Avionics Technician
Avionics technicians install, inspect, troubleshoot, and repair the electronic systems of aircraft and unmanned systems — navigation, communication, radar, autopilot, wiring, and sensors. It is a high-demand technician career that bridges electronics and aviation.
Issued / Governed By
FAA (via A&P and/or FCC/NCATT-style certifications) — no single mandatory federal avionics license
Time to Earn
18-24 months via a technical program; faster with prior electronics or military avionics experience
Estimated Cost
$5,000-$40,000 depending on program (technical college, Part 147 school, or military-trained)
Who needs this credential?
Avionics installation and repair technicians, aircraft electricians, UAS avionics technicians, and bench/shop technicians working on communication, navigation, and control electronics for crewed and unmanned aircraft.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old and able to read, write, and understand English
- Strong electronics fundamentals (AC/DC, soldering, schematic reading, test equipment)
- An FAA A&P certificate and/or an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) strengthens employability but is not universally required
How to get certified
- 1
Master electronics fundamentals
Build a solid base in analog/digital electronics, wiring, soldering (including IPC standards), schematic and wiring-diagram reading, and use of test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators).
- 2
Complete avionics or aviation-electronics training
Enroll in a technical college avionics program, an FAA Part 147 AMTS with an avionics track, or leverage military avionics training. Veterans with electronics/avionics MOSs have a direct on-ramp.
- 3
Earn supporting certifications
An FCC GROL is commonly sought for working on transmitting equipment; an FAA A&P broadens what you can sign off. Manufacturer/type training (Garmin, Collins, Honeywell, and UAS platform vendors) adds real value.
- 4
Specialize — including into UAS avionics
The same skills transfer directly to unmanned systems: flight controllers, datalinks, GPS/IMU, and payload electronics. UAS avionics is a fast-growing niche within the UAV/UAS/RPA sector.
What avionics technicians actually do
Avionics technicians keep the electronic 'nervous system' of an aircraft working:
- Install and wire communication, navigation, radar, and autopilot systems
- Troubleshoot electrical and electronic faults using schematics and test equipment
- Perform inspections, functional checks, and return-to-service documentation
- Repair or replace line-replaceable units (LRUs), harnesses, and sensors
- Increasingly, service UAS avionics: flight controllers, datalinks, and payload electronics
Certifications & credentials
Unlike the A&P, there is no single mandatory federal 'avionics license.' Employers assemble expectations from several credentials: an FAA A&P (broad sign-off authority), an FCC GROL (for transmitting equipment), NCATT/AET-style avionics certifications, and manufacturer type training. The right mix depends on whether you work on crewed aircraft, UAS, or both.
A strong path for veterans and electronics techs
Military avionics, electronics, and radar technicians transfer into civilian avionics roles with minimal retraining, and civilian electronics technicians can cross over with aviation-specific training. It is one of the most accessible high-skill technician careers in aerospace — and a natural bridge into UAS avionics.
Related career roles
Always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before you begin.
FAA — Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification