Education · 1 of 4
The path
One to two years of electronics training, then certificates you collect on the job.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Physics, math and any electronics or computer course. Learn to solder properly; it is a real interview question.
- 2
Avionics or electronics program
1 to 2 years
A 1 to 2 year community college program or an aviation technical school course in avionics or aircraft electronics.
- 3
First job in a shop
Straight after
Repair stations, airlines and manufacturers hire graduates and train them on their own equipment. Registered apprenticeships in avionics are listed on the government apprenticeship site.
- 4
Collect the certificates
1 to 3 years in
The Federal Communications Commission General Radiotelephone Operator License covers work on aircraft radio transmitters. The Aircraft Electronics Association runs a Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician credential.
- 5
Sign-off authority
2 to 5 years
A Federal Aviation Administration repairman certificate is issued through your employer and lets you approve work. Some technicians also earn the Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate to widen what they can sign for.