Aircraft Electrician: Career Guide

What Does an Aircraft Electrician do?

Aircraft electricians maintain and repair electrical systems on aircraft, ensuring proper function and safety. They troubleshoot electrical issues, perform maintenance, and work with complex wiring systems.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Aircraft Electricians in the Aviation field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

System Maintenance

• Performs routine maintenance on aircraft electrical systems
• Ensures all systems meet operational standards

Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

• Diagnoses and repairs electrical issues
• Utilizes testing equipment to locate faults

Compliance & Safety

• Ensures work meets aviation safety regulations
• Documents all maintenance activities accurately

How to Become an Aircraft Electrician

Launching a career as an Aircraft Electrician requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Aircraft Electrician certification or equivalent training
• Experience in electrical maintenance for aircraft
• Knowledge of aviation safety regulations

Requirements & Skills

• A valid certification or license as an aircraft electrician.
• At least 2 years of experience in aircraft electrical systems maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict safety protocols.
• Physical fitness and manual dexterity for handling equipment and working in confined spaces.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in performing electrical installations and repairs.
• Willingness to undergo background checks and security clearances as required.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technology and industry standards.
• Strong commitment to maintaining high-quality work standards.

Aircraft Electrician Salary Guide

Wondering what Aircraft Electricians earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for an Aircraft Electrician in the U.S. is approximately $74,300 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Aircraft Electricians may receive a wide range of benefits.

Aircraft Electrician Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$92,875
Senior	11+ years	$81,730
Experienced	6-10 years	$74,300
Mid Level	3-5 years	$66,870
Entry Level	0-2 years	$55,725

How to Advance Your Career

Aircraft Electricians typically begin their careers with specialized training, often through vocational schools, technical training programs, or military training in avionics and electrical systems. Starting in entry-level positions, they work under supervision to gain hands-on experience in aircraft electrical systems maintenance and repair.

With experience and further certification, such as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, Aircraft Electricians can advance to lead technician roles, overseeing maintenance projects and guiding less experienced technicians. Continued professional development and specialization in complex aircraft systems can lead to higher roles such as Avionics Supervisor or Maintenance Manager.

For those interested in further advancement, additional qualifications can lead to positions like Avionics Manager or even roles in aerospace engineering teams. Continuous education and keeping up-to-date with the latest technology in aviation electronics are crucial for advancing in this field.

Typical Work Environment

Aircraft Electricians work in hangars, repair stations, or airfields associated with airports. Their environment is highly technical, requiring precise and careful adherence to safety regulations and standards. The job involves a significant amount of standing, bending, and working in uncomfortable positions to access compact areas of aircraft.

The work is both indoor and outdoor, exposing electricians to varying weather conditions. Aircraft Electricians often work in noisy environments and need to use protective gear to safeguard against potential hazards like electrical shocks and loud noise from aircraft engines.

Work hours can be irregular, with night shifts, weekends, and overtime common to meet flight schedules and maintenance deadlines. Some aircraft electricians may also be on call to address emergent repairs or during flight testing. The role requires both physical stamina and mental acuity to maintain high levels of safety and efficiency.