Generally speaking, avionic technicians perform routine safety checks and maintenance to ensure that aircraft are safe to fly. Much of the work involved is preventative, although most avionic technicians are also trained to make needed repairs. They also perform inspections required by regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. However, these technicians are more than aircraft mechanics. In fact, there are a variety of avionics technician jobs available, some of which involve very detailed specialization.
First, most avionics technician jobs require a wide range of repetitive tasks to be performed on a daily basis on all types of aircraft, whether private, airline, or military. In fact, dozens of inspections and safety checks occur on each craft from the ground up, so to speak. For this reason, many avionics technician jobs have more specific job titles, such as powerplant mechanics and airframe mechanics. There is also a dual designation that combines airframe and powerplant certifications, commonly known as AMP mechanics.
In terms of routine preventative maintenance, avionic technicians inspect engines, pressurized cabins, pilot panel instruments, and landing gear. They also check various mechanical systems, such as brakes, pumps, cooling systems, etc., as well as automated monitoring systems, such as the plane’s “black box.” However, they rely on sophisticated diagnostic tools rather than mere visual inspection to detect any problems. For example, magnetic resonance equipment is used to locate cracks or distortion in the craft’s fuselage, as well as in the tail and wings. The same applies to the inspection of engines, which are actually removed from the plane and disassembled to be scanned by such devices.
Some avionics technician jobs are dedicated to making repairs, exclusively. Having received a report of a malfunction from an inspection technician or pilot, these technicians go to work to diagnose and fix the problem. Powerplant mechanics specialize in repairing engines, turbines, and other power-driving devices, as well as some limited work on aircraft propellers. Airframe mechanics tackle any section of the plane with the exception of the instruments and powerplants. Finally, AMP mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the plane but the instruments.
Another specialization found among avionics technician jobs is the installation, calibration, and repair of communication and navigation systems, including radio devices, radar, weather warning systems, and missile-guidance systems. As such, some of these types of avionics technician jobs require additional training and licensing. In addition, some technicians working in this classification focus on a single area of expertise, such as automated guidance systems.
It should be noted that some avionics technician jobs involve little or no maintenance and repair of existing systems and equipment. Instead, they may participate in the research and development of second-generation circuit systems, or specialize in beta testing new designs. With advanced education and training, these technicians may gain the status of electrical engineer. Finally, those with significant experience, particularly in terms of inspections, may go on to become flight engineers. In fact, with pilot licensing and substantial in-flight experience, these technicians sometimes land a job as an airline pilot.