Description
Avionics Electrical Technicians (AET) inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair avionics systems that perform communications, navigation, collision avoidance, target acquisition, and automatic flight-control functions, service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair aircraft batteries, AC and DC power generation, conversion and distribution systems, as well as the electrical control and indication functions of all airframe systems, including hydraulics, flight control, landing gear, fuel, environmental control, power plant, drive train, anti-ice, and fire detection. In addition, AETs perform ground handling and servicing of aircraft and conduct routine aircraft inspections and aviation administrative duties. They will also fill aircrew positions such as navigator, flight mechanic, radio operator, sensor systems operator, and basic aircrewman.
Core Skills
- avionics systems maintenance and repair
- aircraft communications and navigation systems support
- radar and sensor systems troubleshooting
- flight control and autopilot systems maintenance
- electrical power generation and distribution troubleshooting
- battery maintenance and power systems diagnostics
- wiring, connectors, and harness repair
- use of electronic test equipment
- fault isolation and root cause analysis
- technical manuals and schematics interpretation
- maintenance documentation and configuration control
- quality assurance and safety compliance
- IT and networked avionics systems familiarity
- team collaboration in high-tempo environments
- technical training and mentoring
Common Certifications
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
- NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Certification
- NCATT Radio Communication Systems (RCS) Endorsement
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry (Aviation Safety)
Civilian Career Paths
- AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE
- ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
- MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Defense contractor jobs for AET
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Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Coast Guard publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.