Aviation Electronics Technology Programs
Since 1980, PIA has been one of the select schools in the nation that offers a program specifically designed for the repair and maintenance of the complex avionics systems that are utilized within an aircraft and throughout the aviation industry. Our Aviation Electronics Technology 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.
What Do Aviation Electronics Technicians Do?
Aviation electronics, otherwise known as avionics, are the brains of aircraft. Aviation electronics technicians are masters of identifying and repairing issues with communications systems, navigation equipment, display screens and more. Our AET program helps students acquire the FCC General Radiotelephone Operator’s License (GROL), with coursework covering:
- Amplifiers
- Microprocessors
- Communications Transceivers
- Navigation Systems
- Microwave Systems
- Radar Equipment
- And more
AET students test, inspect and repair avionics systems. They leave PIA with a vast catalogue of electronics knowledge and the know how to identify practically any malfunction.
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AET Program Location and Details
AST Degree
Details:
Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
Length: 21 Months (7 – Three Month Terms)
Total Hours: 2,478
Course Outline:
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EN101 English Composition | 3.0 |
| GS111 Blueprint Reading | 1.0 |
| GS113 Safety & the Environment | 1.0 |
| HI104 World History – Aviation | 3.0 |
| MA102 Foundations of Mathematics | 4.0 |
| PH117 Basic Physics | 4.0 |
| PH119 Introduction to Electricity | 1.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EL125 Practical Electricity | 3.0 |
| EL126 Electrical Systems | 3.0 |
| GS127 Using Reference Materials | 2.0 |
| MA106 Mathematics for Technology | 3.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EL135 Introduction to Electronics | 3.0 |
| EN105 Technical Writing | 3.0 |
| GS136 Introduction to Instruments & Controls | 2.0 |
| GS137 Advanced Instruments & Controls | 3.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EL243 Diodes, Transistors, and Semiconductors | 3.0 |
| EL244 Applications of Amplifiers and Power Supplies | 4.0 |
| EL247 Electronic Techniques and Practices | 3.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EL252 Basic Digital Techniques | 2.0 |
| EL254 Advanced Digital Techniques | 4.0 |
| EL257 Introduction to Microprocessors | 2.0 |
| EL258 Digital Applications for Electronics | 2.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EL261 Advanced Radio Theory | 2.0 |
| EL262 Communications Transceivers | 3.0 |
| EL263 Navigation Systems | 3.0 |
| EL264 Individualized Audio & Entertainment Systems | 1.0 |
| EN208 Professional Communication | 1.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EL372 Avionics Shop Practices | 1.0 |
| EL374 Microwave Systems | 4.0 |
| EL376 Radar Surveillance and Weather Avoidance | 2.0 |
| EL378 Automatic Flight Control Systems | 3.0 |
Campus Location(s):
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 indispensable for a future in aviation electronics.
The qualifications for a General Radiotelephone Operator’s License includes the following:
- Be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
- Be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
- Pass a written and/or telegraphy examination.
PIA’s avionics program prepares students for the following required elements:
- Element 1 – Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar.
- Element 3 – General Radiotelephone. Electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: operating procedures, radio wave propagation, radio practice, electrical principles, circuit components, practical circuits, signals and emissions, and antennas and feed lines.
After successfully completing the elements above, student can elect to test for their Ship Radar Endorsement as well.
- Element 8 – Ship Radar Techniques. Specialized theory and practice applicable to the proper installation, servicing, and maintenance of ship radar equipment in general use for marine navigation purposes.
Dual Program Option
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 program option comes in!
PIA’s curriculum is designed for a graduate of one AST Degree program to be able to complete the second AST Degree program in an additional 12 months. Graduates that have completed both programs are often the first considered for employment by most employers.
Contact PIA’s Admissions Department for details.