Avionics technician schools and the FAA

Do you have to go to one of the avionics technician schools?

No FAA rule says so. The FAA’s FAQ says you need the knowledge and skill for the work, which it doesn’t assume just because you hold a mechanic certificate, and that this is why many employers set their own qualification rules for avionics work.

AC 65‑30B adds that a mechanic or repairman with an Airframe rating may maintain avionics equipment under that rating, but only if properly trained and qualified, with the right tools and equipment. It also describes technicians without FAA certificates in air carrier avionics departments and FAA-certificated avionics repair stations, with experience from the military, avionics manufacturers and other industries.

What an A&P doesn’t cover

Under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 65.81, a certificated mechanic may maintain and alter what they’re rated for, but not major repairs or major alterations of propellers, or any repair or alteration of instruments. Military avionics experience can count toward the Airframe rating: the Army’s 15N Avionics Mechanic, for example, is credited for Airframe in AC 65‑30B.