How To Become An Avionics Technician
by Robyn Tellefsen
Are you fascinated by the science of flight? Curious about the power behind the propeller? Avionics schools provide answers to your questions and put you on the path to captivating avionics careers and a lifetime of learning.
How do I become an avionics technician?
Those who are interested in aviation as well as electronics may choose to pursue avionics careers, which involve aircraft navigation and communication radios, autopilots, weather radar systems, and other electronic devices. Today's digital aircraft depend upon sophisticated avionics systems as part of their design.
Because advances in computer technology, aircraft systems, and the materials used to manufacture airplanes have made avionics careers highly technical, you may find prior study of chemistry, computer science, electronics, math, mechanical drawing, and physics helpful. These technical courses demonstrate many of the principles involved in the operation of aircraft, which are important to know in order to make repairs. You'll need an especially strong background in electronics in order to become an avionics technician.
To get on board with avionics careers, you must enroll in one of about 170 avionics schools certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). At avionics schools, you will be trained and given the proper tools to work on avionics equipment.
After you complete your avionics training, you will be qualified to take the FAA exams for licensure as an avionics technician. Depending on your duties, you may need additional licenses, such as a radiotelephone license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. The General Radiotelephone Operator license is issued based on passing an exam that tests knowledge of radio transmissions, basic electricity, and radar. In addition, avionics technicians typically need to obtain certifications from associations such as the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, or the Electronics Technicians Association International.
Once you become licensed as an avionics technician, you'll need to complete at least 16 hours of training every 24 months to maintain licensure. Ongoing training courses are typically offered by your employer or local manufacturer.
What will I learn in avionics school?
Avionics schools offer focused, hands-on learning, enabling you to work in classrooms, on computers, in labs, and inside an actual cockpit to gain real-world skills. In fact, the FAA requires that avionics schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 actual class hours. Training at avionics schools normally lasts from 18 to 24 months and provides practical instruction with tools and equipment used on the job.
At avionics schools, you will be trained in avionics systems, cables and cabling, amplifiers, interfacing, antennas and transmission lines, components, network topologies and infrastructures, safety, test equipment and tools, satellite communications, and avionics troubleshooting. You will also receive more general training in computers and digital concepts, mathematics, and interpersonal relations.
Currently, training at avionics schools places greater emphasis on technologies such as turbine engines, composite materials, and aviation electronics, which are increasingly being used in the construction of new aircraft. That's why, in order to succeed in avionics careers, you'll need to continually update your skills and knowledge of new technology as well as advances in aircraft technology.
How do I become an avionics technician?
Those who are interested in aviation as well as electronics may choose to pursue avionics careers, which involve aircraft navigation and communication radios, autopilots, weather radar systems, and other electronic devices. Today's digital aircraft depend upon sophisticated avionics systems as part of their design.
Because advances in computer technology, aircraft systems, and the materials used to manufacture airplanes have made avionics careers highly technical, you may find prior study of chemistry, computer science, electronics, math, mechanical drawing, and physics helpful. These technical courses demonstrate many of the principles involved in the operation of aircraft, which are important to know in order to make repairs. You'll need an especially strong background in electronics in order to become an avionics technician.
To get on board with avionics careers, you must enroll in one of about 170 avionics schools certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). At avionics schools, you will be trained and given the proper tools to work on avionics equipment.
After you complete your avionics training, you will be qualified to take the FAA exams for licensure as an avionics technician. Depending on your duties, you may need additional licenses, such as a radiotelephone license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. The General Radiotelephone Operator license is issued based on passing an exam that tests knowledge of radio transmissions, basic electricity, and radar. In addition, avionics technicians typically need to obtain certifications from associations such as the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, or the Electronics Technicians Association International.
Once you become licensed as an avionics technician, you'll need to complete at least 16 hours of training every 24 months to maintain licensure. Ongoing training courses are typically offered by your employer or local manufacturer.
What will I learn in avionics school?
Avionics schools offer focused, hands-on learning, enabling you to work in classrooms, on computers, in labs, and inside an actual cockpit to gain real-world skills. In fact, the FAA requires that avionics schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 actual class hours. Training at avionics schools normally lasts from 18 to 24 months and provides practical instruction with tools and equipment used on the job.
At avionics schools, you will be trained in avionics systems, cables and cabling, amplifiers, interfacing, antennas and transmission lines, components, network topologies and infrastructures, safety, test equipment and tools, satellite communications, and avionics troubleshooting. You will also receive more general training in computers and digital concepts, mathematics, and interpersonal relations.
Currently, training at avionics schools places greater emphasis on technologies such as turbine engines, composite materials, and aviation electronics, which are increasingly being used in the construction of new aircraft. That's why, in order to succeed in avionics careers, you'll need to continually update your skills and knowledge of new technology as well as advances in aircraft technology.
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