Do I need an FAA Certificate to work in Aviation MX

This weejks video was about a question I had from a viewer.

I was writing to find out some more on the FAA AET certification. Am I correct in the fact it is entry level and no prior aviation experience is required? I know a little about basic electricity as I've worked in building maintenance and currently work for a supply house, but I'd like to switch careers back to something more hands-on. Any information is appreciated. Thanks!

Thank you for your question.

First I need to point out that the FAA does not endorse or otherwise accept the NCATT certifications as qualifications to perform maintenance.

The FAA only recognizes the NCATT AET and one add-on rating for eligibility to obtain a Repairman certificate when working for an airline or repair station. Otherwise, it provides good proof of formal training when interviewing for and job as an Avionics technician. I have some videos on YouTube that explain the NCATT and the FCC.

There are three basic subject areas an avionics technician needs to know.

• Basic electrical concepts. – Basically, the NCATT AET subject or the FAA A&P General test subjects
• Knowledge of electrical wires and interconnects – These subjects cover electrical connectors, the types of aircraft wire, and how to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Avionic Systems - This means you need to have a good working knowledge of the purpose of and operation of aircraft avionics Systems. For example, I am creating an online course called the basics of radio communication that you will need to know before going onto the radio-based aircraft systems. Aircraft radio-based systems include; the distance measuring system, aircraft transponder system, and VFH communications.

While teaching a year-long avionics technician program, I created over 650 hours of course material, including lectures, labs, and tests. Today I am working hard to convert those courses into an online school, but it takes lots of time, and I have needed to prioritize which courses to do first. Most of the courses in my online school have been those requested by customers.

I created 8 textbooks I sell on my website for the avionics program. You can find them on Amazon, but I get very little income when sold on amazon, so I encourage people to go to my website at www.avionicseducation.com and purchase books there. And you can always ask me questions about the books.

It seems like a lot, but everyone who applies themselves will have a great opportunity to get into aviation maintenance. You do not need and A&P certificate when you work as an Avionics technician at an airline or a repair station. You will be able to obtain a repairman certificate from the FAA that will allow you to return your avionics work to service while employed.

Thanks

Bruce Bessette

Some links

Avionics Textbooks.
http://www.avionicseducation.com/Avionics-Textbooks.html
Online Training;
https://avionics-education.thinkific.com/
YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBr_L2WugK4xLtAzRJIcjJA