What Does an Avionics Technician Do?

Working with aviation electronics is the primary task of an avionics technician. To be ready for a career in this area, first it might be helpful to know exactly what this job will entail.

First, What Is Avionics?

Avionics is a specific field of electronics that deals with aircraft electronic equipment. This includes navigation equipment, radios, autopilot, entertainment systems, cables, and so forth. It is highly important that these systems be in proper working order and that no one of them interferes with any of the others.

Job Description

Avionics technicians inspect, maintain, repair, and install electronic equipment on aircraft, including planes and helicopters. In this occupation, you may run diagnostic tests on the onboard equipment on a plane, make repairs at a workbench, or troubleshoot equipment to make sure everything runs smoothly without any conflicts or interference between systems.

The job requires precision since the equipment involved is usually critical to the operation of the craft. Some items are also highly complex, so repairs may necessitate high-precision tools and techniques. For example, soldering a circuit board on a vital piece of equipment will usually involve a microscope or other form of magnification.

Working with aviation electronics also usually involves tight deadlines since aircraft must keep to a set schedule. Often, you will work at night to handle repair orders filled out by pilots during the day. The exception to this is a hangar technician. Since planes will often be in a hangar for weeks on end, you’ll have less pressure to meet strict deadlines.

Specialty Areas

There are three primary areas in which you might specialize as an avionics technician. These include:

•    System troubleshooters, who draw on years of experience to diagnose complex problems
•    Line technicians, who make inspections on airline craft and diagnose basic problems
•    Bench technicians, who make repairs on faulty equipment

Within these areas, there may be further levels of specialization, especially for bench technicians. One may be an expert on communication equipment assemblies, whereas another may focus more on engine monitoring equipment.

Preparing for a Career in Avionics

When getting ready for a career in aviation electronics, you’ll need to get used to working within strict deadlines and paying close attention to detail. Careful, logical diagnosis is key to resolving issues quickly, so you’ll need to be well versed in the area of avionics. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology can provide you with the education and experience you need to be ready for a career in this area. For more information, contact us today.

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