Obtaining a Career as an Avionics Technician

Aerospace is a vast territory and the career opportunities it provides are growing day by day with advent of technology. Aviation or the field of avionics recruits a pretty remarkable number of professionals. One of the career avenues bred by the aviation industry is that of the avionic technician. The knowledge of avionic systems, electronics and its relevant areas are vital assets for anybody desiring a career in aviation or aerospace technology in the current scenario. An avionic technician takes care of all the navigation, communication, control of flights, functions of life support, lighting, and even pressurization of air. Avionic technicians have the responsibility of performing installation, repair and maintenance of all the systems. Some are employed by the manufacturers of such systems, whereas some are hired by the airlines or the companies offering services of maintenance and repair of aircraft. Then, there are some technicians who are employed by NASA and various other government administrations too.

Responsibilities of an Aviation Technician

Avionic technician's field covers various technologies, many of which are extremely complex in nature. Therefore, avionic technicians have discrete specializations as per their expertise, for example, oscilloscope review, microcircuit microscopy, etc.



Manufacturers of aerospace equipment or avionic systems employ avionic technicians and it is their responsibility to install these systems for the company, test them and make sure that they are functional and have been provided an environment to work without any malfunctions. It is the duty of the technicians to function for the companies providing airline support or the airlines. Their basic responsibility is to perform system maintenance programs and inspection programs that are installed beforehand in the planes. The installation of these automated systems and risks, though minimal, they pose to create potential errors can cause the malfunction of vital components of a plane and thereby cause the crash of these aircraft. This is therefore the reason why avionic technicians have immense responsibilities.

Skills Required by an Avionic Technician

The work of an avionic technician centers around hangars, production floors, backup facilities or aircraft. There are also a few who also function in the labs. Therefore, avionic technicians have to possess the ability to calibrate and repair various systems for the purpose of installation. Many technicians have to work for extended hours and sometimes into the early morning hours, during the weekends just to meet the given deadline. The avionic technicians have to possess alertness and focus as they might be called when a crash takes place or any related emergencies occur. An eye for detail is what aspiring avionic technicians must possess.

Educational Qualifications Required of an Avionic Technician

To become an avionic technician, candidates must have a certification of FAA mechanics. And one can acquire this via trade schools and programs that are FAA certified, which is of 12 months' duration, approximately. Some of the technicians are also required to have a graduate degree in fields like electronics, engineering etc.

Career Scope and Salary

In all the airports, avionic technicians are hired and their job prospects would increase by around 10% by the year 2016. With the experience and expertise, technicians can advance to the position of a lead tech within a reasonably short time, and from there to the level of supervisor or even an inspector. If one is in the airlines, then he or she can advance to the position of an executive.

The average salary of an avionic technician is around $42,800 per year. This is one aspect of the job that has profound growth opportunities and as a result future job openings too.