How to Be Aircraft Electrician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aircraft electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining the electrical systems of aircraft. If these systems are not properly maintained and serviced, there can be a number of issues that arise, including decreased performance, decreased reliability, and even safety concerns. These issues can have a ripple effect, causing further problems such as decreased efficiency, increased downtime, and higher maintenance costs. To prevent these issues, it is essential for aircraft electricians to have a thorough understanding of the electrical systems and be able to accurately diagnose and repair any problems that may arise.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most aircraft electrician positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Complete a technical or vocational training program. Aircraft electrician programs are available at community colleges and technical schools. Programs typically include hands-on experience with wiring and electrical systems, as well as instruction in the principles of aeronautics and aircraft power systems.
3. Obtain FAA certification. Aircraft electricians are required to have an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification to work on aircraft. This certification requires both written and practical exams that demonstrate knowledge and skill in aircraft electric systems.
4. Get a job as an aircraft electrician. After obtaining the required certifications and training, you can apply for jobs as an aircraft electrician. Depending on the type of job, you may need to specialize in a certain type of aircraft or pass a background check to obtain security clearance.
5. Advance your career. Aircraft electricians can advance their careers by obtaining additional certifications or specialized training in certain types of aircraft or components. Additionally, many companies have internal programs that can help employees advance to higher levels within the organization.

Staying informed and qualified as an aircraft electrician is essential for providing safe, high-quality services. Regularly attending industry conferences and seminars, reading trade publications, and taking courses to keep up with the latest technology and techniques are all important steps to ensure that one is up to date with the most current industry standards. Additionally, staying current on licensing requirements and staying in compliance with FAA regulations ensures that aircraft electricians remain qualified and reliable. When these steps are taken, aircraft electricians can provide the highest quality work and guarantee the safety of the aircraft, its passengers, and cargo.

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Job Description

1. Inspect, test, and maintain electrical systems, wiring, circuit breakers, and other components to ensure proper operation.
2. Install new electrical systems and components in aircraft.
3. Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in electrical systems.
4. Repair and replace defective wiring, circuits, and components as needed.
5. Read and interpret aircraft maintenance manuals and schematics to determine repair and installation requirements.
6. Test aircraft electrical systems using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, voltmeters, ammeters, and oscilloscopes.
7. Inspect electrical systems for corrosion and damage.
8. Perform preventive maintenance on aircraft electrical systems.
9. Interpret wiring diagrams and schematics.
10. Monitor electrical system performance to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of electrical theory, principles, and practices
2. Ability to read and interpret electrical wiring diagrams, schematics and blueprints
3. Understanding of principles related to the operation of aircraft electrical systems
4. Knowledge of aircraft maintenance regulations and safety standards
5. Ability to install, repair, service, and maintain aircraft electrical systems
6. Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical malfunctions
7. Skill in the use of test equipment and hand tools
8. Ability to use computers for data entry and research
9. Knowledge of components, parts, and materials used in electrical systems
10. Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
11. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
13. Attention to detail
14. Physical stamina and strength

Aircraft Electrician is a highly skilled profession that requires a strong knowledge base in electrical and electronic engineering. To be successful in this role, there are several important skills that must be developed and honed. Firstly, the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics is essential in order to effectively diagnose and repair aircraft systems.

technical problem-solving skills are needed to identify the root cause of any issue and to determine the most appropriate solution. Furthermore, understanding of the electrical principles of ohm's law, voltage and current are necessary to ensure the safety of personnel and the aircraft. Lastly, strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others are important to collaborate with other technicians and to ensure that all repairs are completed in a timely and effective manner.

All of these skills must be present in order for an Aircraft Electrician to be successful in their role.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working with aircraft electrical systems?
• Tell me about a time when you successfully troubleshot an aircraft electrical issue.
• What safety procedures do you follow while working with aircraft electrical systems?
• Are you certified to work with aircraft wiring and components?
• What type of aircraft electrical systems have you worked on?
• Describe a typical day as an aircraft electrician.
• How comfortable are you working in confined spaces?
• How do you stay up-to-date with new technology related to aircraft electrical systems?
• Can you explain the process of repairing or replacing faulty wiring or components?
• What challenges have you faced while working with aircraft electrical systems and how did you resolve them?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Wrenches. Used to tighten or loosen bolts. (eg: Adjustable wrench)
2. Pliers. Used to grip and hold materials. (eg: Needle-nose pliers)
3. Screwdrivers. Used to insert and remove screws. (eg: Phillips head screwdriver)
4. Hammers. Used to drive nails or other objects into materials. (eg: Claw hammer)
5. Soldering Iron. Used to join metal surfaces by melting a filler material and bonding them together. (eg: Butane soldering iron)
6. Wire Strippers. Used to remove insulation from wires. (eg: Automatic wire strippers)
7. Crimpers. Used to connect wires and terminals. (eg: Ratcheting crimpers)
8. Multimeter. Used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. (eg: Digital multimeter)
9. Cable Cutters. Used to cut wires and cables. (eg: Ratcheting cable cutters)
10. Heat Gun. Used to soften plastic and shrink tubing. (eg: Dual temperature heat gun)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA)
2. National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
3. International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)
4. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association (AMTA)
5. Air Transport Association of America (ATA)
6. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
7. American Society for Quality (ASQ)
8. National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT)
9. Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
10. National Coalition of Aviation and Aerospace Professionals (NCAAPP)

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Common Important Terms

1. Avionics. The branch of technology that deals with the design and operation of electronic systems used in aircraft.
2. Aircraft Wiring. The process of connecting electrical components and systems to ensure that they are properly functioning.
3. Soldering. A process in which two or more metal items are joined together by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint.
4. Circuit Breaker. A device designed to interrupt the flow of electricity when an overload or short circuit occurs.
5. Electrical Connectors. Devices used to join electrical circuits together.
6. Crimping. The process of joining two pieces of metal, wire, or plastic together by compressing them with a tool.
7. Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and resolving problems in an electrical system.
8. Electrical Insulation. Materials used to prevent electricity from passing through them.
9. Aviation Regulations. Rules and regulations governing the safety and operation of aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an Aircraft Electrician?

An Aircraft Electrician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems in aircrafts. This includes wiring, circuit boards, lighting, and other electrical components.

What qualifications are required to become an Aircraft Electrician?

To become an Aircraft Electrician, individuals must have a high school diploma or GED and complete an approved aviation electrician program. They must also have a valid state driver's license and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.

How long does it take to complete an aviation electrician program?

An aviation electrician program typically takes 18-24 months to complete.

What type of salary can an Aircraft Electrician expect to earn?

Aircraft Electricians typically earn an average salary of $57,000 per year.

What are the primary responsibilities of an Aircraft Electrician?

The primary responsibilities of an Aircraft Electrician include installing and repairing electrical systems in aircrafts, wiring aircrafts, troubleshooting electrical problems, and inspecting and testing aircrafts’ electrical systems.

What are jobs related with Aircraft Electrician?

• Maintenance Electrician
• Plant Electrician
• Solar Electrician
• Foreman Electrician

Web Resources

• Aircraft Electrician | Francis Tuttle Technology Center www.francistuttle.edu
• Aircraft Electrician Jobs | Training and Certification Requirements ... www.electricianschooledu.org
• Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) - CAU calaero.edu