How To Become An Avionics Technician
Avionics technicians help to keep our aircraft repaired. As an avionics technician, you will work on some of the most interesting and diverse aircraft. You will use a variety of equipment and tools to repair and maintain aircraft. In order to earn a career in this industry, you must attend an avionics technician school and receive your certification.
Why Become An Avionics Technician
Aircraft are some of the most important parts of transportation in our world. Not only are they used for commercial airlines, but also for cargo, the military, and many more uses. Aircraft needs to be maintained to keep in top performance. It also needs to be repaired when it gets damaged.
Some of their responsibilities include diagnosing the problems of an aircraft, repairing parts of the aircraft, and replacing pieces of equipment. They use various tools, such as power tools, welding equipment, saws, and more in order to make repairs. They run diagnostic tests. They diagnose malfunctions and performance problems. They install software into the craft. As everything becomes more digital, the more avionics technicians must be skilled in computer literacy.
They spend much of their time maintaining the computer systems and dashboards inside of the aircrafts. They understand how to repair the various instruments and navigational systems. It is very important that they make sure everything is running to the highest standard to ensure safety onboard the aircraft.
Aircrafts undergo routine maintenance to ensure they are safe and everything is updated. Avionics technicians complete inspections on every aspect of the aircraft. This is a good job for somebody who enjoys working with their hands, has a scientific mind, and enjoys airplanes.
Avionics Technicians should have the following qualities and skills:
- Knowledgeable
- Scientific
- Physically Fit
- Manual Dexterity
- Observant
- Detail Oriented
- Strength
- Problem Solver
Avionics Technician Work Environment
Avionics technicians are responsible for repairing aircraft of all kinds. They work both inside and outside of the aircraft. They often work in repair stations or on airfields. Their tasks involve climbing inside and around, reaching, sitting and lifting.
Avionics technicians must be physically fit. They must be knowledgeable of the different parts of an aircraft. It is very important to repair an aircraft properly so that it is safe for use.
They often work quickly, meeting tight deadlines and turnaround times for repairs. They are often employed by the federal government or by aircraft or aerospace manufacturing companies.
Due to the nature of the work, it is possible to be injured on the job. Avionics technicians must take precautions to avoid injury on the job. This is typically a full time position. Technicians typically work rotating shifts.
Avionics Technician Salary
The median annual wage for avionics technicians was $60,170 in 2016, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Avionics technicians are typically part of a trade union. There are many different industries which avionics technicians can be employed in, and salary can vary depending on what industry a person is employed in. Avionics technicians who are employed with the federal government or air transport support activities tend to make less than average salaries.
Technicians employed with scheduled air transportation services, aircraft and aerospace manufacturing processes tend to earn the highest salaries in this field. Avionics technicians with additional years of experience and education may be able to earn higher salaries.
Avionics Technician Career Outlook
Employment for avionics technicians is expected to increase by 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, which is about average compared to other occupations within the United States. While the industry will not see a major increase in job growth, it will also not be in a state of decline.
Aircraft are an important part of transportation, military and other parts of industry. There will always be a need for people who repair and maintain aircraft. Aircraft will need to be maintained over the years of its use. Some airline companies may choose to outsource this repair work to companies located abroad, in order to keep costs down. This could result in less avionics technician jobs in the future.
Avionics Technician Degree
If you would like to become an avionics technician, read below to find out more information.
Step 1: Aviation Maintenance Technician School. In order to become an avionics technician, you must attend a Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school. During the program you will take classes such as aircraft drawings, ground operation, aircraft processes, mechanics, atmospheric systems, hydraulics, communication and navigation, aircraft fuel and electrical systems, and more.
Step 2: Earn your certification. Avionics technicians are required to be certified to work in the field. There are two certifications: Airframe mechanics, (“A” certification) and engine work/Powerplant mechanics (“P” certification). Some programs offer only an A or P certification, while others offer a dual A&P certification. Most employers prefer to hire avionics technicians who have graduated from programs with a dual A&P certification. Certification is given upon successful completion of the program and accompanying exams.
