Avionics Training Puts the 'High' in Hi-tech
From commuter aircrafts to military missions, avionics professionals turn heavy metal into flying computers. Here's what the training can do for your career.
by Kelly Richardson
Trade School Columnist
Avionics is a field on the move. Military spending is steady, regional jet markets remain strong, and corporate jet manufacturers are experiencing radical growth. There has never been a better time to get advanced avionics training.
Despite the dramatic drop in air travel during the post-911 era, the industry as a whole has returned with a vengeance. According to Avionics Magazine, aerospace employment in North America is on the rise, with 11,100 new jobs added in the industry during the first six months of 2005.
Popular Fields in Avionics
As you might expect, the interest in avionics training is also peaking. A combination of technology and purpose give professionals in this field a lust for experience.
- Aircraft. Avionics training for commercial commuter vehicles includes preparation in communications, navigation, displays, and flight-control systems.
- Tactical. On the military front, SONAR, RADAR, and electro-optics are vital to mission completion. The latest war planes rely solely on a combination of camera visuals and avionic readouts.
- Response. Air ambulances and flying headquarters are becoming a major market. The ability for response personnel to assess circumstances and react accordingly depends heavily upon solid avionics.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that employment in the avionics industry will be most favorable among small commuter and regional airlines, FAA repair stations, and in general aviation.
Aviation Career Profile
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians held about 142,000 jobs in 2004. Employment is expected to increase about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014, as new opportunities open and career avionics professionals retire.
Avionics training represents the industry-leading technologies and focused instruction that can help you start a rewarding career.
About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
Source(s)
AMT Online - (PDF)
Aviation Today
US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Aviation
