How to Be Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 2, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician plays a vital role in the maintenance of aircraft instrumentation systems. These technicians must have a good understanding of the principles of electrical and electronic systems, as they are responsible for the installation, calibration and repair of aircraft instrumentation systems. They must also be familiar with aviation regulations and safety protocols.

The consequences of a malfunctioning instrumentation system can be dire, as it can lead to a loss of control of the aircraft and jeopardize passenger safety. Therefore, having a skilled technician who is experienced in aeronautical instrumentation is essential to ensure that the aircraft is safe and functioning properly.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. A high school education is the minimum requirement to become an aeronautical instrumentation technician.
Enroll in an aeronautical instrumentation technician program at a technical college or trade school. This program typically lasts 1-2 years and covers topics such as aircraft instrumentation, aircraft systems, and communication systems.
Obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. To obtain FAA certification, students must pass the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) examination. This exam covers topics such as airframe systems, powerplant systems, and aircraft instruments.
Work as an intern or apprentice. Working as an intern or apprentice gives prospective aeronautical instrumentation technicians the opportunity to learn from experienced technicians and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Find an entry-level job as an aeronautical instrumentation technician. After completing a program and gaining necessary hands-on experience, graduates can find entry-level positions as aeronautical instrumentation technicians. Many technicians work for aircraft repair and maintenance companies, while others work in aerospace engineering firms or government agencies.

When it comes to becoming an aeronautical instrumentation technician, there are a few key steps that must be taken in order to be successful. Firstly, it is of utmost importance that the individual has a background in aviation, and ideally has some experience with aircraft systems. This knowledge is essential in order to understand the components and systems of the aircraft and how they interact.

it is important to have a firm understanding of electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems, as these are all integral parts of the instrumentation process. Furthermore, having a working knowledge of computers and computer programming is also beneficial, as much of the instrumentation today is computerized. the ideal and qualified aeronautical instrumentation technician should have expertise in aviation, electrical, electronic, mechanical systems, and computer programming.

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Job Description

Install, inspect, test, calibrate, adjust, and repair aircraft instrumentation and related components.
Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions of aircraft instrumentation and related components.
Prepare detailed reports on work performed.
Make necessary alterations and repairs to aircraft instrumentation systems.
Install and configure various systems such as Flight Management Systems (FMS), Autopilot Systems, EICAS systems, etc.
Manage, maintain and update the inventory of spare parts and components for aircraft instrumentation systems.
Maintain current knowledge of all applicable federal regulations, industry standards, and accepted safety practices related to aircraft instrumentation.
Monitor aircraft performance and analyze data for potential problems.
Participate in the development of testing procedures for new aircraft instrumentation systems as well as existing systems.
Provide technical support and advice to other departments and personnel regarding aircraft instrumentation systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aircraft instrumentation systems, components, and operations
Proficient in troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing aircraft instrumentation systems
Ability to read and interpret aircraft maintenance manuals, engineering drawings and schematics
Ability to install, configure, and maintain aircraft instrumentation systems
Familiarity with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and requirements
Ability to use specialized test equipment and tools to diagnose and troubleshoot aircraft instrumentation systems
Knowledge of aircraft wiring systems and components
Knowledge of basic avionics principles and concepts
Ability to work independently and follow precise instructions
Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
Good communication skills
Ability to work with other technicians in a team environment
Ability to lift heavy equipment and parts

Aeronautical Instrumentation Technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft instrumentation systems. As such, the most important skill for this role is a deep understanding of the principles of aircraft instrumentation. This requires a thorough knowledge of the systems, components, and their operation.

strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills are essential for diagnosing and resolving any aircraft instrumentation issues that arise. A strong technical understanding of electrical engineering and mathematics is also necessary to interpret the data produced by instrumentation systems. Finally, a high level of attention to detail and accuracy is required when making repairs and adjustments to ensure safe operation of the aircraft.

All of these skills combined make an Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician an invaluable asset to any aircraft maintenance team.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aeronautical instrumentation and control systems?
How do you keep up with changes in aeronautical instrumentation and control technology?
Are you familiar with safety protocols related to aeronautical instrumentation and control systems?
Describe a challenging project you worked on related to aeronautical instrumentation and control systems.
What processes do you use to troubleshoot aeronautical instrumentation and control system issues?
How do you ensure accuracy when working with aeronautical instrumentation and control systems?
Describe your experience working with specialized software used in the maintenance of aeronautical instrumentation and control systems.
What measures do you take to ensure the safety of personnel when working with aeronautical instrumentation and control systems?
How do you maintain a high level of accuracy when calibrating aeronautical instrumentation and control systems?
What techniques do you use to diagnose and repair complex aeronautical instrumentation and control system faults?

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeters. A hand-held instrument used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (eg: Fluke multimeter)
Oscilloscopes. An electronic test instrument used to monitor voltage signals over time. (eg: Tektronix oscilloscope)
Calipers. A precision measuring tool used to measure the internal and external dimensions of an object. (eg: Mitutoyo calipers)
Torque Wrenches. A tool used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener. (eg: Snap-on torque wrench)
Soldering Irons. A tool used to heat a metal alloy to join pieces of metal together. (eg: Weller soldering iron)
Crimpers. A tool used to secure two pieces of metal together with pressure and crimp connectors. (eg: Klein crimpers)
Data Loggers. A device used to record, store, and analyze various types of data over time. (eg: National Instruments data logger)
Test Probes. A device used to make contact with a circuit or component in order to measure or test its electrical properties. (eg: Pomona test probes)
Frequency Counters. An instrument that measures the frequency of electrical signals. (eg: HP frequency counter)
Spectrum Analyzers. An instrument used to measure the power of a signal across a range of frequencies. (eg: Anritsu spectrum analyzer)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA)
National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
International Society of Airworthiness (ISAP)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)

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Common Important Terms

Aircraft Instruments Instruments used on aircraft to measure and display various parameters, such as airspeed, altitude, direction, and rate of climb.
Avionics Electronics used in aircraft systems, such as navigation, communication, and autopilot systems.
Flight Instruments Instruments used to monitor the flight path and performance of an aircraft.
Flight Control System A system of components and control surfaces that regulate the attitude and movement of an aircraft in flight.
Autopilot A computerized system that automatically controls an aircraft's flight path and performance.
Navigation System A system of components that allow an aircraft to navigate from one point to another using instruments such as GPS or radar.
Altimeter An instrument used to measure altitude above a reference point, usually sea level.
Airspeed Indicator An instrument used to measure the speed of an aircraft relative to the air it is flying through.
Radio Guidance System A system of components used to communicate with ground-based navigation aids and other aircraft.
Radar An electronic system used to detect and locate objects at a distance by sending out pulses of radio waves and measuring their reflection off of objects in the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician?

An Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician is a specialist who performs maintenance and repair work on aircraft instrumentation systems. This includes calibrating, troubleshooting, and repairing instruments related to navigation, communication, flight control, and engine performance.

What type of training is necessary to become an Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician?

To become an Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician, individuals must complete a two-year Associate's degree program in aviation technology or a related field. They must also have a detailed understanding of aviation principles and components, possess strong mechanical aptitude, and have a high level of proficiency in mathematics.

What type of tools and equipment do Aeronautical Instrumentation Technicians use?

Aeronautical Instrumentation Technicians use a variety of tools and equipment such as test benches, multimeters, oscilloscopes, soldering irons, and analyzers to diagnose and repair instruments. They also use precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers and protractors for precise measurements.

What type of environment do Aeronautical Instrumentation Technicians work in?

Aeronautical Instrumentation Technicians typically work in hangars or maintenance facilities located on or near airports. They must be able to work in cramped, dirty, and noisy environments. They often work fulltime and may be required to work evenings and weekends.

What is the average salary for an Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician is $61,450. Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer.

Web Resources

Aeronautical Technology | South Seattle College southseattle.edu
Aeronautical Technology at Indianapolis - Purdue Polytechnic polytechnic.purdue.edu
How to Become an Instrumentation Technician in www.neit.edu