Avionics Program Overview

PIA’s Aviation Electronics Technology (AET), also known as avionics, program goes beyond the scope of just identifying and replacing faulty equipment. Graduates of our avionics program have advanced component level troubleshooting skills that can save employers a significant amount of money.

Since 1980, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics has been one of the select schools in the nation that offers a training program specifically designed for the repair and maintenance of the complex avionics systems that are utilized within an aircraft and throughout the aviation industry.

Aviation electronics technicians identify and repair issues with communications systems, navigation equipment, display screens and more.

Aviation technicians are in high demand due to the industry shortage caused by current technicians reaching retirement age and less people pursuing careers in technical trade. Those positions need to be filled by well trained, safety focused aviation technicians.

Avionics technician training at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics provides you access to employment opportunities with a variety of duties and responsibilities. As an aviation technician, you will be part of a team of technicians who make aircraft safe for passengers and crew. Are you ready to find your purpose at PIA?

Avionics Program Outline

PROGRAM SUMMARY

General

General knowledge training for aviation electronics (avionics) technicians includes blueprint reading, electrical systems, practical electricity, electrical systems, and other general knowledge subjects.

PIA’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies, Aircraft Electronics Technician Certification (NCATT AET).

Avionics

Then aviation electronics technology curriculum includes coursework in amplifiers, microprocessors, communications transceivers, navigation systems, microwave systems, radar equipment, and more.

PIA’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies, Aircraft Electronics Technician Certification (NCATT AET).

The PIA Experience

HANDS-ON TRAINING

PIA’s training programs allow students to complete hands-on projects that mirror the work of aviation technicians in the industry.

Qualified Instructors

Skilled faculty members strive to present thorough and thoughtful instruction as they blend their practical experiences with new information and techniques.

CAREER FAIR & NETWORK

PIA’s Career Services Department takes a hands-on approach to helping you launch your career. You will meet one-on-one with your career services coordinator on a regular basis. This focused attention allows you to receive the best tools for your success, such as:

Job Opportunities
Career Fairs
On-Campus Recruiting
Career Decision Assistance
Resume Writing
Interview Skills

Learn more about career services here.

GRADUATE STORIES

Finding My Path
Hands-On Every Day
Learning from the Ground Up
My Passion Fulfilled
The Antidote for a Desk Job
Where I Belong

READ ALL OF THE GRAD STORIES

National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) Certification

The NCATT AET certification identifies the core knowledge of an Aircraft Electronics/Avionics technician that is common across the industry. This includes the military, air carrier, air cargo, repair stations, fixed-based operators, corporate flight departments, and manufacturers. The NCATT AET Certification demonstrates the knowledge base of an advanced aerospace technician and promotes integrity, safety, and professionalism in the aerospace workforce.

The National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT), along with their industry partners, developed the Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Standard and Certification to address the required skills within the Aircraft Electronics/Avionics career field.

Qualification for NCATT AET Exam including:

The ASTM NCATT AET certification examination is open to all individuals regardless of career field, training, education or experience.
Examinations are provided electronically.
Examinations are provided in English.

The NCATT is a requirement for PIA students in the AET Program effective January 1, 2023.

Effective January 1, 2022, the ASTM F46 Committee for Aerospace Personnel elected to impose a five (5) year certification period for all ASTM NCATT certifications.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

A General Radiotelephone Operator’s License (GROL) is required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC licensed radiotelephone transmitters in the aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. It conveys all of the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operators Permit (MP). It is a valuable addition for a future in aviation electronics.

The GROL is optional for PIA students in the AET Program to obtain in addition to the NCATT.

THE VALUE OF BOTH PROGRAMS

Aviation Maintenance Technician

Aviation Electronics Technician

For the past several decades, aviation employers have hired licensed avionics technicians to ensure the advanced electronics of the aircraft are deemed airworthy. They would additionally employ A&P certified technicians to maintain all other aspects of an aircraft. In an effort to increase efficiency, a majority of employers now actively seek out skilled technicians that are capable of doing both of these activities.

This is where PIA’s dual ticket option comes in!

PIA’s curriculum is designed to allow a graduate of one Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) Degree program (Pittsburgh Campus Only) to complete the other AST Degree program in an additional 8 – 12 months (duration depends on start date). You could graduate with aviation maintenance technician training and avionics technician training in less than 3 years. Graduates that have completed both programs are often the first considered for employment by most employers.

Contact PIA’s Admissions Department for details.

LEARN MORE ABOUT
OUR PROGRAMS

An admissions representative will contact you with more information about becoming an aviation technician.

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Hagerstown, MD

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Youngstown, OH

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