Avionics involves working with complex electronic and electrical systems, including navigation, guidance, communications, surveillance, and flight control. This profession is essential to the safe and timely operation of all aircraft on the ground and in the air. Up-to-date knowledge of avionics opens the door to many employment opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industry. Avionics Maintenance Technicians are masters of air- craft microprocessor technology, front-line tests, calibrations, repairs, and maintenance on state-of-the-art systems, including fly-by-wire guidance, auto flight systems, global positioning systems, radio navigation equipment, and satellite navigation systems. Avionics Maintenance takes place both in the shop (bench repair) and in the hangar (aircraft repair), and on both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. Shop work includes the repair and certification of aircraft electrical, electronic, and instrumentation components; on-aircraft work includes the testing, troubleshooting, repair, removal, and installation of aircraft electrical, electronic, and instrumentation systems. Work may be done in test cells, in dust-free “clean rooms”, on the bench or in the laboratory, or directly on aircraft in the hangar, on the ramp, and in the flight-line. Fascinated with sophisticated electronics systems, a good Avionics Maintenance Technician is an excellent team player with solid communication skills and a tireless commitment to safety and excellence. This is one of the most demanding trades in aviation.
Pathways
- Completion of Secondary School (required)
- Completion of an Avionics Maintenance Technology program at a college or approved training organization Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Licence, Category “E” (AME-E) (an asset)
- After 48 months of experience as an AMT, can apply to Transport Canada to write the regulatory exam for a category “E” licence to become an AME with specialization in Avionics (AME-E)
- CCAA certification (an asset)
Helpful Tips
- Ability to be solely responsible for a particular project
- Ability to work in the close, cramped environment surrounding electronic instrumentation in aircraft
- Strong mathematical skills
- Ability to complete records of work done and sustain an accurate record system
- Ability to interpret blueprints and written technical instructions
Associated Titles
- Aircraft Avionics Technician
- Avionics Mechanics
- Avionics Technician
- Electronics Technician