45351 Career Guide
45351: Avionics Systems Technician
Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Systems Technician (45351)
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Top civilian roles for 45351 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Avionics Technician
Aircraft Mechanic/Service Technician
Skills to develop:
Electronics Engineer
Skills to develop:
Field Service Technician (Aerospace)
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 45351 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
Avionics technicians create mental models of complex integrated systems to diagnose and repair malfunctions effectively. They understand how individual components interact within larger aircraft systems, allowing for efficient troubleshooting.
This skill translates into understanding and optimizing complex systems in various industries. You can quickly grasp how different elements work together, enabling you to identify bottlenecks and improve overall efficiency.
Procedural Compliance
Avionics maintenance demands strict adherence to technical orders, schematics, and safety protocols. Technicians must meticulously follow established procedures to ensure the integrity and reliability of aircraft systems.
Your commitment to procedural compliance ensures consistency, safety, and accuracy in any regulated environment. Civilian employers value this ability because it minimizes errors and maintains high standards.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Avionics technicians are adept at troubleshooting and repairing systems under pressure, often with limited resources or incomplete information. They must maintain functionality even when systems are compromised.
This ability to perform under duress translates directly to resilience and problem-solving in civilian roles. Your experience adapting to imperfect conditions makes you a valuable asset in crisis management and complex projects.
Situational Awareness
Avionics technicians maintain comprehensive awareness of aircraft system status, environmental factors, and operational requirements. This understanding allows for proactive maintenance and timely identification of potential issues.
Your high level of situational awareness enables you to anticipate problems, assess risks, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments. This skill is invaluable in leadership positions, project management, and safety-critical roles.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086You've been maintaining complex electronic and mechanical systems under demanding conditions; wind turbines are essentially giant, high-tech machines with similar maintenance needs, where you can leverage your diagnostic skills and understanding of technical schematics.
Robotics Technician
SOC 49-9092Your experience with avionics systems translates well to robotics, where you'll apply your troubleshooting skills to robotic systems. You've been diagnosing and repairing integrated systems, meaning you're already equipped to handle the intricacies of robotics maintenance.
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9021You've been maintaining complex systems using technical orders, schematics, and wiring diagrams. As a building automation technician, you'll troubleshoot integrated systems like HVAC, lighting, and security, using similar documentation to maintain efficiency and safety.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Avionics Systems Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Avionics Systems Theory
- •Digital and Analog Circuitry
- •Radar Systems Maintenance
- •Navigation Systems Maintenance
- •Communication Systems Maintenance
- •Electronic Warfare Systems Maintenance
- •Flight Control Systems
- •Aircraft Integrated Systems Troubleshooting
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of general electronics theory, troubleshooting methodologies outside of aviation, and hands-on experience with a wider range of electronic components and systems.
This role focuses heavily on avionics, which are electrical systems. Gaps include aircraft structures, engines, and FAA regulations. Additional OJT/experience on these systems is recommended.
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 (e.g., Garmin, Raymarine) |
| Inertial Navigation System (INS) | GPS-aided navigation systems (e.g., Honeywell, Northrop Grumman), robotics navigation |
| Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems | Cybersecurity and threat detection systems, RF jammers |
| Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) | Airborne ground surveillance radar (e.g., used in border patrol or disaster relief), geospatial intelligence platforms |
| AN/ARC-210 Radio | Military grade VHF/UHF radio communication systems (e.g., Motorola, Harris) |
| Central Air Data Computer (CADC) | Flight management systems (FMS) in commercial aircraft (e.g., Boeing, Airbus) |
| Automated Maintenance Systems | Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software (e.g., IBM Maximo, SAP Plant Maintenance) |
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