2A573 Career Guide
2A573: Avionics Systems Technician
Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Systems Technician (2A573)
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Top civilian roles for 2A573 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Avionics Technician
Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
Skills to develop:
Electrical Engineer
Skills to develop:
Field Service Technician (Aerospace)
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 2A573 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
You routinely analyze complex avionics systems, understand their interdependencies, and predict how changes or malfunctions in one area will affect the entire system.
This ability to understand and model complex systems translates directly to fields where you need to grasp how different components interact to achieve a desired outcome.
Rapid Prioritization
You're constantly assessing malfunctions, weighing their impact on mission readiness, and determining the order in which to address them, often under pressure.
The skill to quickly assess situations, prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, and make decisions under pressure is invaluable in fast-paced civilian environments.
Procedural Compliance
You adhere to strict technical orders, schematics, and maintenance procedures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of avionics systems. There is no room for error.
Your commitment to following established protocols and maintaining meticulous records is highly valued in regulated industries where compliance is paramount.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You are skilled at troubleshooting and maintaining functionality of complex avionic systems even when components are failing or systems are operating outside optimal parameters.
The ability to keep complex systems working and diagnose faults even when conditions are not ideal translates directly into high-pressure environments, where getting the job done matters more than perfection.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining operational logs, inspection records, aircraft forms, and automated maintenance systems requires broad awareness of the state of many systems and the consequences of actions.
Keeping track of the state of complex processes and anticipating the effects of changes are critical for keeping civilian industrial processes running smoothly and safely.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9052You've been working with complex electro-mechanical systems, troubleshooting malfunctions, and maintaining equipment in challenging environments. Your avionics experience gives you a head start in understanding the electrical and mechanical aspects of wind turbines. Plus, your safety training and meticulous approach are crucial for working at heights.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
SOC 49-9041You're a natural fit because you've honed your skills in diagnosing and repairing intricate systems. Your experience with avionics translates well to maintaining and troubleshooting industrial machinery. Your ability to read schematics and use diagnostic tools will make you a valuable asset.
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9012You've already got the knack for managing complex integrated systems! Your experience with avionics easily translates to diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining automated systems in buildings, like HVAC, lighting, and security.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Avionics Systems Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Basic Electronics Theory
- •Digital Logic Circuits
- •Avionics Systems Principles
- •Aircraft Communication Systems
- •Navigation Systems
- •Radar Systems
- •Electronic Warfare Systems
- •Troubleshooting and Maintenance Procedures
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of general electronics principles, troubleshooting techniques, and specific knowledge of the CET exam content. Focus on areas outside of specific avionics systems.
Requires studying FCC rules and regulations, as well as some radio theory not directly covered in avionics maintenance. Passing both Element 1 and Element 3 exams are needed to obtain the license.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| AN/APG-68 Radar | Weather and navigation radar systems used in commercial aviation |
| Inertial Navigation System (INS) | GPS-aided Inertial Navigation Systems (e.g., Honeywell, Northrop Grumman) used in aviation, marine, and autonomous vehicles |
| AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Warfare Pod | Radio Frequency (RF) jammers and countermeasures used in industrial and security applications |
| Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) | Airborne ground surveillance radar systems used in environmental monitoring and border security |
| AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening Targeting Pod | Advanced imaging and targeting systems used in infrastructure inspection and surveillance |
| Automated Maintenance Systems (e.g., IMDS) | Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) (e.g., SAP, Maximo) |
| Multiplexed Data Bus Systems (MIL-STD-1553) | ARINC 429 data bus used in commercial aviation and industrial control systems |
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