How to Become an Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET)

Aircraft electronics technicians keep the wiring, power systems, and avionics on an aircraft working safely. If you like electronics, troubleshooting, and aviation, this guide walks through how to become an aircraft electronics technician (AET): what the job involves, where technicians work, what pay and job outlook look like, and where the industry NCATT AET certification fits.

You will also see how ImmerseLearn's online Aircraft Electronics Technician program combines LMS coursework with VR practice, includes the NCATT AET certification exam, and supports graduates through Career Services. You can enroll in the Aircraft Electronics Technician program online.

What an aircraft electronics technician does

Aircraft electronics technicians, often called avionics technicians, repair and maintain the electronic systems on aircraft, including radio communications equipment and radar. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), avionics technicians commonly:

1. 1. Test electronic equipment using circuit testers, voltmeters, and other instruments
2. 2. Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and performance problems
3. 3. Repair or replace malfunctioning components
4. 4. Assemble components, such as electrical controls and junction boxes, and install software
5. 5. Install instrument panels using hand tools, power tools, and soldering irons
6. 6. Keep records of maintenance and repair work

Aircraft maintenance follows detailed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, so accuracy, documentation, and safety habits matter as much as technical skill. Employer job titles on this career path include Avionics Technician, Avionics Maintenance Technician, Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician, Avionics Test Technician, and Electronics Troubleshooting Technician. Titles and duties vary by employer.

Where aircraft electronics technicians work

BLS reports that avionics technicians held about 19,800 jobs in 2025. The largest employers were:

1. 1. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing (aircraft and component manufacturers, often called OEMs): 36%
2. 2. Support activities for air transportation, which includes repair stations (MROs) and fixed-base operators (FBOs): 29%
3. 3. Professional, scientific, and technical services: 9%
4. 4. Air transportation (passenger and cargo airlines): 8%
5. 5. Federal government: 6%

The work happens in hangars, repair stations, and on airfields, most often near major airports. Most technicians work full time, and shifts can include nights, weekends, and holidays. Expect engine noise, ladders or scaffolds, and strict safety standards on the job.

Avionics technician pay and job outlook

BLS reports a median annual wage of $82,280 for avionics technicians in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $113,680.

Employment of avionics technicians is projected to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Across the broader group of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians, BLS projects about 13,100 openings each year, many of them created as workers retire or move to other occupations.

Pay differs by industry. In May 2025, median wages for avionics technicians were $99,620 in air transportation and $90,720 in aerospace product and parts manufacturing. Actual pay and openings vary by location, employer, experience, and qualifications.

How to become an aircraft electronics technician: step by step

1) Choose the electronics side of aviation maintenance

Aircraft electronics work focuses on wiring, circuits, avionics systems, and troubleshooting. If that side of aviation interests you most, this path is a strong fit.

2) Build electrical and electronics fundamentals

Strong technicians understand DC and AC circuits, Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, multimeter use, passive components, analog and digital circuits, and logic gates. These basics come before aircraft-specific systems.

3) Get hands-on practice

Reading about a wire harness is not the same as inspecting one. Repetition with tools, connectors, and troubleshooting steps builds confidence. VR simulation lets you rehearse hangar procedures, multimeter operations, and wiring tasks as often as you need before you work around real aircraft. VR practice builds familiarity, but it does not replace supervised work on real aircraft or any FAA experience requirement.

4) Earn the NCATT AET certification

The Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification is part of the ASTM NCATT program, and SpaceTEC Partners administers its written exams. Key facts from SpaceTEC:

1. 1. The AET exam has 90 questions, and the passing score is 73%.
2. 2. ASTM NCATT certification exams are open to all individuals regardless of age, career field, training, education, or experience.
3. 3. ASTM NCATT certifications are valid for five years and then must be renewed.
4. 4. After you pass the AET, you can add endorsements such as Aircraft Electronics Installation (AEIT), Radio Communication Systems (RCS), Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS), Dependent Navigation Systems (DNS), and Onboard Communications and Safety Systems (OCS).

For exam format and study-guide sections, read our NCATT AET exam guide.

5) Check extra requirements for the jobs you want

BLS notes that avionics technicians may be certified by their employer for the specific aircraft work they perform, and that technicians who work on communications equipment may need a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Some technicians also have an FAA airframe rating to work on electronic and flight instrument systems. Review job postings in your area so you know which extra credentials matter.

6) Apply with career support

Target repair stations, airlines, aerospace manufacturers, FBOs, and government employers. Resume help, interview practice, and employer connections make the move from training to your first role easier.

The ImmerseLearn AET path (online + VR)

ImmerseLearn's Aircraft Electronics Technician program is 15 weeks, 100% online, and self-paced through the ImmerseLearn LMS. No prior aviation or electronics experience is required. Coursework covers five key modules:

1. 1. Aircraft familiarization, systems overview, aviation maintenance career pathways, and aircraft component identification
2. 2. DC and AC electrical fundamentals, Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, multimeter operations, and electrical safety
3. 3. Passive components (resistors, inductors, capacitors, transformers), fault isolation, and component fault conditions
4. 4. Analog circuits, power supplies, filters, rectifiers, oscillators, digital numbering systems, and logic gates
5. 5. Aviation safety, FOD prevention, ESD protection, corrosion control, aircraft wiring, avionics fundamentals, and structured troubleshooting and diagnostics

On the VR track, more than 25 VR simulations cover hangar walkthroughs, multimeter operations, circuit troubleshooting, wire harness inspection, connector assembly, battery inspection, cockpit avionics familiarization, and maintenance workflows. Interactive 3D learning helps you picture components and systems that are hard to understand from text and video alone.

The certification process runs in this order:

1. 1. Learn: complete Aircraft Electronics Technician coursework online through the LMS
2. 2. Practice: apply technical knowledge in VR simulation labs
3. 3. Complete your training: finish the required coursework, simulations, and assessments
4. 4. Pass the ImmerseLearn final exam: remotely proctored by MonitorEDU
5. 5. Sit for the NCATT AET exam: taken as part of your program, with no separate coordination
6. 6. Get career ready: work with Career Services as you pursue aviation and aerospace roles

Enrollment package

When you enroll in ImmerseLearn's Aircraft Electronics Technician VR Program, your package includes:

1. 1. Complete online AET curriculum in the ImmerseLearn LMS
2. 2. VR headset shipped at enrollment, plus 25+ immersive aviation VR SIM Labs
3. 3. Interactive 3D learning for components and systems
4. 4. Assessments and knowledge checks throughout the program
5. 5. The NCATT AET certification exam, with no separate registration needed
6. 6. Weekly one-on-one sessions with a student support executive, plus 24/7 technical support

There is also a Non-VR / web-based program with LMS access and no headset. See Program cost below for both prices.

Career services and job placement after you graduate

Career services and job placement support are a core part of ImmerseLearn training. After you complete the program, the Career Services team helps you move from training and certification into aviation electronics, avionics, aviation maintenance, and aerospace roles.

Support includes:

1. 1. Resume development and review tailored to aviation electronics and avionics maintenance roles
2. 2. Interview practice and career coaching, including mock interviews and job-readiness guidance
3. 3. Job placement support and employer connections through ImmerseLearn's aviation and aerospace employer network

Job placement support helps your search. It is not a guaranteed job offer. Ask about Career Services when you enroll so expectations are clear from day one.

Program cost (VR and Non-VR)

ImmerseLearn offers two enrollment options:

1. 1. VR Program (headset shipped at enrollment): $3,800
2. 2. Non-VR / web-based program (no headset, LMS only): $2,000

Payment plans are available. See the Aircraft Electronics Technician program page for plan details.

Certificate of completion vs NCATT AET vs FAA and FCC credentials

Keep these four ideas separate:

1. 1. ImmerseLearn program completion: finishing coursework, VR labs, assessments, and the MonitorEDU-proctored final. A certificate of completion is not a license.
2. 2. NCATT AET certification: an industry certification you earn by passing the ASTM NCATT AET exam. The exam is included in the ImmerseLearn program.
3. 3. FAA A&P mechanic certificate: a separate FAA credential with its own experience or FAA-approved school requirements. ImmerseLearn is not a Part 147 school, and this program does not award an A&P certificate.
4. 4. FCC license: some avionics roles that involve communications equipment may require an FCC license. The program does not include one.

Who this path fits

ImmerseLearn's online AET path is a practical fit if you:

1. 1. Enjoy electronics, wiring, and troubleshooting
2. 2. Want an aviation career focused on avionics and aircraft electrical systems
3. 3. Are starting without prior aviation or electronics experience
4. 4. Want a flexible online path with VR practice, or a Non-VR web-based option
5. 5. Value Career Services and job placement support after training

FAQs

Aircraft electronics technicians, also called avionics technicians, test, repair, and maintain the electronic systems on aircraft, such as radio communications equipment and radar. They use circuit testers and voltmeters, replace faulty components, install instrument panels, and keep maintenance records.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for avionics technicians was $82,280 in May 2025. Pay varies by location, employer, industry, and experience.

Yes. After you complete coursework, VR labs, assessments, and the ImmerseLearn final exam proctored by MonitorEDU, you sit for the NCATT AET certification exam as part of the program. You earn the AET credential by passing that exam.

No. NCATT AET is an industry certification for aircraft electronics knowledge. The FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate is a separate mechanic certificate, and an FCC license is a separate federal license that some communications work requires. ImmerseLearn is not an FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school.

The VR Program is $3,800 and the Non-VR / web-based program is $2,000. Payment plans are available.

Yes. Career Services includes resume development, interview practice and career coaching, and job placement support with employer connections in aviation and aerospace. That is support for your search, not a guaranteed job.

Next step

If an avionics career fits your goals, compare the VR and Non-VR options, then talk with enrollment before you commit.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
• SpaceTEC Partners: ASTM NCATT Certification Information