An Avionics Technician is a professional who specializes in the maintenance, repair, and installation of electronic systems in aircraft. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aircraft by handling various avionics equipment and systems. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Avionics Technicians.

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Main Responsibilities of an Avionics Technician

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Avionics Technician:

Adhere to

• Adhere to General Work Requirements for factory, shop and / or hangar positions.

• Adhere to policies, procedures and directives as established by the company.

• Adhere to the Safety Management System Policy.

Assist in

• Assist Avionics Systems Technicians to perform the required maintenance after flight test.

• Assist in aircraft inspections and certifications.

• Assist in creation of service orders with SAP or applicable operating systems.

• Assist in establishing a training plan for assigned area.

• Assist in other maintenance disciplines – Airframe, Powerplant, Structures, Composites etc..

• Assist in performing complex repairs on aircraft systems.

• Assist in providing time estimates.

• Assist in troubleshooting avionics-related issues during flight operations.

• Assist other maintenance disciplines as needed.

• Assist with maintenance at off-site locations as needed.

• Assist with mechanical / electrical removals and installations.

• Assist with other maintenance disciplines as needed.

• Assist with refurbishment and hardware modifications.

Attend

• Attend trade training and development sessions for qualifications / authorization purposes.

• Attend training classes and departmental meetings.

• Attend training courses as directed by company management.

Audit

Audit your own location and truck monthly.

Calibrate

Calibrate and align avionics equipment according to manufacturers' specifications.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop and implement avionics system improvements.

• Collaborate with other aircraft maintenance professionals to ensure proper integration of avionics systems.

Communicate

Communicate with parts department to obtain needed parts.

Complete

• Complete all designated training activities.

• Complete an in-depth technical interview with our staff.

Conduct

• Conduct electrical and electronic wiring repairs.

• Conduct functional tests and performance evaluations of avionics systems.

• Conduct mechanical / electrical removals and installations.

• Conduct regular maintenance and preventive maintenance tasks on avionics systems.

• Conduct support for EMI / EMC tasks.

Contribute

Contribute to the continuous improvement of the company and be recognized for your impact.

Coordinate

Coordinate workload, overtime and job assignments for team members in assigned functional area.

Create

Create service orders with SAP.

Diagnose

Diagnose cause and malfunction and perform repair.

Document

Document all work performed and recommended on repair order.

Ensure

• Ensure aircraft documentation is complete and accurate.

• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards in all avionics work.

• Ensure that all components installed on aircraft are properly certified.

• Ensure that customers' cars are kept clean.

Examine

Examine assigned vehicle to determine if further safety or service work is required or recommended.

Hear

Hear sounds associated with mechanical deficiencies.

Inspect

• Inspect incoming parts and documentation to meet regulatory requirements.

• Inspect components and aircraft systems as a QI as needed.

Install

• Install and repair component- Install electrical and avionics components.

• Install new avionics equipment and integrate it into the aircraft's existing systems.

Interpret

Interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and schematics to guide repairs and installations.

Keep

• Keep abreast of manufacturer technical bulletins.

• Keep accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections.

• Keep shop area neat and clean.

Learn

Learn and comply with CAE quality management system.

Maintain

• Maintain and cleans line maintenance test equipment and work area as required.

• Maintain and ensure a clean and safe work environment at all times.

• Maintain and is accountable for all dealership-owned tools and manuals.

• Maintain an inventory of avionics spare parts and equipment.

• Maintain high customer satisfaction standards.

• Maintain technical training log.

Make

Make changes according to the service bulletins while respecting the standards of the industry.

Monitor

Monitor day-to-day activities for assigned area and report issues and risks to immediate supervisor.

Operate

• Operate all tools and equipment in a safe manner.

• Operate ground support equipment as necessary.

• Operate ground support equipment as required.

Order

Order necessary parts to complete the job.

Participate in

• Participate in 5-S activities.

• Participate in career interviews at our retailer.

• Participate in Continuous Improvement, Lean & 8S activities in your area.

• Participate in gathering sports and social activities.

Perform

• Perform all assigned tasks in a safe and timely manner.

• Perform all work in a safe and timely manner.

• Perform and document all work completed per appropriate manuals and regulations as required.

• Perform and document work performed per appropriate manuals and regulations as required.

• Perform and support qualification testing and provide test reports.

• Perform basic visual alignments.

• Perform complex repairs on aircraft systems.

• Perform functional tests and calibration on aircraft systems.

• Perform functions to maintain the simulators as required.

• Perform hardware verification, troubleshoot issues and provide test reports.

• Perform inspections and tests on avionics systems to ensure proper functionality.

• Perform logistics duties, including parts received, repair, and testing / validation.

• Perform pre-flight and post flight on designated simulators.

• Perform pre-qualification testing.

• Perform routine technical tasks on site.

• Perform software updates and upgrades on avionics systems.

• Perform system checks and verifications after avionics repairs or installations.

• Perform tasks to support the technical services group as required.

Provide

• Provide customer service support and address customer needs in a timely manner.

• Provide OJT to less experienced technicians to ensure technician development and accurate work.

• Provide on-job-training (OJT) and technical supervision to other Avionics Technicians.

• Provide technical support and guidance to other maintenance personnel.

• Provide verbal and written turnover reports indicating status of work progress.

Read

• Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

• Read small print and identifies colors.

Receive

• Receive interview preparation assistance and coaching.

• Receive training in the various phases of laboratory, office, plant or field technical work.

Repair

• Repair avionics systems as needed.

• Repair or replace faulty avionics components, such as radios, navigation systems, and radar systems.

Report

• Report machinery defects or malfunctions to supervisor.

• Report to work with a positive attitude, on time and ready to work.

Return

• Return A / C to service after maintenance at off-site locations (if certified).

• Return aircraft to service after maintenance at off-site locations.

Review

• Review qualification test procedures according to DO-160G.

• Review the test setup and procedures.

Run

Run automatic Qualification Test Guide (QTG).

Save

Save and tag parts of the job if under warranty or if requested by customer.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with the latest advancements in avionics technology and industry regulations.

Tolerate

• Tolerate products and materials associated with component maintenance.

• Tolerate standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and sitting.

• Tolerate working in confined spaces and heights above four feet.

Train

Train, coach and support other employees.

Travel

Travel and work on off-site Mobile Repair Parties / Field Teams, and Work Parties.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and diagnose avionics equipment malfunctions.

• Troubleshoot, repair, install, inspect and perform maintenance on customer aircraft.

Utilize

Utilize technical maintenance management system to record and track technical maintenance activities.

Work

Work with moving parts and vibration.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Avionics Technician:

1. Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical manuals, schematics, and wiring diagrams.

2. Knowledge of avionics systems, including communication, navigation, radar, and autopilot systems.

3. Experience in troubleshooting and diagnosing avionics equipment malfunctions.

4. Competence in using specialized avionics testing equipment and tools.

5. Familiarity with aircraft electrical systems and their integration with avionics.

6. Understanding of digital and analog electronics principles.

7. Knowledge of aircraft data bus protocols, such as ARINC 429 and MIL-STD-1553.

8. Proficiency in using computer-based diagnostic software for avionics systems.

9. Ability to perform soldering and wiring tasks according to industry standards.

10. Competence in aircraft radio and communication systems.

11. Understanding of aircraft instrument systems, such as altimeters and airspeed indicators.

12. Knowledge of aircraft navigation systems, including GPS and inertial navigation systems.

13. Experience in working with autopilot and flight management systems.

14. Competence in aircraft weather radar systems.

15. Understanding of avionics power distribution and protection systems.

16. Knowledge of aviation regulatory standards, such as FAA regulations and guidelines.

17. Familiarity with avionics installation and integration procedures.

18. Proficiency in software updates and configuration management for avionics systems.

19. Experience in aircraft electrical load analysis and power management.

20. Competence in aircraft avionics system troubleshooting and repairs.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Avionics Technician:

1. Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate troubleshooting and precise repairs.

2. Excellent problem-solving skills to identify and resolve avionics system issues.

3. Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and convey technical information clearly.

4. Adaptability and flexibility to work in a dynamic aviation environment with changing priorities.

5. Time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines for maintenance and repairs.

6. Analytical thinking to interpret complex technical manuals and diagrams.

7. Strong organizational skills to maintain proper documentation and records of maintenance activities.

8. Commitment to safety protocols and adherence to aviation regulations.

9. Continuous learning mindset to stay updated with advancements in avionics technology.

10. Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with other aviation professionals.

Conclusion

As an Avionics Technician, individuals are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of avionics systems in aircraft. Their expertise in electronics, troubleshooting, and repairs is vital for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft. In addition to technical skills in avionics systems and equipment, soft skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial for success in this role. By possessing the necessary hard and soft skills, Avionics Technicians contribute significantly to the aviation industry and help maintain the highest standards of safety and performance in aircraft.