Expert: Marc Ebelini - 2/24/2008

Question
Sir,
Im Doing my Electronics and communication engg presently (3rd yr).Im very much interested in avionics study.I would like to know how many yrs course is AVIONICS after i complete my E&C engg.Could you please direct me to few good colleges in canada,U.S etc.And if i take up avionics after my degree in electronics , is it known as master science? or is yet yet another degree? Please spend few mins from your valuable time to give me some information on my questions.

Thank you.

Answer
www.erau.edu will take you to the Embry Riddle web site that can help you. While electronics is a big part of Avionics your value will be more enhanced if you couple it with a mechanics license. I hold a FCC commercial license as well as a FAA mechanic certificate. Servicing the electronics is bench work but the need to get the latest avionics installed also requires a skill. My company was noted for it's custom installation that required additional skills. While having diagnostic skills on the bench is important, installing the equipment properly in an aircraft is equally needed. Loved my work but would have found it boring if I had to sit a bench all day every day. When encoding altimeters were required I added an instrument shop to my facility so that I could troubleshoot them as well, making my company a one stop shop. While I don't want to discourage formal education, getting an apprentership at a large avionics shop will let you get an opportunity to obtain some hands on experience. This way you can find out if you enjoy working on the bench or on the airplanes themselves. Trouble shooting airplanes is just as difficult as doing on the bench. Installing allows you to be more creative because of the ergonomics involved.
Electronics has changed greatly since my days but there will always be the need for people with hands on skills. Good luck