In order to ensure that an aircraft is safe and is ready to transport people or cargo from one place to another, avionics are a necessity. A career in avionics means that you will be responsible for understanding and making sure the electronic equipment on an aircraft is up to standards and working. This includes GPS sensors, autopilot devices, communication equipment and more.  It is a highly rewarding job that carries with it a great deal of responsibility.

The field of modern avionics has improved the quality of flying immensely. It ensures that aircrafts can safely fly at any time of the day or night – it has revolutionized the flying industry. Most careers in the avionics field involve avionics repair and maintenance. Avionics repair and maintenance technicians must have a strong working knowledge of the electrical side of various aircrafts, and be able to troubleshoot potential problems and repair problems when they do arise. They are responsible for making sure an aircraft runs safely. Commercial airplanes, helicopters and jets are just a few of the types of aircrafts that avionics technicians may work on during their career. 

Fly High with an Avionics Degree
Avionics technicians must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There are currently over 150 avionics schools certified by the FAA, where interested students can gain their certification and get the training and skills needed to pursue a career. Additionally, they are required to complete 24 months of hands-on training, which can be done either in or out of avionics school.

In avionics school, students will learn about the physics behind flight so that they can have a sense of the bigger picture. They will also study the types of modern aircraft and the differences between them, professional safety techniques, and many aspects of aircraft maintenance. Completing a course of study in avionics will render you knowledgeable and savvy in the field of aircraft avionics, and will give you a true sense of what it is really like to pursue this career. If you are interested in entering avionics school and launching a career in this field, it is important to be good at working with your hands, skilled with computers, and technically savvy. It is also important to be able to work well under pressure, and to work well both with others and alone. Avionics technicians should also possess a strong memory and the ability to quickly and accurately diagnose problems with aircrafts.

While cutbacks in the airline industry are limiting the number of available positions for avionics technicians with airlines, there are still a number of jobs to be found with smaller, regional airlines. Many avionics technicians – about 40 percent - are union members, and the average hourly earnings for a person in this field hovers around $20 an hour. If you are a person who is technically skilled, interested in electronics, and good with your hands, consider entering an avionics school to learn more about your passion. Find out more about avionics schools and get ready to reach for the stars!