Avionics Technician
Other Titles
Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist, Aircraft Technician, Aviation Electrical Technician, Aviation Electronics Technician, Avionics Electronics Technician, Avionics Installer, Avionics Manager, Avionics Systems Integration Specialist, Electronic Technician
Avionics Technicians are responsible for the installation, inspection, repair and maintenance of a wide range of avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles. Such equipment includes the systems used in aircrafts as well as on-ground systems used to coordinate with the aircrafts. In this role, they use a wide range of tools to inspect and troubleshoot various avionics systems. These include navigational systems, radio systems and missile control systems among others. A part of their job is to repair or replace the malfunctioning components. They also coordinate in the functional flight tests of various systems used on board aircrafts.
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.
Equipment Maintenance→ Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing→ Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting→ Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Equipment Selection→ Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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.
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic principles.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Install machine or equipment replacement parts.
Maintain repair or maintenance records.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
Assemble electrical components, subsystems, or systems.
Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation.
Lay out work according to specifications.
Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
Fabricate parts or components.
Develop equipment or component configurations.
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
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.
Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Analytical or scientific software -- Computer diagnostic software; Avionics system testing software
Computer aided design CAD software -- e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD
Database user interface and query software -- Data entry software
Development environment software -- Software development tools
Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Odoo; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; SAP
Facilities management software -- Maintenance record software
Object or component oriented development software -- e.g., C++; Oracle Java
Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace; Apache OpenOffice.org
Operating system software -- e.g., Apple macOS; Bash; Hewlett Packard HP-UX; Job control language JCL; KornShell; Linux; Microsoft Windows; Oracle Solaris; Red Hat Enterprise Linux; Shell script; Ubuntu; UNIX
Portal server software -- Apache Webserver
Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Apple iWork Keynote; Corel Presentations; Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets
Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs
Adjustable wrenches
Alignment jig→ Alignment tools
Ball peen hammer→ Ball peen hammers
Binocular light compound microscopes→ Laboratory binocular microscopes
Calibrated resistance measuring equipment→ Resistance bridges
Calipers→ Vernier calipers
Circuit tester→ Circuit testers
Cold chisels
Combination wrenches
Desktop computers
Diagonal cut pliers→ Diagonal cutting pliers
Ear muffs→ Protective ear muffs
End cut pliers
Flat nose pliers→ Duck bill pliers
Frequency analyzers→ Spectrum analyzers
Frequency calibrator or simulator→ Signal simulators
Frequency counters or timer or dividers→ Frequency counters
Goggles→ Safety goggles
Grounding hardware→ Grounding equipment
Hacksaw→ Hacksaws
Hammers→ Soft face hammers
Hex keys→ Allen wrenches; Hex wrenches
Inspection mirror→ Inspection mirrors
Integrated circuit testers→ Component test sets
Ladders
Lifts→ Power lifts
Longnose pliers
Magnifiers
Megohmmeters
Multimeters→ Digital multimeters
Needlenose pliers
Notebook computers→ Laptop computers
Nut drivers
Ohmmeters→ Volt-ohm meters VOM
Open end wrenches→ Crescent wrenches
Oscilloscopes→ Digital oscilloscopes
Personal computers
Power drills
Power meters→ Audio power meters; Microwave power meters
Protocol analyzers→ Data bus readers
Punches or nail sets or drifts→ Center punches; Pin punches
Reflectometers→ Time delay reflectometers TDR
Respirators
Rivet tools→ Riveting tools
Rulers→ Steel rules
Screwdrivers→ Phillips head screwdrivers; Straight screwdrivers
Signal generators→ Programmable function generators
Slip or groove joint pliers→ Slip joint pliers
Socket sets→ Socket wrench sets
Sockets→ Socket wrenches
Soldering iron→ Soldering irons
Stripping tools→ Wire strippers
Tension testers→ Tension gauges
Torque wrenches
Tweezers
Utility knives
Voltage or current meters→ Electrical current meters; Voltmeters
Wattmeters→ Radio frequency RF wattmeters
Wire lug crimping tool→ Wire crimpers
Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement→ Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.