What Does an Avionics Technician do?

Avionics Technicians repair, test, adjust and maintain avionics systems and equipment.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
  • Developing a thorough knowledge of, as well as working on, radar, cockpit and flight data recorders, navigation, communication, lighting and anti-skid systems, and on the instruments in the cockpit that measure various aspects of the airplane's performance
  • Testing and replacing components used in aircraft systems that the pilot and passengers depend on
  • Identifying and fixing challenging and complex avionics systems problems
  • Working independently or as part of a team to get the job done within tight deadlines
  • Double-checking systems to ensure that they work flawlessly

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become an Avionics Technician, you must complete Grade 12, with senior credits in English, math, physics, computers, chemistry and some electronics courses, if possible. You must also complete a two to three year community college avionics or electronics program, or a four-year apprenticeship program. Check out the Aviation Technician-Aircraft Maintenance program at Confederation College for information: www.confederationc.on.ca. Once this training is complete, you must pass an exam to get an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's licence (Class E, Avionics) issued by Transport Canada in order to sign maintenance releases. Avionics technicians may also need to acquire further endorsements to their AME licence to allow them to inspect a broader range of aircraft and avionics systems. Have a look at the Transport Canada website at www.tc.gc.ca for more information. You might also want to check out employment and training opportunities available through the Canadian military, at www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca. The Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council is a sectoral council that is also a good source of information about entry into many of the aviation occupations, at www.camc.ca.

What’s Your Future as an Avionics Technician?

Most workers in this field work full-time, often in the repair shop of either the airline or the original aircraft manufacturer. Because most flights occur during the day, repair work on airplanes generally takes place at night. There are a few association websites that could be useful for potential employment connections. Check out www.aiac.ca, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada website, and their member list, as well as the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council (Corporate member list) at www.camc.ca.  Examples of typical employers include:

  • aircraft and parts manufacturers
  • airline companies
  • defense services
  • federal government
  • scientific and professional equipment manufacturers
  • service firms to air transport companies
  • electronic equipment manufacturers

Wage Rate

  • Apprentices start at a wage rate less than that of a journeyperson
  • this rate gradually increases as you gain skills and competency
  • Fully qualified Avionics Technicians can earn anywhere from $20.00/hr to $32.00/hr, usually with benefits and opportunities for overtime

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is working as an Avionics Technician for You?

Can you stand for long periods, kneel, bend, crawl or work in confined spaces if required?

Yes      No

Are you very interested in aviation?

Yes      No

Do you like figuring out what’s wrong with something and then fixing it?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy keeping up with and learning about new technology?

Yes      No

Do you like working on a variety of different tasks?

Yes      No

Are you the kind of person who persists till the job is done right?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a Career as an Avionics Technician may be for you!

You may want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Electrician
  • Aircraft instrument mechanic
  • Aircraft assembly inspector
  • Avionics inspector