radios, instruments, magnetos, and in-flight fueling systems. They use hand tools and soldering irons. They can also interpret flight test data to identify malfunctions or systemic performance issues.
Avionics technicians install aircraft systems and assemblies on a weekly or monthly basis. They follow documentation like blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams. As needed, they might also make parts or test aids.
They also set up and manage ground support equipment and test equipment for functional flight testing of electronic and electrical systems.
While specific tasks may vary, most of these people test and troubleshoot components and instruments using circuit testers or oscilloscopes.
Some avionics technicians are also responsible for operating computer-aided design and drafting applications to design modifications to avionics systems.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Avionics/Aviation Technology.
- Certificates in aviation maintenance or electrical engineering.
- Federal Communications Commission license for restricted radiotelephone operators.
- Experience in aircraft electrical repair.
- NAV/COM/PULSE and GPS experience.
- Strong working knowledge of aviation safety practices.
- Understanding of other systems such as hydraulics, flight control, and others.
- Ability to read and understand blueprints.
- You have excellent communication and problem-solving skills, as well as analytical, attention to detail, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Excellent eyesight and steady hands
Avionics technicians are trained to test and manufacture various types of aviation electronics such as flight-control circuitry, computerized guidance systems, and jet engines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified about 170 aviation maintenance technician programs. These schools prepare students for the FAA’s A&P certification.
Curriculum
An avionics program’s curriculum includes courses in radio communication theory and avionics system integration. A&P certification requires courses in mathematics, physics, and processes, as well as documents and regulations.
Although there are certificates and undergraduate degrees for avionics technicians available, these degrees are not often offered as graduate or post-graduate degrees. Engineer degrees are available for avionics technicians interested in continuing education.
On-the-Job Training
Avionics technicians may choose to receive training on the job instead of formal training. For non-degreed applicants to obtain A&P certification, they must have at least 30 months of experience. During this time, technicians must be supervised by licensed avionics specialists. A&P applicants must pass an oral and written exam to prove their ability in this field. The Federal Communication Commission must license an avionics technician working on radio or radar equipment as a restricted radiotelephone operator.
Essential Skills
- Troubleshooting
Avionics technicians spend a lot of their time diagnosing and fixing electrical problems. They can use their troubleshooting skills to test various components and find the solution.
- Attention to detail
Electric systems can be complex, with many wires and devices that must work perfectly. To ensure that each piece is correctly installed by avionics technicians, they must pay attention to every detail.
- Communication
Avionics technicians must be able to communicate effectively in writing. They can also communicate with pilots to describe their experiences and help them collaborate.
- Physical strength
Installation and maintenance may require the lifting of heavy items to reach certain areas. To perform their duties, Avionics technicians must be physically fit.
- Mathematical skills and science
Avionics technicians must have both science and math skills to read blueprints, verify voltages, and install or repair circuits.
- Time management
Avionics technicians often have strict time schedules. To ensure they can complete all their inspections, repairs, and installations, time management is very important. Repair technicians often have to finish work on other aircraft, which also follow strict schedules.
- Dexterity
Because electrical systems are complex and often contain many components, avionics technicians need to have dexterity.
How to Become an Avionics Technician
Step 1: Find out more about Electronic Systems at High School
The study of electronic systems can be used to help aspiring Avionics Technicians gain experience. You will learn about electronics basics, such as voltage, resistance, and inductance. Online or in-class electronic classes can prepare you to take advanced courses after high school.
Step 2: Completion of an Avionics Technician Course
A specialized training program approved by the FAA is the minimum education requirement for Avionics Technicians. These programs are usually offered by vocational schools and can last from 18 to 24 months.
For those with experience in aircraft maintenance or electronics repair, some vocational institutions offer accelerated training programs. These programs can last anywhere from six to eight months.
The Avionics Technician program teaches students how to operate and maintain electrical systems on aircraft. This includes all aspects of avionics, radar, and communication systems.
You will receive your Avionics Technician certification after you have completed the program.
Step 3: Get an Associate’s degree
An Associate’s degree in Avionics Technology is not required. A college degree is an option to help you get started in your career.
Many Avionics Technicians opt to obtain an associate’s degree (AMT) in Avionics Maintenance Technology. Additional training is provided for the testing, inspection, and repair of aircraft engines and related systems by AMT.
Certificate programs typically focus on electrical components, while AMT programs are focused on the powerplant. Additionally, you will learn about how to work with the related components such as the wings and fuselage, fuel system, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and other parts. The most common courses are Engine Overhaul and Electrical Systems, Assembly and Rigging, and Aircraft Welding.
Although some Avionics Technicians might choose to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s degrees are often the most prestigious.
Step 4: Look for entry-level work
Avionics technicians are mostly employed in the Aerospace sector. These technicians often work in aerospace companies that design and produce aircraft parts and products. They can also be employed by private airports and other aircraft facilities.
Step 5: Get Voluntary Professional Certifications
You can choose from a variety of voluntary certifications to complete your aircraft maintenance tasks. Avionics Technicians can obtain many certifications through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Federal Communications Commission, (FCC).
The combined Airframe & Power Plant certificate (A&P), is one of the most popular certificates for Avionics Technicians. The industry standard for Avionics Technicians is the A&P certificate. Many Avionics Technicians also receive the General Radiotelephone Operator license through the FCC.
The National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies, (NCATT), has collaborated with the FAA in the development of the Aircraft Electronics Technician standard. AET certification demonstrates that you have a solid understanding of aircraft maintenance and repair.
Before you can be eligible for these professional certificates, you will need to have experience in maintaining and repairing aircraft. Employers often provide training for new Avionics Technicians and time off to test.
Where to Work
Most avionics technicians work in aerospace companies, private airports, and other aircraft facilities.
During the day, pilots will record any problems with their plane in the aircraft logbook. These entries are usually cleared by Avionics technicians at night. These technicians may be working on aircraft software updates, wiring repairs, or replacing black boxes, as needed. These time-consuming tasks can be delayed overnight by night crew technicians, provided safety is not compromised.
Line technicians don’t have the luxury of time. Hangar avionics technicians can work for hours. Their aircraft may stay in the hangar for several days or even weeks. The planner will review the aircraft records and any additional information from the manufacturer and create a maintenance schedule that covers all routine and non-routine tasks.
The schedule includes the time needed for each task and assigns teams. Sometimes, unanticipated issues, such as a broken antenna cable, may cause delays. However, teams often manage to complete the work before the deadline.
Bench technicians work in brightly lit, air-conditioned rooms that are surrounded by the sound of cooling fans. The temperature and humidity limits are specified by manufacturers of Avionics equipment.
Avionics Technician Salary Scale
In the United States, the average annual salary for an Avionics Technician is $52,801 per annum.
