AEROSPACE (PAVIONICS) TECHNICIAN
Education And Training
Avionics technicians usually complete a two-year program in avionics, engineering, or aerospace technology at an institution certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Courses in physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful. Many employers offer on-the-job training, and apprenticeships are available. Training by way of the armed forces is also valuable. FAA certification is required for technicians who work at airports and similar installations. Passing a test after at least eighteen months of work experience or completion of a technical program will result in certification. All technicians who work with radios must get a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license.
Avionics Alphabet Soup
From National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to Global Positioning System (GPS), aeronautics technology sprouts initials. Here are some avionics acronyms:
- EICAS Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System. This displays the status of the engine and other features of the aircraft that are important to its safety.
- FADEC Full-Authority Digital Engine Control. This controls the fuel for the throttle and the autopilot.
- HUGS Head Up Guidance System. This laser-reflective clear glass plate displays information about the aircraft. It is designed so the pilot can look directly out the window while reading the screen.
- ILS Instrument Landing System. This aligns the aircraft with the runway on the final approach before landing.
- IRS Inertial Reference System. A laser gyroscope that gives the pilot information on the plane's altitude and acceleration.
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