Expert: Marc Ebelini - 7/1/2006

Question
Hi
I am an Indian girl,doing my final year currently in ECE EnGG.
Can you tell me what exactly does avionics deal with?I just have a vague idea about it-but seem to be interested in it.I would like to do MS Avionics and Florida Institute of Tech 0ffers that degree,but I also have an eye towards Aviation Management(MBA) too.
Can you brief me the difference in these two degrees?
What do you suggest would be better to opt for ,keeping in view the ,kind of job,job opportunities,pay and timing?
Which universities would you suggest in UK,US and Auatralia to pursue these interests?
PL do answer my doubts to the best of your knowledge
ThankYou


Answer
Avionics is the application of electronics in aviation. It applies to the sales installation and servicing of the electronic equipment in aircraft. The sales and business end would probably the most rewarding financially. The Installation and service would be the tradesmen end and limited to what can be done relative to time. Remember you are limited in what you can do with your hands.
If you like to work with your hands, you go to a school that teaches avionic installation and servicing. Aircraft management is a different field entirely.
Aircraft sales and service, charter services, airline operations would be a few areas that would benefit from an MBA. Cannot recommend any schools at this time but once you decide what you would like to do then is the time to decide on a school.
I retied from the avionics business and specialized in King equipment now called King/Bendix. Loved it because it involved some flying (testing the installation), got to make sure in works correctly. Designing the installation was a challenge in addition to making the parts necessary. This required the skills in welding and machining and harness (wiring) making.
Testing the equipment on the bench to assure its calibration. Troubleshooting was the biggest challenge. Trying to determine why something is not working or not working correctly. This was all a labor of love because the cost of the test equipment was costly that cut deeply into your profit.
Hope this gave you some sort of picture and help you decide.