Avionics Technician

As an Aviation Electronics Mechanic/Technician you’ll be responsible for all aircraft electronic and electrical systems and components, including radars, radios, navigation equipment, flight instruments, infra red technology, Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and electrical generation. You’ll do this as part of a ground team who carry out all aspects of equipment installation, troubleshooting and maintenance in support of our aircraft operations. Your duties will range from day-to-day servicing of aircraft on the flight line to the major overhaul of systems and components to looking after the aircraft when it travels overseas.

As your career progresses, you’ll move on from being an Avionics Mechanic to being a fully qualified Avionics Technician. Later you will be given greater responsibilities in managing and maintaining aircraft and associated equipment. There is also the potential to move onto being a Senior Aviation Electronics Technician, where you’ll be required to perform military command and leadership duties supervising a small team of personnel. You may also be appointed as an instructor.

This is a practical role that’s challenging and varied. As you complete your training, you’ll be eligible to apply for a National Certificate in Aircraft Servicing Level 2 (after around two years) and a National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Avionics) after around four years.

Aeronautical Engineering Course

 

As a first step you will need to complete the full-time 17 week Aeronautical Engineering Course with NMIT.  This is undertaken privately and is a prerequisite to joining the RNZAF. 

Areas covered on the Aeronautical Course include:

• Aircraft construction materials
• Aeronautical drawing interpretation
• Sketching and mathematics
• Aeronautical workplace safety
• Quality management principles
• Aeronautical spare parts
• Hand and machine tool use
• Maintenance documentation and publication use
• Component removal and installation
• Aircraft systems and principles of flight

The cost of the NMIT course and accommodation, up to a maximum of $4655, will be reimbursed to you when you commence your RNZAF Aircraft Mechanic Training Course. 

 

Recruit Course

 

Upon successful completion of the Aeronautical Engineering course you will then join the Air Force. You’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim).

Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if
you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various
subjects including:

• Organisation and Administration
• RNZAF Customs and Protocol
• Drill and Parades
• Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
•  First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques
• Physical Fitness

Avionics Mech Course

 

You’ll go on to a full-time 30-week mechanics course first learning about electrical theory, trade practices and basic electrical system operation. Then apply your new knowledge in a practical environment, as you train on a variety of real aircraft. You’ll learn the skills to safely handle and work around aircraft that you’ll require for your avionics career. Upon completion you’ll be significantly on your way to having completed your NZQA accredited national certificate in aircraft servicing level 2.

 

On-the-Job Training

 

Once you’ve completed your mechanics course you’ll receive your first posting to one of the RNZAF’s operational squadrons at either RNZAF Auckland or RNZAF Ohakea based on your merits you may even be able to choose where you want to work. During this period of up to 18 months you will consolidate your training as you work in real-life situations getting the chance to take part in exercises conducted around New Zealand. Every day will be different and before you know it you’ll be returning to RNZAF Woodbourne to complete your Technicians training. 

 

RNZAF Avionics Technician Course

 

Your advanced trade training is a full-time 40-week residential course followed by further on-the-job training. After you have completed all required trade competencies you will have qualified as an Avionics Technician. You’ll then be posted to a specific squadron where you’ll receive full training on the systems for the aircraft type that squadron operates. As you progress in your career, you will also be required to qualify on promotion, safety and military skills courses.

You must be 17 years or older and have a minimum of 12 NCEA Level 2 credits in English, Mathematics and a Science subject. Colour perception restrictions apply.