Becoming a Avionics Technician
 

Hey Folks,
Looking to become a avionics technician. I have my A&P and FCC license. trying to find info on becoming a Avionics tech. I've searched and cannot find anything out there. I'm looking to be able to build panels trouble shoot and work on avionics. from my understanding i should need to get certified. How do i do that. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Learn how make panels and troubleshoot, then go to a place that works on airplanes and say "I do avionics". In the maintenance world, you learn by doing. The military spits out more than enough aircraft electricians, they can get airline jobs and have A&Ps sign for their work.

I could be wrong, but I believe that it's more a function of certifying the actual repair station versus the individual. Check with the different avionics shops.

I appreciate the help. I am fully capable of being able to work on avionics and know electronics well. just wanted to find out if a certificate is needed like the A&P requires.

This A/C might be applicable to what you are looking for:
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/2039140ef0ef77ce862569dc00722411/$FILE/AC65-24.pdf

Google "sorcery."

The FAA has no avionics certification. The closest you'll find is the FCC's GROL, or General Radiotelephone Operators License, which is applicable to working on radar, transmitters, radio repair, etc. It's not specific to aviation, and applies equally to maritime equipment, and so forth. The GROL also enables you to supervise others performing that work.

The GROL will help, but experience is the key.

So learn to make breakout boxes, get your hands on everything electrical. Lights, batteries, even if it has nothing to do with avionics. Troubleshooting skills are far better than certifications.

That said, if you DO want to get a GROL, you can do it on your own. Yes, there is a LOT of reading involved.

The GROL has several "elements" or sections. You must test for each element. I will suggest studying for Element 1 (definitions) Element 3 (the big meat and potatoes section) and Element 8 Radar, which is optional, but a nice to have and a relatively easy test. (shipboard elements like 2 won't be necessary.

You can take the tests one at a time or all at once, your call.
Many shops don't know what a GROL is and many don't care.
It DOES show that you know the basics.

And again

Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ....

There’s only 3 things you can’t do with your A&P/ IA.
1) Work on instruments
2) Overhaul a propeller
3) Do the biennial transponder certification.

4) Earn a living wage!

The industry is moving towards recognizing the AET certification for avionics. A quick job search on Indeed.com will show that more and more employers are acknowledging the certification as the standard of knowledge.

https://www.astm.org/CERTIFICATION/D...T_Standard.pdf

It is NOT an FAA certification, so it is not needed legally, but will probably help your career if you so choose to pursue it. Couldn't hurt.