You will be responsible for maintaining all automatic flight control systems, navigation systems, and other systems on both land and ship-based fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

The Avionics Systems Technicians (AVS TECHs) are aircraft electronic technicians. They are responsible for maintaining all automatic flight control systems, navigation systems, compass systems, airborne communication systems, power generation, power distribution, lighting systems, monitoring and warning circuits, and radar systems on both land and ship-based fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. As part of the aircraft maintenance team, the AVS TECH is responsible for first line servicing operations in launching and recovering all types of aircraft.

• Carry out performance tests, preventive/ corrective maintenance, and calibration of aircraft communication, intercom, search radar, fire control radar, acoustic sensing, infra-red radar, electronic warfare, navigation, compass, and flight control systems and their associated components
• Set up and operate test equipment to maintain the above systems
• Operate and maintain computer-controlled automatic test stations
• Serve as an instructor in field technical training units, training squadrons or basic training units
• Prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data
• Operate aircraft support equipment
• Perform first line servicing tasks such as marshalling, parking, towing, starting, refueling, cleaning and de-icing

Personnel considering employment in this military occupation should enjoy the challenge of electronics, be interested in working with electronic equipment, machines and tools, and be able to quickly master new procedures and routines. AVS TECHs require physical strength and manual dexterity as well as the ability to perform detailed work based on a regular routine. They must be reliable, responsible and self-motivated, and enjoy working as a member of a closely knit team. A sense of responsibility, dependability and initiative are also necessary attributes.

Opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training are good for qualified personnel. As a member of a ship’s crew or peacekeeping force, the Avionics Systems Technician could be called upon to serve anywhere in the world.

Upon completion of basic occupational training and a period of on-the-job training at their first unit, personnel will receive training on the aircraft and equipment applicable to their unit. This training will be provided at one of the field technical training units or training squadrons located across Canada. On each subsequent posting, they will receive the appropriate training.

Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will undertake advanced occupational training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available to personnel who request and are selected for a particular type of employment. Below are examples of training related to this military occupation.

Advanced Training Courses

• Technical Administration
• Leadership and Management Courses

Specialty Training Courses

• Non-Destructive Testing
• Life Cycle Material Management
• Instructional Techniques
• Technical Writing
• Calibration Technician
• Printed Circuit Board Design and Engineering Software
• Quality Assurance
• Computerized Fault Diagnosis and Analysis
• ADP Programming and Analysis
• Microminiature Assembly Repair
• High Reliability Soldering
• Aircom Software Support Management
• Aircraft Specific Type Courses
• Aircraft Battery Maintenance

AVS TECHs normally work in enclosed, well-lit and heated hangars or environmentally controlled laboratories but may also work outdoors in all weather conditions. Their duties include employment on airbase flightlines, on ship flight decks and with operational ground support combat groups operating aircraft from makeshift landing fields. Personnel are subject to noise and may have to work under hazardous conditions. When employed with land or sea forces, they are subject to the same living conditions as the soldiers and sailors. In geographic terms, employment can vary from Canadian Forces bases and wings within Canada, including the Arctic, to overseas locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments.

Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Avionics Systems Technicians’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.