What Can You Expect To Learn On An Avionics Technician Program?

An avionics technician is not at all like an airframe or powerplant technician. Avionics technician training focuses on instrument and control units rather than mechanical components. These control units can be used for:

• communications, diagnostics
• monitoring
• navigation
• engine control
• lighting
• flight data recorders
• anti-skid equipment
• weather radar
• collision avoidance
• and automatic aircraft flight control systems; and they are usually controlled by computer.

Weapons guidance, target acquisition, and communications encryption are systems that might also be covered by military programs. Repairing and servicing these control units, and their component pieces, would be among your responsibilities. English, math, physics, computer science, chemistry, and electronics related courses are a useful foundation to your education.

Additional courses on aircraft types may need to be studied since there are so many types of aircraft out there; for example, jets, rotating wing aircraft, and aerospace are all very different and will required specialized study. You will need a radio license in order to work on communications. Certain aspects of the job are very difficult and demanding. As part of a team of technicians that provides 24/7 services, you might have to work a shift pattern. Expect to work on weekends, public holidays, and at night.

After your avionics technician training is completed, there are many places where employment can be found. Defense and airports are the obvious spots to begin your search. Other search paths to think about are: parts manufacturers, federal government, scientific and professional equipment manufacturers, large courier companies with their own fleet, and electronic equipment manufacturers.