Avionics News - September 2023 - 59

more theory than practice. And when it comes to avionics
installations and systems integration, like playing golf,
there's a wide gap between " knowing " how to hit a
knock-down draw and actually being able to pull it off.
" The basics are still the same, but avionics technologies
have progressed quickly over the past few years, and
some gaps have been identified in that initial curriculum, "
added Nick Brown, the AEA's director of workforce
development. " Today's installations are getting more
complex, so shops need technicians who have developed
more hands-on skills. "
I is for installation
The rapidly changing
world of avionics
installation is why
ASTM's Committee F46
on Aerospace Personnel
created the new Aircraft
Electronics Installation
Technician standards as the
latest endorsement to the
AET certification.
" The new AEIT
standard stemmed from
the industry's need to
harmonize the knowledge,
skills and abilities of
technicians performing
avionics modifications
and upgrades in primarily
Part 145 repair stations, "
Tramper explained. " The
standard was used by
CertTEC, a subsidiary of
SpaceTEC Partners Inc., to
create an exam that is now available as an endorsement
for aircraft electronics technicians. "
" AEIT picks up where the original AET left off, "
Brown said. " It's focused on the skills an installer needs
such as hands-on things like wiring, wire termination,
wire routing, understanding installation instructions and
documentation, and the various regulations required
for a proper installation. These are the skills avionics
technicians need to have in today's world. Like any
advanced degree, the AEIT endorsement is the industry's
way of showing that the technician has demonstrated all
of these capabilities. "
The AEIT endorsement isn't required ... yet
Granted, it's still early in the AEIT's history, but it's
already gaining considerable momentum among avionics
shops and manufacturers.
" Avionics technicians who have earned the AEIT
endorsement have proven they possess the knowledge,
skills and abilities they need and are receiving recognition
for their achievements, " Tramper said. " AEA member
shops benefit as well. Shop managers can easily assess
job candidates simply by knowing the applicant has the
skills they need.
Photo by Jeff Kirchhoff, AEA
" Right now, I require the AET certification and will soon
require our technicians to have the AEIT endorsement. I
have the flexibility to hire noncertified technicians, but I
stipulate as part of their employment agreement that they
earn their certification within 12 months. "
Tramper went on to say that the company provides these
noncertified new hires with the tools they need to succeed,
including a textbook copy of Avionics: Fundamentals of
Aircraft Electronics. When it's time for the technicians to
take the AET written exam, the company pays the bill.
avionics news * september 2023 59
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