Avionics Trade Sheet

Electrics, Electronics and IT Systems form the heart of our modern aircraft and Avionics Technicians are the key to making them work. You’ll get world class training, opportunities to serve at home and overseas, maintain leading edge technology and be part of an exciting and dynamic team. Avionics - Are you ready to Step Up?

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO APPLY

  • You must be 17 Years or Older on Date of Enlistment.
  • A minimum of NCEA Level 2 with at least 12 credits in English, Maths and a Science subject.
  • Hold New Zealand Citizenship and have lived in New Zealand for at least five years, or have New Zealand Permanent Residency and been a Citizen of Australia, Canada, the United States of America or the United Kingdom.
  • No colour perception irregularities.

YOUR ROLE
As an Avionics Technician you’ll maintain, modify, and troubleshoot aircraft electronic and electrical systems on overseas deployments and at home in New Zealand - you’ll do this as part of the RNZAF’s premiere technical trade. Your duties will range from day-to-day servicing of aircraft on the flight line to major overhaul of systems and components.

Are you ready to Step Up?

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
It’s your job to keep all the equipment on our aircraft in perfect working order for conducting military operations. You’ll work with some of the latest sophisticated technology - from flight systems and electronic components to state-of-the-art digital and computer-based systems. The RNZAF’s latest aircraft see individual aircraft sensors integrated into computer-based systems. You’ll be required to work on the following types of aircraft systems:

Communications

  • Radio and data communications equipment operating in the High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Satellite Communication bands.
  • On-board intercommunication equipment (copper and fibre-optic), aircraft cockpit voice recorders, and on-board public address systems.

Navigation

  • Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation Units supplying data to an integrated Navigation System.
  • Moving Map, Very High Frequency Omni Directional Radio Ranging (VOR), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).
  • Transponder and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) aircraft recognition systems.
  • Electronic Instrument Landing System (ILS) equipment.
  • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and Flight Management Systems (FMS)
  • Updating Mission Data for Navigation Systems.

Instruments

  • Gyroscopic and pitot-static aircraft displays.
  • Flight data recording systems.
  • Multi-function displays.
  • Electronic Flight Information Systems (EFIS), using fibre-optic connections and data bus transfer of information.
  • Electrical
  • Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) generation and power distribution for aircraft and ground-based systems.
  • Electromechanically controlled motors and actuators.
  • Electrical lighting, power storage and battery systems.

Electro-Optics

  • Night observation devices including Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and small arms weapon sights.
  • Thermal imaging equipment and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) systems for use in search and rescue and combat support operations.

Radar

  • Radar systems used in surveillance and target acquisition, altitude information, and weather.

Simulation Devices

  • Maintenance of full motion and fixed base Flight Simulators.
  • Repair of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf computer equipment.

Other

  • Classified Military Specific Electronic Systems

AVIONICS TECHNICIAN
As an Avionics Technician your time in the RNZAF will be mixed between Operational Squadron and Maintenance Bay Duties. As you get promoted there are greater and different opportunities for employment.

SQUADRON DUTIES
The flying squadron is the focus of aircraft operations where, as part of a team of ground crew, you’ll maintain aircraft in order to keep us flying – both in New Zealand and around the world. Squadron-based Avionics Technicians perform systems-based operational level maintenance (remove system boxes if unserviceable), detailed fault-finding of aircraft systems, and conduct operational checks to ensure system serviceability. The technology used in the aviation industry is ever changing, and as such you‘ll be required to operate a wide range of test equipment including computer applications software to assist with maintenance checks and rectifying faults.

MAINTENANCE BAY DUTIES
Where avionics equipment faults cannot be fixed on the squadron they are sent to a specialist maintenance bay for intermediate/deep level maintenance and repair. Within the bay maintenance area you will be required to dismantle the equipment, repair it, test it and return it to service to meet squadron demands. Bay repair involves fault-finding and testing to electronic circuit board and sometimes to the electrical and electronic component level. Maintenance Bay duties encompass all the systems identified above so you can be assured of a challenge.

MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING
After gaining considerable experience, you will be given greater responsibilities regarding management of aircraft maintenance and associated equipment. As a senior Avionics Technician you’ll be required to perform military command and leadership duties supervising a small team of personnel. You will be responsible for the personnel under your command, including conducting personnel appraisals, counselling, personal development planning and the maintenance of discipline. Avionics Technicians with substantial trade knowledge and experience may also be appointed as instructors who will train and assess trainee Avionics Mechanics and develop junior Avionics Technicians.

YOUR TRAINING

Recruit Course
Upon successful enlistment into 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

Aeronautical Engineering Course
After your Recruit Course, the first stage of your trade training starts with a full-time 17-week residential course covering
core aeronautical engineering knowledge and skills to enable
you to work safely around aircraft before progressing. Areas covered include:

  • Aircraft construction materials
  • Aeronautical sketching and mathematics
  • Trade related 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

PRIMARY TRADE TRAINING

Avionics Mechanics Course
You’ll then go on to take this full-time 34-week course to expand on your initial training and gain the skills you need to carry out aircraft ground handling and conduct operational level maintenance. The course covers both theoretical and practical studies including:

  • Electrical and electronic principles – Computer Fundamentals
  • Basic electronic circuit theory
  • Operating principles of RNZAF electrical, instrument, navigation radio and radar systems
  • High-reliability hand soldering to the level required for repairing modern miniaturised electronic equipment
  • Use of test equipment
  • Servicing an Aircraft

The course prepares you for employment as an Avionics Mechanic on a squadron flight line and further on the job training (OJT), and provides you with the base level knowledge required for advanced trade training.

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
After Avionics Mechanics Course, you will undergo hands-on employment to consolidate what you have learnt and apply your knowledge to real-life situations. These OJT experiences will take place at either RNZAF Base Auckland or RNZAF Base Ohakea – on Squadrons and in the bays.

ADVANCED TRADE TRAINING

Avionics Technicians Course
Your advanced trade training is a full-time 40-week residential course to build on your knowledge and give you a thorough understanding of:

  • Electronic theory and the operation and application of electronic devices
  • Telecommunications, radar and flight system principles
  • Fault finding
  • Construction and operation of digital microprocessors
  • Practical - location and rectification of system malfunctions through the use of advanced testing and measuring techniques

Avionics Training incorporates the latest in training aids – from real aircraft to simulation equipment. Avionics has applied its technological genius to both maintaining aircraft and enhancing the training environment.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Once you’ve been posted to a squadron as an Avionics Technician, you’ll receive full training on the systems particular to that squadrons aircraft. As you progress in your career, you will also be required to qualify on promotion and military skills courses.

LIFE IN THE AIR FORCE
If you thought life in the Air Force was all about starched uniforms and saluting, think again. And it’s not just about flying aircraft either. There are over 30 different careers in today’s Air Force, all with great benefits. You’ll get paid while you train, you’ll never be stuck doing the same thing day after day, and you’ll get the chance to travel. Accommodation is cheap plus medical and dental care is available on all bases.

Don’t get us wrong, a career in the Air Force takes dedication and commitment. But it’s not all work, work, work. You can play sport and have a great social life, and best of all, you get to make heaps of great mates along the way.

RETURN OF SERVICE
Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation as an Avionics Technician, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another 24 months in the Air Force.

QUALIFICATIONS
As you progress in your career and complete your training you’ll be eligible to apply for a National Certificate in Aircraft Servicing Level 2 (after about two years) and a National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Avionics) Level 4 (after approximately four years).

In addition, the Air Force has a voluntary education scheme whereby all personnel can complete tertiary study towards furthering their education for ongoing professional development and be reimbursed up to $1800 per year for the costs.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
The opportunity to fly even higher in the Air Force is always open. Once you’ve qualified as an Avionics Technician you can also gain promotion progressively to the rank of Warrant Officer and, if we think you have the right qualities, skills and qualifications, you may even be selected for officer training.

Stepping up to a career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force means you’ll be trained to the very highest standards, operate some of the most sophisticated technology in the world, and really go places.


CAREER OPTIONS
Whatever job you choose, you’ll come into the Air Force either as a Commissioned Officer or at the Non-Commissioned level. Your qualifications and your choice of career determine your starting point.


EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
If you’ve got your heart set on University, why not ask about the different sponsorship opportunities that are open to you?

YOU WILL RECEIVE:

  • Free professional training – the best there is
  • Leadership training and experience
  • Travel within New Zealand and overseas
  • Access to lots of sports activities and clubs
  • Friends you’ll want to keep for life
  • An organisation that is respected worldwide
  • Subsidised accommodation
  • Subsidised dental and medical treatment
  • Employer-subsidised superannuation scheme
  • Meals three times a day (if you live on base)
  • Maori cultural activities on each base
  • Subsidised holiday accommodation
  • The opportunity to serve your country