How to Be Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 25, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician plays an integral role in the aviation industry. By performing maintenance and repairs on aircraft systems, components, and avionics, they ensure that aircrafts are safe and reliable. This in turn helps reduce the risk of aircraft failures and accidents, which can be catastrophic.

The Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician is responsible for diagnosing and troubleshooting aircraft systems, making repairs, and performing inspections. They must also be knowledgeable in the latest aviation regulations and be able to interpret technical manuals. Without the expertise of the Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician, the aviation industry would be unable to operate safely and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or equivalent. Most aviation employers require applicants to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) A&P Certificate. To become an aviation maintenance technician, applicants must obtain an FAA A&P certificate. This requires passing an FAA-administered written, oral, and practical exam and having 18 months of experience.
Learn Avionics. Obtain knowledge and training in avionics, which is the maintenance and repair of aircraft electronics. This can be done through a formal educational program or through on-the-job training.
Obtain a FAA Avionics Certificate. After gaining knowledge and experience in avionics, applicants can obtain a FAA avionics certificate by passing an additional FAA-administered written, oral, and practical exam.
Join a Professional Organization. Joining a professional organization such as the Aircraft Electronics Association can help technicians stay abreast of industry trends and maintain industry contacts.
Participate in Continuing Education. As technology advances, aviation maintenance and avionics technicians must continue to update their knowledge and skills. Participating in continuing education courses is one way to do this.

The ideal and efficient way to be an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician is to stay organized and up to date on the latest technology and industry regulations. Keeping detailed records of maintenance activities and having a thorough understanding of avionics systems is key to success. Commitment to safety is essential as well, as technicians must ensure that all procedures are followed and all safety protocols are met.

being able to troubleshoot and diagnose problems quickly is a must. Being able to work with a team is also important, as technicians need to communicate effectively with other personnel in order to ensure that all tasks are completed correctly. Finally, staying abreast of the latest developments in the aviation industry is essential for success in this field.

By following these guidelines, it is possible to be an effective and efficient Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician.

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Job Description

Develop and install avionics systems including components such as navigation systems, autopilots, communications systems, and weather radar.
Inspect, adjust, and repair avionics systems.
Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in avionics systems.
Maintain records of maintenance and repairs.
Perform regular inspections of aircraft avionics systems.
Install and configure new avionics systems.
Interpret and analyze system performance data.
Coordinate with other technicians to ensure effective system performance.
Operate avionics equipment during test flights.
Provide technical support to pilots and other aircraft personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of aviation regulations and safety procedures
Knowledge of aircraft systems, components, and maintenance procedures
Ability to troubleshoot and repair faulty components and systems
Proficiency in the use of hand tools and specialized test equipment
Ability to read and interpret detailed diagrams and schematics
Knowledge of electronics theory and principles
Ability to design and install electrical wiring and systems
Proficiency in soldering and crimping techniques
Experience with repair and installation of avionics systems
Ability to interpret avionics manuals, data sheets, and other technical documentation
Familiarity with avionics software and operating systems
Ability to program, configure, and troubleshoot computer systems
Experience with maintenance, inspection, and testing of avionics systems
Good communication skills for problem solving and customer service

Having the right skills is essential for any successful Avionics Technician. One of the most important skills for an Avionics Technician is a solid understanding of electronics and electrical systems. This includes being familiar with the principles of electricity, electronics components, and power systems.

An Avionics Technician must also be able to interpret schematics and diagrams, identify parts and components, and troubleshoot and repair avionics systems. In addition, they must be able to use a variety of tools and test equipment to diagnose and repair faults in these systems. A good Avionics Technician must possess excellent problem-solving skills, be able to work accurately and quickly under pressure, and have strong communication and customer service skills.

With the right combination of knowledge, experience, and technical know-how, an Avionics Technician can be an invaluable asset to any organization that relies on aviation maintenance and repair.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aircraft avionics systems?
Describe the most challenging avionics maintenance project that you have worked on.
What is your experience with troubleshooting and repairing malfunctioning avionics systems?
How do you stay up to date with the latest avionics systems and technologies?
How would you handle a customer complaint about an avionics system?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with aircraft avionics systems?
What do you consider to be the most important skill for an aviation maintenance technician?
How have you used your problem-solving skills in the past when working on avionics systems?
Can you explain how you would use a multimeter to test an aircraft avionics system?
Describe a time when you had to work under tight deadlines to repair an avionics system.

Common Tools in Industry

Multi-meter. a hand-held device to measure electrical current. (eg: Fluke multimeter)
Soldering Iron. a tool to join metals together using heat and solder. (eg: Weller soldering iron)
Torque Wrench. used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener. (eg: Craftsman torque wrench)
Drill Press. a machine used to drill holes into materials. (eg: Delta drill press)
Wiring Crimpers. a tool used to crimp terminals onto wires for secure connections. (eg: Erem crimpers)
Wire Stripper. a tool used to strip insulation from electrical wires. (eg: Klein wire stripper)
Crimp Connectors. a device used to make reliable electrical connections. (eg: 3M crimp connectors)
Scissor Lift. a hydraulic lift used to reach high places. (eg: Genie scissor lift)
Heat Gun. a tool used to soften materials with hot air. (eg: Wagner heat gun)
Oscilloscope. an electronic device used to measure and display waveforms. (eg: Tektronix oscilloscope)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA)
National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT)
National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE)
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association (AMTA)

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Common Important Terms

Airframe. Refers to the physical components of an aircraft, including the fuselage, wings, and landing gear.
Avionics. The technology of aviation electronics, including navigation, communication, and other systems.
ACARS. Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System, a digital data link system used to transmit messages between aircraft and ground stations for air traffic control.
ATA Specification. Air Transport Association's set of standards for aircraft maintenance, testing, and repair.
Autopilot. A system used to control an aircraft without direct input from the pilot.
ECU. Electronic Control Unit, a device that monitors and controls electronic systems in an aircraft.
FADEC. Full Authority Digital Engine Control, a system that manages and coordinates multiple engine components to optimize performance.
FAA. Federal Aviation Administration, the government agency responsible for regulating the civil aviation industry in the United States.
ILS. Instrument Landing System, a navigation system used by aircraft to land safely in bad weather or low visibility conditions.
STC. Supplemental Type Certificate, a document issued by the FAA that certifies modifications to an aircraft that do not change its basic design or operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician?

An Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician is a professional who specializes in the maintenance, repair, and installation of aircrafts' electrical systems, navigation systems, and other avionics components.

What skills are needed to be an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician?

To be an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician, one must have strong problem-solving and analytical skills, mechanical aptitude, the ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics, and be knowledgeable of aviation industry standards and regulations.

What qualifications are required to become an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician?

To become an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician, one must complete a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved training program and obtain an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. In addition, they must also obtain an FAA-approved avionics certification.

What is the job outlook for an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician?

The job outlook for an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician is expected to be positive. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of these technicians is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029.

What is the median salary for an Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technicians was $63,060 in May 2019.

Web Resources

Avionics Certification | Aviation Institute of Maintenance aviationmaintenance.edu
Aviation Maintenance Technician: Avionics My CMS global.aviationmaintenance.edu
Avionics Technician Training | Aviation Institute of aviationmaintenance.edu