How to Be Avionics Flight Test Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 18, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Avionics Flight Test Engineer is responsible for conducting tests on aircrafts' avionic systems. This includes designing, developing, and executing flight tests for the purpose of evaluating system performance. As a result, this role requires a comprehensive understanding of aircraft systems, instrumentation, and avionics.

Furthermore, the Engineer must be able to analyze and interpret data from the test flights, identify any issues that may arise, and provide solutions to those issues. The successful performance of this role is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of aircrafts' avionic systems.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become an avionics flight test engineer, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree in a field such as aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or computer engineering. You should focus your studies on aviation and avionics.
Get Licensed. Obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license as a certified flight instructor (CFI) and instrument rating. This will require that you take FAA-approved courses and pass the appropriate exams.
Gain Experience. Gain experience in the field of avionics engineering by interning or working in the industry. This will help you gain a better understanding of the technology and concepts involved in avionics flight test engineering.
Get Certified. After gaining experience, you may want to consider getting certified as a flight test engineer by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). This certification will demonstrate your expertise and knowledge of avionics and aircraft systems.
Pursue Further Education. Consider pursuing graduate studies in avionics flight test engineering or a related field. This will help to further expand your knowledge and skills, giving you an edge in the field.
Find a Job. After completing your education and certification, you will be ready to apply for jobs as an avionics flight test engineer. You can search for job postings online or contact companies directly to inquire about any available positions.

In order to become a skilled and qualified Avionics Flight Test Engineer, one must obtain a thorough understanding of the principles of avionics engineering, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the latest aircraft systems and avionics. Additionally, it is important to have strong problem-solving skills, be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and have the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute flight tests in a safe and efficient manner. Furthermore, specialized training in flight test techniques and safety procedures is essential to ensure the successful completion of flight tests. With these skills and qualifications, an Avionics Flight Test Engineer can effectively monitor and assess aircraft performance during flight testing, provide technical support to other engineers, and help ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the project.

You may want to check Flight Coordinator, Aviation Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Cleaner), and Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and execute flight test plans for the evaluation of avionics systems
Analyze flight test data to assess performance of avionics systems
Design and analyze test procedures and troubleshoot any anomalies found in the data
Draft and review technical documents such as test plans, reports, and presentations
Interface with system designers to develop and evaluate system specifications
Coordinate and manage aircraft operations during flight test events
Collaborate with ground based engineering teams to ensure system requirements are met
Liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure any flight test activities comply with safety regulations
Monitor the health of avionics systems during flight tests
Advise on any changes needed to the systems in order to meet customer requirements

Skills and Competencies to Have

In-depth knowledge of avionics systems and aircraft performance
Extensive experience in airworthiness certification regulations and flight test procedures
Ability to design and implement test plans, including instrumentation setup and troubleshooting
Ability to analyze and interpret aircraft test data
Knowledge of flight test instrumentation systems, such as data acquisition and telemetry systems
Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python
Expertise in aircraft system integration and certification processes
Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams
Attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks
Knowledge of aerodynamics and aircraft control systems

Avionics Flight Test Engineers play a critical role in aerospace industries, as they are responsible for testing and evaluating the performance of aircraft systems. Their expertise is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of aircrafts. As such, the most important skill for an Avionics Flight Test Engineer to possess is problem-solving proficiency.

A good problem-solver is able to identify issues, analyze data and develop strategies to resolve them. This involves the ability to break a problem down into small components, understand its components, and develop a logical solution. In addition, strong communication skills are also necessary to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, such as designers, pilots, and mechanics.

Finally, excellent attention to detail is essential to detect defects in the aircrafts and make sure everything meets the highest standards. With these skills, Avionics Flight Test Engineers can ensure the overall safety and performance of aircrafts.

Flight Data Recorder Analyst, Flight Surgeon, and Flight Operations Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in conducting tests on avionics equipment?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when conducting avionics flight tests?
What is your understanding of the FAA regulations and procedures for avionics flight testing?
What methods do you use to troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise during avionics flight tests?
Describe a successful flight test project you have completed.
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in avionics technology?
What challenges have you encountered while conducting avionics flight tests?
What safety protocols do you follow when performing avionics flight tests?
How do you evaluate data collected during avionics flight tests?
What strategies do you use to maintain focus and concentration during long and complex flight tests?

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Data Analysis Software. Used to analyze and interpret flight data, such as flight path, speed, altitude, and heading. (eg: Airbus FAST software)
Aircraft Monitoring Software. Allows for the real-time monitoring of aircraft systems and components. (eg: Honeywell Pro Line Fusion)
Avionics Test Equipment. Used to test aircraft avionics systems and components. (eg: AVE-8A Avionics Test Set)
Flight Planning Software. Used to plan and optimize flight routes. (eg: ForeFlight Mobile)
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). A portable device used to manage aircraft data and documents and to perform calculations. (eg: Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck)
Flight Simulator Software. A virtual environment used to train pilots and test avionics systems. (eg: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020)
Radio Frequency Test Equipment. Used to measure and test radio frequency signals. (eg: Anritsu MP1800A Vector Network Analyzer)
Logbook Software. Used to track aircraft maintenance, inspections, and discrepancies. (eg: Log Ten Pro X)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Airline Pilots Association (ALPA)
International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (ICAPO)
Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP)
International Federation of Airworthiness (IFA)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
National Aeronautic Association (NAA)

We also have Flight Control Specialist, Flight Attendant Trainer, and Commercial Airline Pilot jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Avionics. The electronic systems used in aircraft, including navigation, communication, display, and management systems.
Flight Testing. The process of testing the performance and safety of aircraft in the air.
Aircraft Performance Testing. The process of measuring and analyzing the performance of an aircraft for operational safety and cost effectiveness.
Flight Simulation. The process of using a computer program to simulate the flight of an aircraft in a laboratory environment.
Human Factors Engineering. The process of designing and integrating human elements into the operations and design of an aircraft.
Flight Instrumentation. The process of instrumenting an aircraft with sensors and other telemetry devices to measure its performance in flight.
System Integration. The process of integrating multiple systems together to create a single, cohesive platform.
Aircraft Certification. The process of obtaining approval from regulatory authorities to operate an aircraft safely in a given airspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Avionics Flight Test Engineer?

An Avionics Flight Test Engineer is a professional engineer who is responsible for performing tests on the avionics systems of aircraft to ensure the safety and reliability of their operation.

What qualifications are needed to become an Avionics Flight Test Engineer?

To become an Avionics Flight Test Engineer, one must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in electrical or electronic engineering. Additionally, experience in aircraft systems engineering, avionics systems, and/or flight test engineering is highly desirable.

What tasks does an Avionics Flight Test Engineer perform?

An Avionics Flight Test Engineer performs a variety of tasks related to the testing and evaluation of aircraft avionics systems. These tasks may include designing and executing test plans, troubleshooting and analyzing system faults, and documenting test results.

What tools does an Avionics Flight Test Engineer use?

An Avionics Flight Test Engineer typically uses a variety of specialized tools and equipment to perform their duties. These tools may include data acquisition systems, test stands, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and other diagnostic equipment.

What is the job outlook for Avionics Flight Test Engineers?

The job outlook for Avionics Flight Test Engineers is expected to be positive over the next decade, as demand for aircraft and their related systems is expected to remain high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018 the median annual salary for Avionics Flight Test Engineers was $80,890.