Avionics Technicians

Also called: Aircraft Armament Mechanic, Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist, Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Instrument Mechanic, Aircraft Technician

Avionics Technicians

Varies

estimated salary

Avionics technicians Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

  • Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
  • Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
  • Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
  • Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
  • Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.
  • Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.
  • Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
  • Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
  • Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.
  • Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.
  • Fabricate parts and test aids as required.
  • Assemble prototypes or models of circuits, instruments, and systems for use in testing.
  • Operate computer-aided drafting and design applications to design avionics system modifications.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
  • Maintain repair or maintenance records.
  • Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
  • Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation.
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Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills

Equipment Maintenance
  • Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting
  • Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing
  • Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation Monitoring
  • Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
  • Spreadsheet software
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
  • Word processing software
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
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