Avionics Technicians

High School

Aspiring avionics technicians should take high school mathematics courses at least through solid geometry and preferably through calculus. Also take English, speech, and communication classes in order to read complex and detailed technical articles, books, and reports; to write technical reports; and to present those reports to groups of people when required. Many schools offer shop classes in electronics and in diagram and blueprint reading. Other important classes include physics, as well as technology-related courses—especially computer-aided design, data analytics, artificial intelligence (for predictive maintenance and other uses), and augmented and virtual reality (because technicians used this technology to develop prototypes and for other purposes).

Postsecondary Training

Avionics technicians must have completed a course of training at a postsecondary technical institute or community college. Many avionics technicians earn an associate's degree in aviation electronics technology, aviation maintenance, electronics, aeronautics, or a related field. Some technicians learn their trade through programs offered at aviation maintenance technician schools approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These schools award technicians with a certificate of completion, which grants the certificate holders the right to take relevant FAA exams. Wherever avionics technicians learn, their training should include at least one year of electronics technician training. If not trained specifically in avionics, students should obtain a solid background in electronics theory and practice. Further specialized training will be done on the job, where technicians work with engineers and senior technicians until they are competent to work without direct supervision.

Larger corporations in the aerospace industry operate their own schools and training institutes. Such training rarely includes theoretical or general studies but concentrates on areas important to the company's functions. The U.S. armed forces also conduct excellent electronics and avionics training schools; their graduates are in high demand in the industry after they leave the service.

Certification

Colleges and universities, online learning platforms, and professional associations offer certificate programs in avionics, aviation maintenance, electronics, artificial intelligence and other types of emerging technology, and other fields. These programs typically last six months to a year.

Other Education or Training

Various professional associations offer helpful courses for avionics technicians. For example, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers in-person and online courses in aerospace electronics and power systems, design engineering, digital avionics systems, management, production engineering, space logistics, and space systems.