Avionics Systems Technician

Overview

As a member of the military, Avionics Systems Technicians are responsible for maintaining all electronic systems onboard Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) aircraft. As part of the aircraft maintenance team, the Avionics Systems Technician is responsible for first line servicing operations in launching and recovering all types of aircraft.

The primary responsibilities of Avionics Systems Technicians are to:

• Carry out performance tests, preventive/ corrective maintenance, and calibration of the following systems and their associated components:
• Aircraft communication
• Intercom
• Search radar
• Fire control radar
• Acoustic sensing
• Infra-red radar
• Electronic warfare
• Navigation
• Compass
• Flight control systems
• Automatic flight control systems
• Electrical wiring interconnection system
• Set up and operate test equipment to maintain the above systems
• Operate and maintain computer-controlled automatic test stations
• Serve as an instructor in field technical training units, training squadrons or basic training units
• Prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data
• Operate aircraft support equipment
• Perform first line servicing tasks such as marshalling, parking, towing, starting, refueling, cleaning and de-icing

Work environment

Avionics Systems Technicians are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangers, in airborne aircraft, lab environments and on the flight line. In the course of their career, Avionics Systems Technicians will be required to work shifts and periods of overtime. In geographic terms, employment can vary from CAF bases and wings within Canada, including the Arctic, to overseas locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec including Gr 10 Applied Math or Math 416 / CST 4.

The ideal candidate will already have a college diploma or Red Seal for a related civilian occupation, the CAF will assess your training and experience and optimize your progression following basic training.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Non-commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP).

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive a full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Avionics Systems Technicians attend Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario where they complete Common Core which includes common mechanical and aircraft servicing training over 8 weeks. After some time at a Squadron they will return to CFSATE and take their occupational training over 32 weeks and includes:

• Solid-state devices
• Digital logic
• Aircraft wiring
• Magnetron, Klystron, Travelling Wave Tubes and Microwave theory
• Computer techniques and architecture
• Inspection and repair of Avionics (AVS) and combined Avionic (AVS)/Aviation (AVN) multi-purpose display systems
• Pitot static systems
• Flight instruments
• Compass
• Aircraft flight recorder and locator
• Air data computer
• Automatic flight control
• Electronic warfare systems
• Navigation systems
• Radar systems
• Communication systems
• Aircraft data processing

Applicants who enrol under the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) will have the opportunity to complete a portion, or all of their Basic Occupational Qualification Training at an approved Canadian college, university, other post-secondary establishment.

Avionics Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Instructional techniques
• Calibration technician
• Computerized fault diagnosis and analysis
• High reliability soldering
• Aircraft specific type courses
• Advance aircraft maintenance course
• Instructional Technique
• Life Cycle Materiel Management
• Aircraft Fluid Handling
• Corrosion Identification and Control
• Technical Writing
• Technical Inspection and Quality Assurance
• Flight Safety Investigators Course

As they progress in their career, Avionics Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Technical administration
• Leadership and management courses

Part time options

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at an Air Force Wing in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Avionics Systems Technicians serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force. When employed on a part-time or casual full-time basis, they usually serve at Forces bases and tactical units at locations within Canada.

Find a Recruiting Centre

Reserve Force members usually begin training with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic military training, occupational training for the Avionics Systems Technician takes 32 weeks and is conducted at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario.

Air Reserve members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same unit and perform the same job. Air Reserve members usually serve up to 12 days per month in a regular work day, with opportunities to serve full-time for short durations as needed. Reserve Force members are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

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