Avionics Technicians
Background
Airplanes and helicopters have complex electrical and electronic systems for communication, navigation, and radar. Instruments, lights, weapons, landing gear, sensors, and many other aircraft parts are also controlled by electronics. Avionic technicians install, maintain, and repair electronic and electrical systems on all types of aircraft.
What They Do
Avionic technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Inspect and maintain electronics and electrical systems
- Install electronic components
- Read electronic and electrical wiring diagrams
- Repair or replace defective components
- Repair or replace instruments, such as tachometers, temperature gauges, and altimeters
- Replace faulty wiring
- Troubleshoot aircraft electronics and electrical systems using testing equipment
Physical Demands
Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded wiring.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to work with tools
- Interest in electronics and electrical equipment
- Interest in solving problems
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Math
- Shop mechanics
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Aircraft electricians usually work indoors, in aircraft hangars, airplanes, and repair shops. They may also work on aircraft parked outdoors.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of 18 to 25 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in repairing avionics systems. Training length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Avionics and electrical system maintenance
- Electronics and electrical theory
- Installation techniques
- Troubleshooting procedures
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian avionics technicians work mainly for airlines and aircraft maintenance firms. They may also work for aircraft manufacturers and other organizations that have fleets of airplanes or helicopters. Their duties are similar to those of military aircraft electricians. They may also be called aircraft electricians.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 25,000 avionics technicians. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new technicians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, avionics technicians perform maintenance and routine repairs under close supervision. With experience, they are assigned more complicated troubleshooting and repairs and may supervise other technicians. In time, they may become supervisors of aircraft maintenance shops.