Avionics Engineering Technology

Graduate Information

NAIT Certification

• Diploma in Avionics Engineering Technology, or
• Diploma in Avionics Engineering Technology - Co-op Stream

Pre/Post Graduation Affiliation

Students are eligible for:

• student membership in the Western Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association
• associate membership with the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council
• free student membership in the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists
• student membership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Graduates are eligible for:

• apprentice membership with the WAMEA, and full membership after obtaining their AME licence
• the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) designation from ASET after two years of suitable work experience in the avionics industry, and upon further qualifications, the Registered Engineering Technologist (RET) designation

Maintenance personnel wishing to obtain their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer “E” (Avionics) licence from Transport Canada are required to complete specific training, and graduates of the Avionics Engineering Technology program achieving academic and attendance requirements are recognized as meeting this training standard. With this accreditation, graduates are also eligible to receive experience credit toward the time required in the field for licence eligibility. Graduates working in the field may also apply for CAMC trade certification once they have completed experience and task requirements.

Attributes of Successful Graduates

Successful graduates are able to:

• recognize the importance of quality standards
• work in compliance to regulatory standards
• communicate effectively through oral or written means to convey scientific and technical information
• work in self-directed or team environments
• appreciate the value of recurrent training
• proficiently use test equipment and tools
• visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings
• troubleshoot potential technical problems
• develop solutions to complex problems
• distinguish the different colours of component parts

Successful avionics technologists enjoy analyzing data to solve problems, working with tools and equipment, and completing tasks that require precision, clear rules and organized methods to guide activities.

Apprenticeship Information

Avionics Engineering Technology courses are not equivalent to apprenticeship courses at this time.

Click here for apprenticeship information.

Further Career Enhancement Courses

Graduates may enhance their education by enrolling in the Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management.

NAIT | Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management

Advanced Credit Possibilities

Graduates wishing to further their studies may be granted advanced credit at Canadian and American universities.

Additional Post Certification Diploma Courses

The Western Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association occasionally holds update training sessions for members (see Pre-/Post-graduate Affiliation information for membership details).

Transport Canada also holds occasional training sessions for industry members.

Industry Support

A program advisory committee composed of industry members meets on a yearly basis to discuss industry trends affecting necessary technical education and the skills and knowledge successful graduates should possess. As well, the program advisory committee advises NAIT of the number of graduates required by the industry.

The following is a partial list of major activities a graduate of the Avionics Engineering Technology program can undertake:

Major Skill	Detail
Circuit fundamentals	Interpret schematic diagrams and standard electronic terminology. Construct, analyze and troubleshoot passive DC and AC circuits. Analyze and measure circuit characteristics such as input impedance, output impedance, frequency response, voltage and power gain for active and passive configurations. Explain and troubleshoot operational amplifier circuits, differential amplifiers, oscillators, power supplies and power amplifiers. Analyze and troubleshoot combinational and sequential logic circuits. Operate test equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal and pulse generators, frequency counters and distortion meters. Use and interpret catalogue and data book specifications to identify exact or substitute replacement components.
Fabrication	Interpret schematic diagrams for proper printed circuit-board layout and artwork. Prepare and etch PC boards and install components. Properly use hand and power tools in the fabrication of PC boards and sheet metal assemblies. Construct operational prototype circuits. Practise correct soldering, desoldering and circuit board repair procedures. Interpret manufacturers' data and schematics to plan the installation of avionics systems in an aircraft. Fabricate and install wiring harnesses and assemblies required for avionics equipment. Complete approved modifications of avionics equipment. Use computer-aided drafting tools to generate installation drawings and circuit schematics. Use project management techniques to plan a project.
Communication and navigation systems	Operate avionics navigation and communications test equipment in the performance of shop repair and on-board systems checks. Operate test equipment including communication monitors, spectrum analyzers, RF power meters, time domain reflectometers, VSWR meters and sweep generators. Complete performance and alignment checks on common communications systems, such as VHF AM and FM, HF SSB and audio distribution systems. Use proper test equipment to align AM and FM transceivers. Complete performance and alignment checks on common navigation systems, such as ADF, VOR, ILS, MLS, DME, ATC Transponder, Radio Alt. and RADAR. Locate and replace defective components using logical troubleshooting techniques. Interpret schematic diagrams and service manuals for troubleshooting, alignment and repair of avionics systems. Interpret antenna systems specifications and radiating properties. Interpret and apply Transport Canada standards in the maintenance and repair of avionics equipment.

Note: Avionics Engineering Technology is an intensive program that emphasizes broad-based training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of aviation electronics. So students develop a broad base of electronic knowledge, the Semester 1 of the program is common with the NAIT Electronics Engineering Technology program. Year 2 courses focus on developing avionics-specific skills.