Avionics Technicians
Career Snapshot
Avionics technicians keep planes flying. They repair and maintain aircraft navigation, radio communications, flight control, weather radar systems, and engine operation components. They also work on the computerised instruments that power the plane. They may be required to examine and develop solutions to difficult electronic problems.
It's simple to see why this is one of the highest-paying technical jobs. The work is both complex and critical. It can be learned at a federal aviation administration-approved trade school. To get a certificate, you must pass a written and oral competency test. Avionics technicians may work for airlines, manufacturers, or repair shops.
Every shift includes dealing with noise, vibration, and heavy equipment. Often, the maintenance is done on a tight schedule in order to get an aircraft back in the air in a couple of hours. But, in our line of work, safety must always come first.