Ensure a smooth flight

Field in focus: avionics

Preetinder Kaur

When US-based Thought Focus Technologies quietly bought aircraft component software maker Rayon Technologies last year, it highlighted the growing opportunity for Indian startups to make a mark in the lucrative avionics sector.

Avionics stands for aviation electronics. Though avionics technicians are often grouped with aircraft mechanics and power plant mechanics, the word avionics refers specifically to the electrical components of an aircraft.

Avionics professionals maintain electrical systems in aircraft relating to aircraft navigation; radio communications; weather radar systems; and other instruments and computers that control flight, engine, and other primary functions.

Be it the design, development or production of avionics hardware and software, India is the most cost -effective and ideal resource ground. The availability of highly qualified aerospace engineers and IT professional makes India the best offshore R & D destination too.

Job profile

Working in the aerospace engineering subspecialty field of avionics, avionics engineers design and develop aircraft and spacecraft instrumentation. They also conduct research to address problems associated with flight safety systems, landing gear and electronic navigation systems.

Avionics engineers may assist in installing and servicing communications equipment. They ensure that newly installed systems and those that have been repaired meet requirements and specifications set by aircraft manufacturers. They participate in designing, purchasing, testing and calibrating systems such as computer and electronic communication panels.

Career-scape

A number of career avenues are open for BTech graduates after finishing their course in avionics branch of engineering. Graduates can seek jobs in public and private sector organisations in different profiles.

Avenues in public sector: Pioneer institutions like the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) offer employment opportunities for BTech graduates. Graduates can join as engineers and scientists. The Indian Institute of Technology also recruits avionics graduates for the post of Project Associate. A number of project fellowships are also offered by these institutions. Graduates can carry out research work with monthly stipends from these institutions.

Opportunities are also available in the Indian Navy and IAF. Candidates can get into these forces under the Short Service Commission (SSC) scheme and/or the University Entrance Scheme (UES). Graduates can seek entry in the Technical and Executive branches of the Indian Navy and IAF as SSC officers. Opportunities are also available in the Indian Army under the Technical Entry Scheme (TES).

Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL) also hires Avionics graduates for the position of Assistant controllers. The recruitment of eligible candidates is based on an interview and group discussion.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) offers employment for the position of Scientific Fellows (SF) in areas like airframe, avionics, flight testing, quality assurance etc.

Avenues in the private sector: Infotech Enterprises Limited is a private company that offers employment for those with BTech in Avionics as Assistant Design trainee, Assistant Design Engineer and Software Engineer Trainee.

Employment opportunities are also available in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Companies like Vista Info Systems, Bell helicopter, etc also recruit avionics graduates.

The job requires the candidates to handle areas related to hardware modeling, electrical system analysis, wire schematic generation, etc. Goodrich Aerospace Services Pvt Ltd, Nichepro, iQuest Consultants etc offer opportunities for graduates as software managers and developers.

Career avenues are open in the teaching field as well with institutions like the Hal Pravara Aviation Institute offering the post of instructors and lecturers to avionics graduates.

Skill set

Avionics engineers must have engineering, computer and technical knowledge. They must also be adept at understanding and solving problems and implementing ideas. Generally, avionics engineers work as members of a team. As such, they are required to have effective communication and interpersonal skills.