Careers in Aviation Maintenance Technology and Aviation Electronics Technology

You don't have to be a pilot to have a rewarding career in aviation. Two excellent career specialties are Aviation Maintenance Technology and Aviation Electronics Technology. For every commercial pilot there are approximately four certified maintenance technicians. These technicians are the highly trained specialists who keep the airplanes flying safely. For every hour of flight, a commercial aircraft requires about four hours of maintenance. Aviation Maintenance Technicians are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform scheduled maintenance and trouble-shooting on everything that flies including small private planes, corporate jets, helicopters, airships, jetliners, and space vehicles.

Aviation Maintenance Technicians work on the body of the aircraft, which is known as the airframe (A), and the engines, which are referred to as the powerplants (P). The technician who is qualified in both areas is certified as an A&P. Aviation Electronics Technicians, also known as Avionics Technicians, work on the sophisticated electronic systems and controls aboard modern aircraft. The on-board systems include navigational and communications equipment. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses Aviation Electronics Technicians.

You may gain entry to the aviation maintenance career field by attending an FAA approved school. The programs range in length from 18 to 24 months. Most employers prefer to hire students from those programs that offer an associate degree. Those students who are specializing in Aviation Maintenance Technology will sit for the FAA A&P examination upon completion of their program. Those students who are specializing in Aviation Electronics Technology will often obtain the FCC license as a part of their program.

There is a worldwide shortage of aviation maintenance technicians. Most newly certified technicians are able to choose among many job offers. Starting salaries and benefits are considerably better than average for graduates with associate degrees.

Aviation Maintenance Technicians enjoy the benefit of being a part of one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries. The largest employer of technicians is commercial aviation. The major airlines offer superior employee benefits (such as family travel) for nominal fees. Advancement into management positions can be rapid. As a matter of fact, many commercial pilots and aviation executives began their careers in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

Editorial provided by Robert F. Leonard, Director of Admissions at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.